Mill Creek Ridge Natural Area is known for its spring wildflowers and great views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. Follow the trail along an open, exposed ridge with grasses, wildflowers, and patches of oak forest.
Recreational Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, wildflowers
Access: Open access but limited parking, day use only
Dogs: Allowed on leash only
Amenities: Small parking lot and an unmaintained trail
Trails: About 5.5 miles of out-and-back trail on uneven packed dirt. Trail is not maintained. This hike starts out with a steep uphill climb (about 1000 feet elevation gain) to get up to the ridge. Once on the ridge the trail is flatter with a few short ups and downs. Download the Mill Creek Ridge trail map.
Acreage: 416 acres
County: Wasco County
Nearest Town: The Dalles, OR
Directions: Located southwest of The Dalles off Cherry Heights Road, 5.9 miles south of the intersection of Cherry Heights Rd. and West 6th St. The entrance is a narrow, dirt driveway marked by white fiberglass posts along the road. View on Google Maps. The parking lot is small, sloped, dirt/gravel, and can fit 5-6 vehicles. The parking lot may be closed in winter and early spring to avoid ruts in wet ground, and in fire season to keep vehicles off dry vegetation. When closed to vehicles, it is still permissible to walk in.
Tips for Visiting: This is a hiking trail only; bikes and horses are not allowed. There are no restrooms, and the parking area is small. If the parking area is full, please go elsewhere and return another day. There are a few patches of oak trees, but most of the trail is in the open with full sun exposure. It can also be quite windy. Stay on trail to avoid poison oak and ticks. Please keep dogs on leash and on trail to protect ground-nesting birds, other wildlife, and sensitive habitat. You may encounter staff, contractors, or partners working on the land. Please leave equipment and survey markers alone.
Year Conserved: Multiple parcels acquired 2010-2016
About: The Mill Creek Ridge Natural Area creates a 2.3-mile long protected corridor of habitat along a ridge. Habitat types are Oregon white oak-Ponderosa pine woodlands and perennial grasslands (prairie). Support came from a variety of private foundations, private loans and donations, and grants from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) and American Bird Conservancy.
Learn more about the importance of oak habitats and how you can help care for them with East Cascades Oak Partnership (ECOP), an oak conservation collaborative stewarded by Columbia Land Trust.
Project Partners: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, American Bird Conservancy