Oregon Outside: Gorge wildflowers nearing peak bloom
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
One of those things a picture just can't quite do justice to. Photo: Kale Williams/Axios
The time to seek out one of nature's most beautiful displays is here — spring wildflower season is at or near peak bloom in many parts of the Columbia River Gorge.
Why it matters: This ephemeral explosion of color doesn't last long.
Zoom in: I ventured about 90 minutes out to the McCall Point Trail, on the east end of the Gorge, to see the wildflowers for myself.
- Yellow blooms of balsamroot popped up along the side of the road before I even got to the trailhead at the popular Rowena Crest overlook, and by the time I took the first steps it was already clear that I was in for a show.
- The meadows and hillsides were absolutely carpeted in color — yellow balsamroot, purple broad-leaf lupine and the piercing red of Indian paintbrush.
- The trail winds through small copses of scraggly pines — with each switchback offering better views of the Columbia below — before climbing to the point itself, where views of Mt. Hood, the Gorge and Mt. Adams unfold.
The roughly 3.5-mile trek climbs about 1,000 feet and took me about an hour and 45 minutes. Worth every step.
Yes, but: Be prepared for gusty winds and keep your eye out for ticks, rattlesnakes and poison oak.
- Also please stick to the trails and leave no trace. I was saddened to see several people trampling through the flowers for selfies. Be better than them!
Zoom out: McCall Point is just one of many trails that offer spring blooms in the Gorge.
- Dog Mountain, on the Washington side of the river, is one of the most popular — and most strenuous — at 6 miles with more than 2,800 feet of elevation gain.
- Those looking for an easier jaunt can try out the Memaloose Hills Trail or the Mosier Plateau Trail, both of which clock in at less than 3 miles.
- If you want to be sure you're going to get your money's worth, check out this handy bloom tracker, which tells you when and where the best blooms are blossoming.
Have you been out to see the wildflowers this year? Send us your pics and tell us where your favorite spot is by clicking here.