March brings the southward movement of many migratory land birds. The Oregon Cascades Birding Trail, (OCBT) is a self-guided tour highlighting nearly 200 prime birding destinations designed to showcase Oregon’s birds and spectacular scenery. This blog will focus on the Mt Hood Loop of the Oregon Cascade Birding Trail. Let’s get settled first before we begin our birding adventure. The Old Parkdale Inn is near many an OCBT trailheads where you can begin your day with a northwest culinary breakfast and the knowledge our innkeepers have to share.
The Mt. Hood Loop of the OCBT rises from the Columbia River to Mt. Hood, the highest point in Oregon, and combines some of the best of the region’s birding with legendary Oregon scenery. This loop traverses the Columbia River National Scenic Area and the Mt. Hood National Forest and visits 19 birding sites.
Lewis and Clark traveled the Columbia Gorge corridor. The Lewis’ Woodpecker, Clark’s Nutcracker and Clark’s Grebe were named in their honor. Many species of waterfowl and raptors including the Bald Eagle inhabit the river and further up the mountain you’ll observe woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and so many more.
When asked, as innkeeper of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, for a good birding hike, I suggest the Tamanawas Falls trail. The falls are amazing at 100 feet high and 40 feet wide. The trailhead footbridge is the midpoint of a 8-mile stretch of the East Fork of the Hood River hosting nesting Harlequin Ducks. A riparian habitat and mature mixed-conifer forest surrounds the trail to the falls. American Dipper and Belted Kingfisher are common along the river. Songbirds such as Yellow-rumped and Townsend’s Warbler, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet migrate through river corridor.
Bring out the hiking boots and binoculars, pack your bags and begin your Oregon Birdwatching adventure. We at the Old Parkdale Inn are here to accommodate you.
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.
Book your stay at the Old Parkdale Inn and take advantage of our partnership with Wet Planet Whitewater Adventures – A 10% discount will be applied at checkout when you use the code we provide to book online.
