Catherine Creek

We hiked the 2.3 mile Natural Arch Loop as described in Craig Romano's new book, "Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge". We have hiked this area many times and this was the first time we have ever been alone--probably because of the light rain which accompanied us. However, there was no wind so with the aid of an umbrella we were able to capture pictures of the many varieties of flowers--Dutchman's Breeches, yellow desert parsley, common camas, death camas, shooting stars, naked broomrape, larkspur to name a few. We saw no sign of bitterroot which is common here in late April and May. The lupine were budding, but we saw none in bloom. The trail descends to the right and crosses Catherine Creek at .3 mile. Here the Garry Oak add to the pastoral scene of the old corral and fallen stable with the natural arch above and to the right. One should watch for poison oak which is prevalent in the area. Views of the Columbia River are good as you walk the meadows above the arch.