Welcome to the Lyle Trailhead, a gateway into the scenic beauty and rich history of the Columbia Hills State Park. Situated near Lyle, Washington, this trailhead offers not just a beginning to a physical journey but also a passage through time. The area around Lyle Trailhead has a profound historical significance, stretching back thousands of years to when Native American tribes thrived along the Columbia River Gorge. This land served as home and hunting grounds for indigenous peoples who left behind a wealth of pictographs and petroglyphs, including the renowned ‘Tsagaglalal’ or ‘She Who Watches.’ These ancient rock carvings provide a glimpse into the spiritual and daily lives of the tribes that once roamed these lands.
In the early 19th century, the area became a pivotal point for explorers Lewis and Clark during their expedition to the Pacific Coast. The explorers documented the land and its native inhabitants, marking an important chapter in the American narrative of westward expansion. As you tread the trails, imagine the footsteps of these explorers and the encounters they may have had with the indigenous tribes.
By the early 20th century, the region had transitioned from ancient hunting grounds to a key area for settlement and industry. The construction of The Dalles Dam in the 1950s significantly altered the landscape, creating Horsethief Lake. This transformation not only affected the geography but also the socio-economic fabric of the area, impacting both natural habitats and human communities.
Today, the Lyle Trailhead serves as a launch point for exploration into the surrounding natural beauty and historical richness of the Columbia Hills. It’s a place where hikers, historians, and nature enthusiasts can connect with the legacy of the land and its people, making it a living museum of natural and cultural history.
