Wildflowers are beginning to pop up across the landscape in the Hood River Valley and the Columbia River Gorge. Spring wildflower hikes are a Gorge specialty you won’t want to miss, so plan your wildflower weekend now. Pack your hiking boots and your camera. As spring turns into summer, then fall, the upper elevation wildflowers take over the show.
Mosier Plateau:
This trail begins in the town of Mosier, follows Mosier Creek up the hill, through a pioneer cemetery, onto the Mosier Plateau. This trail is part of Gorge Towns to Trails project, a comprehensive trail system that wraps around the Columbia Gorge, linking communities with recreation. The trail was completed in the summer 2013 with numerous partners and volunteers. Enjoy!
Catherine Creek Area
Parking is on the north side of WA14 where you can pick up trails for longer hikes and more great wildflower and bird viewing. Catherine Creek Trail #4400 is a one mile paved trail with great views of the Columbia River on the south side of WA14. Catherine Creek Arch (1.9m) and Catherine Creek Labyrinth (5.5 miles) trails can be picked up here.
Memaloose Hills is a 2.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located in the Columbia River Gorge that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The hike takes you through a moderate oak forest with occasional evergreens. Featured photo is from the high point on the trail, Chatfield Hill
Rowena Plateau Loop
This easy stroll provides stunning views up and down the Gorge. In late spring, the balsam root and other wildflowers are abundant. You can’t talk about the Rowena Plateau without talking about the Tom McCall Nature Preserve. The Nature Conservancy has worked to preserve the fauna and flora here and this area is only open from May 1 – October 31.
A hike to the top of Bald Butte is a great choice for an early season hike in the Upper Hood River Valley! The Oak Ridge trailhead is a little less than 3 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn. A wonderful display of Mt Hood National Forest wildflowers, Lupine, Balsam Root, Indian Paintbrush, to name a few, covers the hillside from mid-April through June.
2 mile loop trail located near The Dalles, about 30 miles from us, features beautiful wild flowers. You’ll have stunning Columbia River Gorge Views on these trails, through open grasslands, vernal ponds and oak woodlands.
Thank you for trusting us to be your home away from home. We’ve posted our Hospitality and Health Policy on our website. Purchase a gift certificate for yourself or someone you know would enjoy time at the Old Parkdale Inn.
We invite you to read online reviews for the Old Parkdale Inn. And then we encourage you to go directly to our website and Book Direct: for all the right reasons.
We’re your home base for exploring and enjoying the Hood River Valley and beyond. After a full day, you’ll love the peace and tranquility of the Old Parkdale Inn. Relax in the gardens, perhaps with your favorite beverage, by the bonfire, roast some s’mores, weather permitting of course.
What’s to do
The Hood River Fruit Loop is located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood offering you a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Many outdoor adventures, such as kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snow boarding, and hiking, await. Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, and Timberline Ski areas are only a short drive away, as is the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood National Forest where trails and wildlife abound.
