BLOG

5 Wildflower Hikes In The Columbia River Gorge
Mt Hood in the distance across a field of balsamroot

By Mary Pellegrini

For spectacular Wildflower hikes we invite you to take a little drive east out of Hood River toward The Dalles where you can pick up a light lunch before crossing the Columbia into Washington. The wildflowers are popping in the Columbia River Gorge and there are always abundant geocaches to be found and hikes to take. Cross back over into Oregon via the Hood River Bridge. We’d love to share this nice loop adventure and others with you, our guests.

Wildflowers are popping up across the landscape in Columbia River Gorge. Spring wildflower bloom in the Gorge is a stunning display you don’t want to miss. Plan your wildflower hike soon.

Memaloose Hills:

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

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.

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.

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. Starting in spring, volunteers lead interpretive hikes.

Sevenmile Hill Trail

Sevenmile Hill Trail is a 2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate.

You’ll have stunning Columbia River Gorge Views on these trails, through open grasslands, vernal ponds and oak woodlands. Bring your camera.

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.

Reserve your Stay Now

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.

Book your stay at the Old Parkdale Inn and take advantage of our partnerships for adventure discounts
Wet Planet Whitewater Adventures – ask us for a discount code: $10 each person on your raft adventure
Cascade Canyon Guide – request code for 10% off trips
Heart of the Gorge Sailing - request link for 10% select sails
Offers for our registered guests only and our guests must redeem during stay.

Our Location

Sign Up Today

Be the first to learn about our seasonal promotions and special deals via our newsletter.

Trip Advisor

We strive to provide an exceptional level of service for every guest, and are proud to have a 5 star rating on tripadvisor.

5 Wildflower Hikes In The Columbia River Gorge, Old Parkdale Inn

©2020 Odysys, Inc. All rights reserved.

4932 Baseline Dr, 

Mount Hood Parkdale, 

OR 97041, United States  

(541) 352-5551  parkdale@hoodriverlodging.com