Taylor Lake via Riverfront Trail

Following the Riverfront Trail to Taylor Lake is an easy ramble over a paved path perched along the edge of the Columbia River.

Great in terms of accessibility, the Riverfront Trail begins at the Columbia Gorge Discover Center, following a paved, gradually sloped path that traces the riverside waterfront across The Dalles. Taylor Lake sits just over a mile from the trailhead, taking walkers and bicyclists on a path that weaves through trees and past the Taylor Spring wetlands, with several interpretive signs and wooden benches along the route. 

Taylor Lake makes an almost anticlamactic turnaround point. While the water is peaceful, and locals like to fish from the lake's edge, The Dalles' industrial buildings and the interstate are both within eye- and earshot. While rolling hills and grassy buttes line the landscape and small picturesque islands sit in the Columbia a short swim from the river shores, electrical towers and power lines rise from these landscapes, marring the surroundings a bit.

The Discovery Center has exhibits, bathrooms and water, along with a couple other short interpretive trails that can be tacked onto the Taylor Lake walk, making it well worth a visit when in the area.