Hi Everyone! It's going to be a nice weekend so I thought I'd take some friends out to enjoy wildflowers. I'm new to the area... does anyone have any recommendations for hikes with wildflowers/beautiful scenery in the Portland/Hood River area? I noticed somewhere that Lacumus Park is recommended but I was hoping to do something a little less traveled. So it doesn't have to be a really popular and astoundingly beautiful hike. Just something interesting with some flowers
Thanks!!!
Portland Area Wildflower Hike - April/May
Re: Portland Area Wildflower Hike - April/May
You're going to have some difficulty in finding a great wildflower hike in April/May that is "a litle less traveled." It would be like finding an empty ski lift at Timberline in January. April/May is prime wildflower hiking and the good trailheads are at a premium. Leave Portland at 10 am and look for the busiest trailheads, that'll be where the flowers are the best.
In April: Catherine Creek, Lyle Cherry Orchard, Memaloose Hills, Deschutes River
In May, Tom McCall Point, Hood River Mountain, Bald Butte
In June, Dog Mountain (used to be May), Hamilton Mountain
Probably the most exclusive place for wildflowers is Sevenmile Hill. Oh, you want maps...that's why its exclusive (no trails).
On Memorial Day this year, maybe we should take a noon challenge: can the hikers stop in place and hold hands with the person next to them and create a human chain that extends from the parking lot to the summit? I think it's doable.
(no, I'm really not kidding, USFS gives up trying to find spots for people to park by noon)
Happy wildflowering, the balsamroot are starting, the shooting star should be in full bloom and the camas lilies shouldn't be far off.
In April: Catherine Creek, Lyle Cherry Orchard, Memaloose Hills, Deschutes River
In May, Tom McCall Point, Hood River Mountain, Bald Butte
In June, Dog Mountain (used to be May), Hamilton Mountain
Probably the most exclusive place for wildflowers is Sevenmile Hill. Oh, you want maps...that's why its exclusive (no trails).
On Memorial Day this year, maybe we should take a noon challenge: can the hikers stop in place and hold hands with the person next to them and create a human chain that extends from the parking lot to the summit? I think it's doable.
(no, I'm really not kidding, USFS gives up trying to find spots for people to park by noon)
Happy wildflowering, the balsamroot are starting, the shooting star should be in full bloom and the camas lilies shouldn't be far off.
- Eric Peterson
- Posts: 4097
- Joined: May 11th, 2009, 5:39 am
- Location: Oregon
- Contact:
Re: Portland Area Wildflower Hike - April/May
If you would like to combine a decent workout and seeing some wildflowers, you
could do Munra Pt. Also, there probably won't be huge crowds either. Avoid
the crowds by getting to any of the areas TH's as early as possible
could do Munra Pt. Also, there probably won't be huge crowds either. Avoid
the crowds by getting to any of the areas TH's as early as possible
- Grannyhiker
- Posts: 4598
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
- Location: Gateway to the Columbia Gorge
Re: Portland Area Wildflower Hike - April/May
The tradition is to drive I-84 between Cascade Locks and Hood River every week, watching for signs of gold (balsamroot) and purple (lupine) near the top of Dog Mountain. That's when to go! Even weekdays, it will be pretty crowded, but well worth it! Except for the last couple of years which have had unusually cold springs, mid-May has been the peak there. Of course you can keep track of the bloom through PH trip reports, which in these times of $4/gallon gas is probably more sensible.
I always used to go out to Tom McCall on Mother's Day, which usually was the peak of the bloom, but since I acquired my beloved dog Hysson, I'm no longer welcome there. I still stop by to peek over the fence and admire the bloom, though. Even the "island" in the parking lot is superb!
For a longer list of wildflower hikes than you probably want, check the Field Guide: http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org ... ower_Hikes
IMHO, the best way to avoid the worst of the crowds is to get to the trailhead before sunrise. You might even find a parking spot! It will also be better light for photography.
I always used to go out to Tom McCall on Mother's Day, which usually was the peak of the bloom, but since I acquired my beloved dog Hysson, I'm no longer welcome there. I still stop by to peek over the fence and admire the bloom, though. Even the "island" in the parking lot is superb!
For a longer list of wildflower hikes than you probably want, check the Field Guide: http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org ... ower_Hikes
IMHO, the best way to avoid the worst of the crowds is to get to the trailhead before sunrise. You might even find a parking spot! It will also be better light for photography.
Re: Portland Area Wildflower Hike - April/May
Two Quick Questions:
1. Anyone been up Dog Mtn who has a flower update? Last year with all the precip I waited too long and missed the peak of the bloom. This year I'm worried its going to come super early with the dryness we've been having!...and I don't want to miss it again.
2. I noticed Grannyhiker say she isn't welcome at Tom McCall with her dog! Is that a posted rule and for how long has it been that way?
Thanks
1. Anyone been up Dog Mtn who has a flower update? Last year with all the precip I waited too long and missed the peak of the bloom. This year I'm worried its going to come super early with the dryness we've been having!...and I don't want to miss it again.
2. I noticed Grannyhiker say she isn't welcome at Tom McCall with her dog! Is that a posted rule and for how long has it been that way?
Thanks
Re: Portland Area Wildflower Hike - April/May
I just went to Tom McCall over the weekend, a few sunflowers in bloom
But that's about it. No dogs are allowed, not sure how long that has been in place but there were plenty of people who brought dogs there, saw the sign, got bummed out and turned around.
But that's about it. No dogs are allowed, not sure how long that has been in place but there were plenty of people who brought dogs there, saw the sign, got bummed out and turned around.
- Grannyhiker
- Posts: 4598
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
- Location: Gateway to the Columbia Gorge
Re: Portland Area Wildflower Hike - April/May
The Nature Conservancy, which owns Tom McCall, has always prohibited dogs. The same is true at Cascade Head over on the coast.
Keep checking the trip reports on Dog Mountain. I'm watching them, too!
Keep checking the trip reports on Dog Mountain. I'm watching them, too!
Re: Portland Area Wildflower Hike - April/May
Dog Mountain on April 14th
On summit: Columbia kittentails and spring beauty
The balsamroot are a long, long way off. Even down low, the balsamroot had not sprouted yellow fingers. You still have to go through the penny rock cress and buttercup in the upper meadows before the balsamroot start.
On summit: Columbia kittentails and spring beauty
The balsamroot are a long, long way off. Even down low, the balsamroot had not sprouted yellow fingers. You still have to go through the penny rock cress and buttercup in the upper meadows before the balsamroot start.
Re: Portland Area Wildflower Hike - April/May
I'm hoping for advise too.... 2 women with bad backs and lots of photography equipment to pack in search of wildflowers and Gorge viewpoint need fairly moderate trek for Friday morning.... is sevenmile hill to steep, can anyone offer a easy to follow map or alternate substitute please or are we too early this year yet....
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!