Widely known for the innumerable waterfalls that cascade from basalt cliffs year round, there’s another sensational natural attraction in Hood River found only in the spring. Visitors in April and May will find blooms of yellow Balsamroot, red Indian Paintbrush, and purple Lupine in breathtaking abundance. Spring wildflower hiking is easily one of the Pacific Northwest’s greatest seasonal highlights, where flower seekers will find more than 800 species of flowers in the Columbia River Gorge alone.
Follow along below for a few of our favorites.
- Recreation
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View the Blossoms
While not a traditional wildflower hike, there is nothing that says “Hood River” more than fruit orchards in full bloom. Each spring the orchards that line Hwy 35 and blanket the valley spring to life with white and pink blossoms. From apple and pear to cherry and peach, the valley makes quite a spectacle each April. Make a stop at Panorama Point for a south facing view of the valley in full bloom. This viewpoint is wheelchair accessible and perfect for viewing the blossoms.
Things to know before hiking in the Columbia Gorge:
- Check the trail site for permit requirements
- Please love Hood River so it can keep loving you back- pack out trash, dog waste, and other materials brought along
- Know the land, please check trail sites and stay on the path, much of the land is private and allows limited or no public use/access
- Always wear proper shoes and pants, and be prepared for changing weather conditions
- Be alert. While wildlife encounters are rare along popular trails, there’s always a chance of encountering ticks and, on occasion, rattlesnakes.
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Mosier Twin Tunnels
This beautiful route on the Historic Columbia River Highway between Hood River and Mosier is closed to vehicle traffic and probably best known as a bike route. But it also doubles as a hiking, running, and walking path, and the gently-graded pavement makes exploring with a stroller easy. Beginning from the Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead just outside Hood River, the trail transitions from lush west-side forest to east-side prairie, where wildflowers bloom in abundance.
- Distance: 4.7 miles (one-way to Mosier)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Mark 0. Hatfield West Trailhead
- Best time for flowers: April, May, and June
- Pets allowed on leash
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Tom McCall Point Trail
A breathtaking 3-mile round-trip hike with a mountain view, hikers will walk among the wildflowers throughout this scenic out and back. Views of wildflowers, Cascade peaks, and a wide swath of the rocky cliffs that line the Columbia will slow your pace and give your camera a workout. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
- Distance: 3 miles round-trip
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Rowena Crest on the Historic Columbia River Highway
- Best time: April and May
- No pets
- Recreation
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Rowena Plateau Loop
The Rowena Plateau Loop is located at Rowena Crest, famous for a series of Historic Columbia River Highway hairpin bends, and a popular Instagram selfie stop. The flat trail is suitable for all skill levels, though not wheelchair accessible. The long narrow loop around the plateau hosts a rich palette of colors, but the Balsamroot is the showstopper. At the far end of the loop, hikers will find a stunning view of the Columbia Gorge and, if you’re lucky, Mt. Hood.
- Distance: 2 miles (loop)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Rowena Crest on the Historic Columbia River Highway
- Best time: April and May
- Pets allowed
- Recreation
- Play
Mosier Plateau Trail
Starting just east of the small Mosier town center, the Mosier Plateau Trail follows Mosier Creek across Pocket Park. It then climbs steadily to the top of the plateau, where a floral spectacle awaits. The flowers atop the Mosier Plateau are sensational in April and May, well worth the 1-hour hike up. In addition to the wildflowers, hikers will get a wonderful view of the Coyote Wall and Labyrinth, on the Washington side of the Columbia River.
- Distance: 3.5 miles (out and back)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Roadside parking just east of downtown Mosier
- Best time: April and May
- Pet allowed on leash
- Recreation
- Play
Memaloose Hills Trail
The Memaloose Hills have long been a popular destination for wildflower enthusiasts. There are two hilltops accessible to the public Chatfield Hill and Marsh Hill, where the intervening oak woodlands, savanna, and wetlands provide a brilliant wildflower show in the spring. Both offer stunning views of the wildflowers, Columbia River, and both Mt. Hood and Mount Adams. Public and private property intermix in this area, so please pay attention to and respect all posted signs.
- Distance: 5.2 miles (out and back)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Memaloose Rest Area off I-84
- Best time: April and May
- Pets allowed on leash