Mill Creek Ridge Natural Area
Description
Columbia Land Trust’s Mill Creek Ridge Natural Area extends for 2.3 miles along a ridge that separates the valleys of Mill Creek and Brown’s Creek. The steep grassy meadows, which put on colorful wildflower displays in the spring, are interspersed with patches of Oregon white oak woodland. This special place offers diverse flora, wildlife habitat, strong winds coming off the Columbia River, and spectacular views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.
- Because of its sensitive ecological nature, please note that the following are prohibited at Mill Creek Ridge: motorized vehicles, horses, bikes, camping, hunting, shooting, and collecting rocks, flowers, plants, or other natural materials.
- Please keep groups smaller than 8 people.
- Dogs are allowed but leash use is strictly required April 15 – July 15 to protect ground-nesting birds, and preferred all year.
- There are no restroom facilities or water available at Mill Creek Ridge.
Directions
Mill Creek Ridge Natural Area is located in The Dalles, Oregon. The entrance is on Cherry Heights Rd., 5.9 miles south of the intersection of Cherry Heights Rd. and West 6th St. (Click here to open in Google maps). The entrance is a narrow driveway, marked by white fiberglass posts along the road. It leads to a small parking area that only accommodates five to six vehicles, so please have a backup plan for your visit in case the parking area is full when you arrive. The driveway and parking area usually are closed in winter through early spring to avoid ruts in soft, wet ground, and in fire season to keep vehicles off dry vegetation. When the driveway is closed, it is still permissible to walk in to the Land Trust property.
You can download a site map and visitor guidelines at the following link: Mill Creek Ridge Visitor Guidelines and Map.