Day two of the spring visit to the Gorge found us east of Hood River on the section of historic highway 30 that starts in Mosier. It’s a great stretch of road that winds above I-84 with a slower pace and great views.
This end of the Gorge is dryer and therefore has less trees and more open grasslands. During the right time of year it is filled with wildflowers.
Our first main stop of the day was Tom McCall Point. This is a preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy and it offered stellar views of both Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood as well as a wide variety of wildflowers. There were so many stunning wildflowers in various stages of blooming it was impossible to capture them all.
Reaching the point you are treated to quite an expansive view and all the hills were various shades of yellow and green being dominated by the balsamroot.
Back down the trail it was, and on to the Washington side for the afternoon. On the way to the next hike we had to take a quick detour to stonehenge.
At least something good can come of all the wind!
Then it was on to Catherine Creek for the afternoon hike. Catherine Creek had been on my list for a while and I finally made it. It was another wildflower wonderland.
There was also a view or two.
Our time had run out on our tour of the Gorge, it was time well spent.
Amazing shots of wildflowers and mountains! Wish I were there! 🙂
Abby was calling out the flower names before we saw the names! Beautiful pictures.
Abby was calling out the flower names before we saw the names! Beautiful pictures.