WildFlower Hikes

Catherine Creek

Dates: Accepting reservations for Spring '09, call 877-290-TOUR (8687) for availability. What to See: One of the prime locations for wildflower viewing on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. The area's basalt cliffs, oak woodlands, and sweeping meadows offer an amazing variety of flowers. What to Do: We walk a 3 ½ mile loop trail which gains about 350 feet in elevation. This popular hike is rated moderate and offers sweeping vistas, a natural arch rock formation, and a wide array of beautiful blooms. How to Prepare and Be Aware: This location can be windy, and beware of poison oak, rattlesnakes (rare), and ticks. Socks and long pants are recommended. Just bring a windbreaker, walking shoes, your camera and a smile ... leave your worries behind as we experience the natural beauty and explore the treasures of The Gorge!

Photo Provided by Dennis Stilwell of NWHiker.com

Tom McCall Point and Rowena Crest Overlook

Dates: Accepting reservations for Spring '09, call 877-290-TOUR (8687) for availability. What to See: This magnificent preserve is one of the premier wildflower viewing locations in the Columbia River Gorge.  A vast variety of beautiful flowers offer a wide array of blooms through April, May, and June. The preserve is jointly owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, Mayer State Park the National Forest Service. Volunteer naturalists (arranged by The Nature Conservancy) are likely to be on site and available to answer questions. What to Do: A 3¼ mile round trip hike which gains 1,000 feet in elevation. This trail (rated moderate) starts fairly level and climbs steeper and steeper as you approach Tom McCall Point. This trail can be slippery when wet, but those who endure will be rewarded with sweeping views of The Gorge and surrounding Cascade summits. How to Prepare and Be Aware: This location can be windy, and beware of poison oak, rattlesnakes (rare), and tics. Socks and long pants are recommended. Just bring a windbreaker, walking shoes, your camera and a smile ... leave your worries behind as we experience the natural beauty and explore the treasures of The Gorge!

Photo Provided by Dennis Stilwell of NWHiker.com

Columbia Hills / Horsethief Lake State Park

Dates: Accepting reservations for Spring '09, call 877-290-TOUR (8687) for availability What to See: Wildflowers and history come alive on this tour. This Washington State Park contains some of the oldest Native American pictographs (paintings) and petroglyphs (carvings) in all of the Northwest. What to Do: Horsethief Butte is a 1½ mile round trip hike with only 120 feet of elevation gain (rated easy). It offers a nice variety of blooms and a chance to view rock climbers on the walls of the Butte. How to Prepare and Be Aware: This location can be windy, and beware of poison oak, rattlesnakes (rare), and ticks. Socks and long pants are recommended. Just bring a windbreaker, walking shoes, your camera and a smile ... leave your worries behind as we experience the natural beauty and explore the treasures of The Gorge!

Photo Provided by Dennis Stilwell of NWHiker.com