Each spring, Columbia River Gorge wildflowers bloom in a dazzling array of colors, attracting visitors from all over the Pacific Northwest.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about seeing wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge.
We’ve explored a lot of the Columbia River Gorge in search of the best wildflowers. To help you plan, we’ve gathered our local knowledge here.
You’ll learn where, when, and how to see Columbia River Gorge wildflowers. We’ll also discuss other fun things to see nearby.
Pack your sense of adventure, and let’s discover the best of Columbia River Gorge wildflowers!
Spring Wildflowers Columbia River Gorge: Overview
Each year, after a long cold winter, spring brings warmer temperatures and sunshine, inspiring vast blooms of stunning wildflowers.
If you’re in the right place at the right time, you can witness this special natural phenomenon for yourself.
That said, it can be a tricky game. The peak of the wildflower bloom lasts only a few fleeting weeks.
Moreover, the peak depends on the elevation, species of flower, and weather. Each year is different!
Don’t worry. We’ve got the insider tips you need to experience the magic of Columbia River Gorge wildflowers.
Heads up: Be aware of poison oak, wildflowers, and ticks. Also, some trails are closed to dogs.
When to See Spring Wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge
As we mentioned above, wildflower blooms depend on the location, elevation, and weather of each given year.
In general, you can see wildflowers in the Columbia Gorge between late March and mid-June.
That said, if it’s a particularly hot or cold year, the peak could be pushed forward or backward.
Wildflower Hikes Columbia River Gorge
These are the best places to see wildflowers in bloom. Note that hiking isn’t necessarily required at some locations.
The table below lists the hike/viewpoint along with the corresponding elevation and typical bloom window time.
| Location | State | Elevation | Typical Bloom Window |
| Rowena Crest / Tom McCall | OR | 500 – 1,600 ft | late March – late May |
| Memaloose Hills | OR | 250 – 1,000 ft | late March – late May |
| Chenoweth Tableland | OR | 400 – 800 ft | late March – late May |
| Catherine Creek / Coyote Wall | WA | 100 – 1,700 ft | early March – late May |
| Lyle Cherry Orchard | WA | 100 – 1,000 ft | early March – late May |
| Dog Mountain | WA | 200 – 3,000 ft | mid April – mid June |
Wildflower Hikes Columbia Gorge Map
Use this interactive map we made to get your bearings. You can expand it in a new window.
Now, let’s go into more detail about each of these Columbia River Gorge wildflower hikes.
Rowena Crest Viewpoint / Tom McCall Nature Preserve
The Rowena Crest Viewpoint and Tom McCall Nature Preserve are located on a scenic section of the Historic Columbia River Highway, about 20 minutes east of Hood River.
Technically, the Rowena Crest Viewpoint is the parking and lookout area, while the McCall Nature Preserve encompasses much of the surrounding landscape and trails.
Regardless of what you call it, this area has some of the most dense and prolific wildflower meadows in the Columbia River Gorge.
When you first arrive, soak in the expansive views of the gorge. In fact, this is one of our favorite viewpoints in the Columbia River Gorge.
You can see wildflowers without leaving the parking lot, but for the best experience, hit one of two trails.
The McCall Point Trail is 5 miles out-and-back and has 1,300 feet of elevation gain, but you can turn around at any point.
Another great choice is the Rowena Plateau Trail, which is just over 2 miles and has about 250 feet of elevation gain.
Be aware: Both of these trails are only open between March 1st and October 31s. Also, dogs are not allowed and there is no restroom at the trailhead.
Memaloose Hills
Just a few minutes down the road from Rowena Crest Viewpoint, the Memaloose Hills hike at Memaloose State Park is one of the best Columbia River Gorge wildflower hikes.
A 3-ish-mile partial loop with about 600 feet of elevation gain, this trail winds through beautiful wildflower meadows and fragmented oak woodlands.
It also offers expansive vistas of the Columbia River. There are some shaded sections, but it’s mostly exposed, so bring some sun protection.
Park alongside the road at the Memaloose Hills Trailhead. Keep in mind there’s not a lot of parking, so try to get there early on weekends during peak blooms when it gets crowded.
Local tip: Don’t miss the lookout point just steps from the car on the north side of the road. This spot is great for folks who aren’t able to enjoy the hike.
Chenoweth Tableland
Located just west of The Dalles, the Chenoweth Tableland area offers a small trail network with some beautiful wildflower meadows and great views.
This lesser-known hiking area is a great spot to see bright yellow Balsamroot, among other wildflowers.
In addition, enjoy great views of the Columbia River, The Dalles, Mt. Hood, and the small community of Chenoweth.
Also, there are some unique rock formations and even a cave you can explore.
Overall, this is a great spot off the beaten path that is still worth checking out.
Local tip: Just across the highway is the engaging Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, which is a great spot when you’re in this area.
Catherine Creek / Coyote Wall
Located on the Washington side across the mighty Columbia River from Memaloose Hills, Catherine Creek is a hiking area with some incredible wildflowers.
Just a few minutes west of the Catherine Creek Trailhead is the Coyote Wall Trailhead.
Both of these trailheads provide access to miles of hiking trails with tons of different loop options.
Spectacular even without flowers, this area transforms into vibrant shades of green with bright spots of color in the spring.
Once you get up the hill a bit, you get some amazing views of the gorge and Mt. Hood, which still has its winter coat on in March and April.
Local tip: There are lots of mountain bike trails in this area that overlap some of the hiking trails. Be aware of your surroundings so you don’t get in the way of bikers.
Also, consider checking out the impressive Catherine Creek Arch, a large natural arch rock formation.
Overall, this is a great area for wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge with nice views, but has limited views from the parking lot.
Lyle Cherry Orchard
Located just east of the small town of Lyle, on the Washington side of the Columbia River, the Lyle Cherry Orchard is a beautiful place to see wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge.
Owned by the Friends of the Columbia Gorge, this nature preserve is named for an old cherry orchard on the property.
While you can’t see much from the trailhead, the hike is stunning. In fact, there are over 6 miles of trails on this beautiful hillside.
The trail winds through lush wildflower meadows and groves of rugged Oregon White Oak. Visitors enjoy great views of the Columbia River and rocky outcroppings.
Local tip: Stop by French’s Farm in Lyle for a scoop (or two) of delicious ice cream.
Overall, Lyle Cherry Orchard is an excellent spot to see Columbia River Gorge wildflowers (and probably less popular than other places on this list).
Dog Mountain
The Dog Mountain Trail is a popular and challenging hike located on the Washington side of the Columbia River, about 20 minutes west of Hood River.
While there are several loop options, ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 miles with up to 3,000 feet of elevation change.
Expect to be tested on the steep but gradual slope, consistently between a 10% and 20% grade. This trail will make you work for the reward, but the views are stunning, even without the wildflowers.
Due to the large range in elevation (200 to 3,000 feet), the time window in which wildflowers bloom is larger than other spots on this list.
You can typically find wildflowers between May and the beginning of August, but the peak is typically late April to mid June.
Overall, this is an iconic Columbia River Gorge wildflower hike that should be on your to-do list!
Wildflowers Columbia Gorge: Varieties
There are a diversity of wildflower species in the Columbia River Gorge, displaying all shapes and colors.
In fact, there are over 800 species of wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge and 15 aren’t found anywhere else (according to this USFS page).
The western part of the Columbia Gorge (west of Hood River) has a wetter climate with steep cliffs and dense forests (which is where most of the Columbia Gorge waterfalls are).
In contrast, the eastern side is drier and has lots of sloping meadows with less trees and more exposure. Therefore, most of the wildflowers are found on the eastern side of the gorge.
The table below describes the most common species, their elevation, typical bloom time, and general description.
| Wildflower | Elevation | Bloom Time | Description |
| Balsamroot | 100 to 3,000 feet | April to June | Bright yellow, sunflower-like flowers that cover the hillsides. |
| Chocolate Lily | 100 to 2,000 feet | April to June | Bell-shaped flowers with a unique mottled brown and green appearance. |
| Columbia Kittentails | 100 to 2,000 feet | April to June | Small, lavender-colored flowers with detailed petals. |
| Indian Paintbrush | 100 to 3,000 feet | April to June | Striking red flowers that add a splash of color to the landscape. |
| Lupine | Up to 4,000 feet | April to June | Tall spikes of purple flowers, among the largest wildflowers in the area. |
| Phantom Orchid | 100 to 2,000 feet | May to July | Delicate white orchid, rare and beautiful. |
| Yarrow | Up to 4,000 feet | May to July | Clusters of hardy white flowers that grow in abundance. |
| Lavender | Up to 4,000 feet | June to July | Fragrant purple blooms, technically an herb but noteworthy. |
Conclusion
We hope you feel excited and prepared to explore these spots with Columbia River Gorge wildflowers.
Get out there and explore these amazing wildflower hikes in the Columbia Gorge. We’d love to hear how it went in the comments.
Check out our other articles about Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge so you don’t miss other fun things to do in this beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest.
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Of course, leave no trace when you visit to preserve these beautiful places for future visitors.
