Size: 105 acres
Location: Klickitat County, WA
Acquired: 2023

Heartleaf Bluffs is one of Friends’ most beautiful preserves, spanning 105 acres in the Eastern Gorge. Located just above the Balfour-Klickitat Day Use Area and across the river from the Tom McCall Preserve, the property features expansive oak woodlands, vernal ponds, vibrant wildflowers, and sweeping views of the Columbia Gorge—making it a true gem of the region.

Friends’ acquisition of the property saved it from being developed for two multi-million-dollar homesites. As a newly acquired preserve, Friends is still conducting thorough habitat assessments. However, initial observations reveal extensive oak woodlands, springtime vernal ponds that burst with life, and meadows filled with wildflowers. The preserve is named after heartleaf buckwheat, a plant that flourishes throughout the property. While a full wildlife survey is pending, staff have already noted the presence of fairy shrimp in the vernal ponds, along with black-tailed deer, coyotes, ground squirrels, and rattlesnakes.

Heartleaf Bluffs is Friends’ most significant land acquisition to date, purchased for $2.5 million—making it the largest investment in the organization’s 19-year history. We are now in the process of developing a comprehensive management plan for the property, with plans to create volunteer opportunities for individuals to help preserve and protect this remarkable landscape. To learn more about the Heartleaf Bluffs acquisition, click or tap the story link, photo gallery, and video below.