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Came here to hike the lost corral trail in the JS Burres area, here there are vaulted toilets that are kept really clean, huge parking area with enough turning radius for trailers and boats, a boat ramp. Says there is a picnic area, but it looks more like a swimming area, there are no picnic tables. Beautiful hiking and a must stop. I hiked 11.2 miles on this trail.
I also visited the state park after hiking as it is across the river from lost corral trailhead. There is lots to see and do in this state park. Lots of trails. They have fishing poles and bikes you can use free of charge. A horseshoes pit with horseshoes on hand. 4 cabin rentals ($48/night) two of which (rattle snake and bighorn) allow dogs $58/night, with one vehicle included and private spaces and a $7 charge for additional vehicles. The cabins were just built last summer, looks like they have a/c and heat, two sets of bunk beds and a queen bed, a sitting area and a desk.They also have primitive camping with vaulted toilets close to the campground. There are heated bathrooms with flushing toilets close to day use parking area. The showers are free for people camping and charge $2 with hot and cold water for day trippers. Check out the information center on your arrival it's open from dawn to dusk. When I visited I met ranger Randall and he gave me a really cool behind the scenes look of the park. Ranger randall was super friendly and knowledgeable. There is smoking allowed in campsites and cars but no where else. Day use is free. In the summers it can get really full here. There is a hiker/biker camp as well that I believe is free. As well as a group camping area, all near the primitive campground. There is potable water here. No electric or water hookups. I visited on 12/10/18 and only saw a couple of cars in the park area at any given time of the day. On the lost corral trail I saw 2 other fishermen. There was a light dusting of snow on the trails and the roads to the park are kept in great condition, I was following a snow plow dumping de-icer on the roads. Just getting off the 84 there is some road work with a stop sign that drops the road to one lane. Lots of history and cool things to see at this park.
12/17/18 Pinnacles trail. 10.8 miles
Saw a family of raccoons, over 5 on the side of the road right before the downgrade on the 206 east, pretty cool. Right as I entered the campground I saw a deer crossing the road. Hiked the Pinnacles trail this am 12/17/18. Started at 7am, 39 degrees out I believe. Easy trail, not alot of elevation and ends at a gate that is closed and chained shut with barbed wire fencing on both sides. Didn't see a soul on the trail, but as I was making my way back I heard a gunshot. Heard some coyotes or dogs howling on the way back as well. Finished the trail at 12pm. Drove up the 84 east from Vancouver and pouring down rain with blinding splashes from semis and white out fog near hood river, the dalles and again when I got off the 84.
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