The wildflower bloom in the eastern Columbia River Gorge was pretty delayed this year thanks to many weeks of cool wet weather. But once the flowers started blooming they looked pretty great.
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Memaloose Hills
We got here bright and early at 7am and there were already 10 cars at the trailhead. We hiked up both Chatfield Hill and Marsh Hill before heading back to the car. We encountered large crowds heading in as we headed out.
Lyle Cherry Orchard
After Memaloose Hills we drove over to the Washington side and did the Lyle Cherry Orchard Hike. It was a little less crowded here, especially since there’s more room to spread out.
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Sevenmile Hill
We visited Sevenmile Hill first thing Sunday morning under dark gray skies. We got rained on during the last third of the hike, but the flowers were worth it!
Mill Creek Ridge
By the time we got to Mill Creek Ridge in the afternoon the weather had totally shifted, with plenty of blue skies and sunshine. The flowers here were the best we’ve ever seen at this spot.
Sunday, May 14
Stacker Butte
The next weekend we visited Stacker Butte in Columbia Hills State Park. By now we had jumped straight into hot summer weather so we started early to beat the heat.
