Bottom Line:
After the snowy vista of Mt St Helens a few days ago, this was something completely different! I did this trail for the first time a couple years back and sung its praises. I am here again to say this this trail is AMAZINGLY beautiful and unique. It really has it all, from flowers, to waterfalls, tranquil streams, basalt columns, oak groves, grassy ridge walking, views of a snowy Mt Hood and the Columbia River, and the huge Coyote Wall escarpment (which you will be perched on mid-hike). Pictures do not really do it justice - hopefully my end-to-end video will show the diversity and uniqueness of this hike. One could argue that Coyote Wall is the hike-to destination of a typical PNW hike, but really, the entire trail from beginning to end is beautiful and enchanting. The ascent in particular is like walking through a storybook with its perfect brooks, flowers and oak groves. I do believe this is the best spring hike on The Gorge and the flower show, while great, has only just begun!
Stats:
- Distance: 8 miles
- Vertical: 1660 ft
- Duration: 4-1/4 hours
- Road/Parking: This is really no formal parking lot for this trail. There is roadside parking on Old Hwy 8 just off Lewis and Clark Hwy. The trail (labeled "Old Hwy 8" on Google Maps) follows the road west for a bit, past a waterfall, before you reach a signed junction for Labyrinth Loop. No toilets. I displayed my Discover Pass but not sure it was required.
- Weather: A mix of sun and cloud with increasing cloudiness. 60Fs but felt warmer in the sun. Light breeze.
- Water: There is LOTS of flowing water on this trail but note that there is rural development *above* this trail system, so not entirely sure it is wise to drink filtered water. Carry drinking water.
- Flora/Fauna: Ticks - more on that below. Butterflies and bees. Ground squirrels. Some trees are coming out on this trail with that shiny lime-green color of spring, but most of the oaks have not started to leaf up yet, adding to the storybook (perhaps with a sinister turn?) feeling on this trail. Lots of flowers, except for the high point of the trail which was running a little behind. In general, the diversity of flowers on this trail is exceptional - see the attached wildflower link that lists all the possible species. Among the flowers in bloom: Balsamroot (most prolific near Coyote Wall, but not as dense as say, Columbia Hills); California Poppies and Lupine (bottom only); Grass Widows; Columbia Desert Parsley; Western Buttercup, Large-Head Clover; Shooting Star; Biscuitroot; Western Serviceberry; False Dandelion; Upland Larkspur; Oregon Grape; Woodland-Star; Penstemon; Phlox; Wholeleaf Saxifrage; Tomcat Clover; Pungent Desert Parsley (the star of the show!!); Fiddleneck; Wooly-Pod Milk-Vetch; Miniature Lupine; Wild Daffodil; and a sea of tiny white, purple and yellow flowers I did not try to identify.
- Trail: Quiet, but more traffic than a few years ago. The suggested route is counterclockwise as shown on the map segment below. The ascent is through an enchanting landscape of basalt columns, waterfalls, brooks, flowers and oak groves. I am not sure if it is just because I am not familiar with this kind of hiking in WA, but I found it incredibly beautiful and had a big grin on my face the whole way. Higher up, the character of the hike changes to grassy ridge walking with incredible views, all the way out to Coyote Wall to the west. The wall of course is magnificent, and many folks come here just to hike the wall (see video). The return via the "Maui" trail returns to the enchanting terrain of the ascent with more waterfalls, streams, oaks and flowers. The trail overall is in excellent condition with just a few muddy spots from recent rain. Parts of the trail are open to mountain bikers; the "flowy" trails off Coyote Wall makes for a somewhat non-direct descent by hiking standards but try to stick to the trail as trail restoration is in process. CAUTION: TICKS. Every dog owner we passed had already removed ticks from their dog. This is tick central, so long pants and repellants are suggested. Grasses are on the short side right now, reducing the opportunity to pick up a tick, but I definitely brushed myself off and checked numerous times during the hike.
- Takeaway: Have I said I love this trail? A later start today would have allowed me to take in sunset (like last time) but the forecast called for increasing cloud. You will see how saturated the light became as it was at the end of the video. The grass and desert parsley popped! I have hiked a lot of the trail on The Gorge - this is one I will do over and over.
I will post the video later this evening. Hopefully it does this trail justice :)
Comments
AlpsDayTripper on Coyote Wall - The Labyrinth Loop
Wow, fantastic report! Great photos and the video is top rate, it made me smile and say wow! I really like the on-trail video clips (I'll borrow that at some point). I'm going there in a few days, can't wait.
Posted by:
AlpsDayTripper on Apr 10, 2025 03:08 PM
Alpine Wanderer on Coyote Wall - The Labyrinth Loop
Thanks for the kind words - they made me smile! Have a great time in The Gorge. I can see the balsamroot and lupine are pretty dense on the road from the US97 bridge up to Goldendale, so I think Columbia Hills State Park, at least the lower part, should be good as well. We like taking the backroad from Goldendale to Columbia Hills - it is a dirt road, and will say unmaintained, but is fine for most vehicles once the snow is gone. Have fun! I love this time of year :)
Posted by:
Alpine Wanderer on Apr 10, 2025 03:22 PM