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Having had record snows for this time of year in the mountains and a good dusting down to the Willamette Valley floor, finally, a few dry days emerged and we escaped into the gorge for a hike.
Sometimes, like this one, the effect of visiting the eastern part of the gorge is like traveling to another country for the day. Brilliant blue skies, clear flute tones of resident Meadow Larks and warm sunlight caressing the new growth of wildflowers, literally transports ones senses into a state of nirvana. Yo-ho! As a bonus, this day, the low snow levels created amazing spectacles of the mountain flanks and gorge cliffs. Snow caps were virtually everywhere and, of course, the gorge/river views with Mt. Hood anchoring the horizon were totally mind-warping.
Although we "descended" on the face of Coyote Wall last year, this was our first "ascent" on this zig-zagging trail of splendor which sometimes follows a gorgeous little stream cascading down the hill with unexpected mini-waterfalls. What a thrill! Yellow desert parsley prevailed on the lower slopes with a few plants of the endemic, plum-colored Columbia desert parsley. This lower set of switchbacks traverses through amazing natural rock gardens anchored by gnarled oak trees and tinted with the multi-hues of wildflowers.
We've always said that our hikes come with the world's best lunch views, second to none, and this is one of the best, combining all the gorge elements into one setting. Weekends find this a popular hike, but during week days we've encountered no one, having the entire mountain to ourselves - a special treat.
Last year, we did the loop hike around the western side up to the bluff and down the face, getting off on a cliff-side turkey trail that scared the wits out of us and encouraged vulture fly-bys (See blog archives for last year). Memory still served us this year, enabling us to enjoy a relaxed and safer course.
Our hike today was estimated to be somewhat less than 8 miles, with 1700-1900' elevation gain, and can be found in many of the area hike books on sale at REI and local bookstores. Generally, the location is on Highway 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia River, across and north from Hood River with parking at Courtney Road.
Best days are those which are not too hot since the entire hike is exposed to weather.
Sometimes, like this one, the effect of visiting the eastern part of the gorge is like traveling to another country for the day. Brilliant blue skies, clear flute tones of resident Meadow Larks and warm sunlight caressing the new growth of wildflowers, literally transports ones senses into a state of nirvana. Yo-ho! As a bonus, this day, the low snow levels created amazing spectacles of the mountain flanks and gorge cliffs. Snow caps were virtually everywhere and, of course, the gorge/river views with Mt. Hood anchoring the horizon were totally mind-warping.
Although we "descended" on the face of Coyote Wall last year, this was our first "ascent" on this zig-zagging trail of splendor which sometimes follows a gorgeous little stream cascading down the hill with unexpected mini-waterfalls. What a thrill! Yellow desert parsley prevailed on the lower slopes with a few plants of the endemic, plum-colored Columbia desert parsley. This lower set of switchbacks traverses through amazing natural rock gardens anchored by gnarled oak trees and tinted with the multi-hues of wildflowers.
We've always said that our hikes come with the world's best lunch views, second to none, and this is one of the best, combining all the gorge elements into one setting. Weekends find this a popular hike, but during week days we've encountered no one, having the entire mountain to ourselves - a special treat.
Last year, we did the loop hike around the western side up to the bluff and down the face, getting off on a cliff-side turkey trail that scared the wits out of us and encouraged vulture fly-bys (See blog archives for last year). Memory still served us this year, enabling us to enjoy a relaxed and safer course.
Our hike today was estimated to be somewhat less than 8 miles, with 1700-1900' elevation gain, and can be found in many of the area hike books on sale at REI and local bookstores. Generally, the location is on Highway 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia River, across and north from Hood River with parking at Courtney Road.
Best days are those which are not too hot since the entire hike is exposed to weather.
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