I’ve seen beauty, but this is a whole new level. Wow, what a hike! After doing many hikes at the Gorge, this is now easily my springtime favorite. Incredible views and sea of flowers - it doesn’t get any better.

Flowers Summary

You can’t go wrong on this trail. Wherever you start and whichever portion you hike, you’ll get tons of them and then a bit more. My favorite parcels of flowers were (1) in the SW of Vista Loop and (2) along Eightmile Trail. Balsamroot are peaking or past peak, but there’s still time to catch them. Lupines are at full. Tons of other common meadow flowers. Even where there’re no flowers, young grass has this finest emerald color that I could not believe my eyes.

Getting There & Trailhead

Unpaved Dalles Mountain Road is in great condition. Some potholes and rocks, but doable in any car, and posted speed limit of 35 mph is a fair assessment. I do second previous report on suicidal marmots: apparently, their holes are in the roadway, and they are curious (or not smart) enough to not hide.

Upper trailhead had some spots at 11 am on this sunny and windy Sunday. There is a tidy and stocked restroom.

If you need Discover Pass, you can pay with cash/check at the upper trailhead, or with credit card at Horsethief Butte trailhead.

Hike

No words can describe beauty of rolling hills, abundance of flowers, and awe inspired by views of Mt. Hood.

Hiked a big clockwise loop today, skipping mid-way Military Road connector and completing the entire Vista Loop. For the best views of the Columbia, Mt. Hood, and flowers, lower portion of Vista Loop is definitely the place to be.

If starting from the upper trailhead, you will be descending first and then regaining elevation on your way back. Hiking CW will leave you with an arguably steeper climb, but will ensure you have vistas of the gorge and the mountain in your face majority of the hike.

It was pretty windy and as a result really chilly despite mid-60s. Warm layers came in handy - definitely check forecast in advance and have extra stuff if winds are predicted.

Stats & Crowds

About 5 mi in 3 hrs with lots of stops to take pictures and dive into views.

Trails were busy but never too crowded. Mostly hikers, just a couple bikers and riders. Remember dogs are required to be on leash, which is allegedly enforced; several dogs were not (shame dogs can’t read the sign).

Flowers are at peak! Balsamroot, lupine, desert parsley, and filaree.

Last night I drove up for sunset but unfortunately the sun goes below the hills here way before sunset happens so I came back this morning to get some flower pics. It took me 2 hours to go 2.5 miles because I was lulled into a trance by the flowers and singing meadowlarks.

 Not too crowded Thurs morning but it’s going to be a zoo this weekend so come early. Discover pass needed for parking, dogs on leash only (sign said $99 fine per dog if they’re off leash)

I marked bugs because it’s tick season. Otherwise there weren’t really any.

 Careful on the road.. lots of suicidal marmots running across!

It’s that time of year! I finally made it down to the Gorge to catch the infamous flowers. They did not disappoint! On a weekday in the morning, the parking lot was near empty. When I returned to my car at 1p, parking was full and there were several groups starting out. Trail is easy to follow — you can choose a short loop or the full loop. The full loop was exhausting once the temps started to rise; blessed only with an occasional breeze. Views are great throughout the trail! Pick a direction at the first fork and enjoy!

REMINDERS — stay on the trail. In addition to around the old car, I noticed many spots where the vegetation has been negatively impacted. This is a mostly dry trail, bring plenty of water as there is very little shade. This is a mixed use trail, so be aware of those on bikes or horses.

Bottom Line:

Spectacular sunset ramble from The Dalles Mountain Ranch trailhead in Columbia Hills Historical State Park, with profuse balsamroot and lupine, rolling green hills, and distance views of the Columbia River, basalt cliffs and Mt Hood (even Mt Jefferson makes in appearance in one pic below). This is the pefect spot for a sunset walk/hike, especially with wildflower season peaking, and these past warm early evenings. Beautiful!

Stats:

• Distance: ~ 2 mile rambling walk, just drinking in the views
• Duration: 90 min
• Weather: Sunny, 80s, breezy
• Parking: These is ample parking at The Dalles Mountain Ranch trailhead where a Discovery Pass is required; there is also limited pulled outs on Dalles Mountain Road (which can be driven through to Goldendale, although dirt all the way, and typically some lingering snow through April)
• Trail: There are ~3 miles of trails in the grasslands surrounding the ranch, and a longer trail descending to the Crawford Oaks Trailhead; one can also explore the historic homestead with buildings and farm equipment on display. While popular during wildflower season, I only saw a couple other walkers, adding to the serenity and enchancement of the evening; balsamroot is growing far up the surrounding hills, with lupine fast on its heals;  CAUTION: Watch out for ticks and rattlesnakes
• Takeaway: Just a perfect spot for sunset in wildflower season - go soon!

We were pleasantly surprised at how the lupine and balsamroot bloom had improved since we checked the area out on Sunday! Most of the lupine is not in full bloom and many bouquets are only buds, but there many areas with good color. There are balsamroot, too, that have buds yet to open so by next weekend the bloom should be nearing prime for the balsamroot and the lupine will be in much fuller bloom. It was 84 today so the high temperatures the past 2 days must have helped the bloom progress! When we passed the Crawford Oaks TH on our way to Dallas Mountain Road, there were 4 school buses in the parking lot and over 100 kids having lunch! The busses had dropped the kids off at the Crawford Ranch TH and then driven to the Crawford Oaks TH where the kids had just returned from doing a through hike! We began our hike at the Crawford Ranch TH taking the 0.02 Pond Connector Trail to the start of the loop. We did the loop counter clockwise by turning right on the Eightmile Creek Trail to its junction with Military Road. Bob completed the loop by staying on Eight Mile Creek Trail to the Ranch Route and I waked down Military Road so I could get my special WTA water bottle which I had left where we had lunch in the oak grove yesterday when starting at the  Crawford Oaks TH.  The creek crossing to the Entry Road was easily done and I continued on the Entry Road for one mile to the Crawford Oaks TH to wait for Bob to pick me up. Bob's Loop was 3.4 miles and my straight through walk was only 2.7 miles. Phlox, fiddleneck, and white water Crowfoot were other flowers seen. The fragrance of the lupine in areas where it was blooming was nice. We heard beautiful meadowlark sounds, but saw none!