Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Round Mountain Preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy and located in southern Washington State near the towns of White Salmon and Bingen. The preserve protects approximately 1,488 acres surrounding Round Mountain, a prominent extinct volcano that rises to about 3,692 feet in elevation. The terrain is rugged and volcanic, with extensive basalt rock formations characteristic of the Columbia River Gorge region. The preserve protects a range of habitats including dry ponderosa pine forests, oak woodlands, and shrub-steppe ecosystems, providing important refuge for native wildlife such as black-tailed deer, mountain lions, and several bird species including golden eagles and peregrine falcons.
Visitors are drawn to Round Mountain Preserve for its challenging hiking trails, panoramic summit views, and opportunities for quiet nature observation away from more crowded areas in the Columbia River Gorge. The Round Mountain Loop Trail is a well-known route that crosses lava flows, forested ridges, and offers expansive views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood on clear days. The preserve also serves as a significant conservation area protecting native flora and fauna, including several rare plant species adapted to the volcanic soils and climate. Its location near the Columbia Gorge allows for pleasant outdoor recreation mixed with geological interest and ecological diversity.
