National Wildflower Week is the first week of May but we're celebrating wildflowers now in the Columbia River Gorge. Wildflowers and waterfalls in the gorge with an annual visit to some of our favorite hikes that boast wildflower views. Throughout early May, stop by some of these beautiful vistas and take advantage of the seasonal displays.
Wahclella Falls Trail, 1.9 mi, 223 ft elevation gain, Out & back
Rowena Plateau Trail, 2.0 mi, 278 ft elevation gain, Loop
Tom McCall Point Trail, 4.8 mi, 1,309 ft elevation gain, Out & Back
Mosier Plateau: 2.7 mi, 728 ft elevation gain, Out & back
The Mosier Plateau 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 will, when complete, wrap around the Columbia Gorge, linking communities with recreation.
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.
Check out Oregon Wildflowers website for detailed list of the best wildflower locations in the gorge and then enjoy an evening or two at the Old Parkdale Inn.
Hood River Valley – not just a spring garden but an entire spring valley in bloom. The peach, cherry, apple and pear trees in the Hood River valley explode in a harmony of vibrant pink and white flowers around the middle of April. Starting at lower elevations near the town of Hood River they move in a cascading ripple up the Hood River Valley, creating a patchwork of color. The Old Parkdale Inn in the Upper Hood River Valley reports ‘we’ll be in full blossom towards the end of April, first week of May.’
Head to The Mountain
For spectacular summer Wildflower Bloom and waterfalls start at the Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort parking lot, take the service road up to Upper Heather Canyon Falls then hike the Timberline Trail past Pencil Falls and back down to the lodge. The wildflowers were amazing. The views were stunning. Take a bit off your mileage with a ride on the Stadium chair lift for trail access.
You can extend your hike with the Umbrella Falls and Sahalie Falls, a 3.4 mile moderately trafficked trail located near Mount Hood Parkdale, Oregon that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, wildflowers, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until September.
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.
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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.