Yellow balsa root flowers are gone but stunning blue cornflowers remain.  

good hike on a vacation. we went around 9.30 am when the parking lot wasn't full. the plateau was a bit windy in the morning but it was sunny so we didn't need our jackets after entering the shade. wildflowers peak Bloom has passed but lupins and few others were still in Bloom so worth the time.

Flowers are at peak so go now before the heat wilts them! There are no restrooms at the trailhead but a rest area just down the road in Memaloose.

The trail itself is in great condition but keep an eye out for poison oak and rattlesnakes, we had several encounters with both. Vultures were very active too, lots circling above the trail.

Most of the trail is exposed so bring lots of water and wear sunscreen. Also remember to leave dogs at home! This is a Wildlife Preserve with many signs stating that dogs are not allowed (unfortunately many visitors ignored this) so please respect the rules, environment, and other hikers. There are several other wildflower trails in the Gorge that do allow pets (including Memaloose Hills just down the road). 

I usually look forward to Lyle Cherry Orchard for flower season but ZhuckYu’s report was so good I had to check out this trail. We could see the town of Lyle across the river and didn’t feel like we missed anything. 
The flowers are fantastic. Lots of bird activity too. Vultures and ravens soaring on the updraft of the cliffs. Swallows and western tanagers put on a show. 
I’m kind of surprised they don’t put a honey bucket at the trailhead. There are a couple in the town of Mosier across from the market, just off exit 69. 
This is the perfect time to go! Exposed trail. Prepare for sun exposure and poison oak. It could be tick territory but we put bug spray on and didn’t find any unwanted passengers. 

This trail never disappoints and always exceeds expectations when it comes to wildflowers. Short, easy, full of sweeping views, and filled with flowers from start to finish - it’s arguably the best trail to experience spring in the Gorge.

Access road & Trailhead

Trailhead shares parking lot with Rowena viewpoint on Hwy 30. It does get busy, but today the circle was almost empty as I pulled in at 6.30 pm. No amenities, no fee or pass requirements.

Hike

Quick, never too strenuous, and very windy. Balsamroots are numerous everywhere along the trail, besides forested areas, and are peaking or slightly past peak. Lupines and other flowers add up to multitude of colors. Hill slope 1/4 mi to the top is seemingly one of the best places to see sunset in the Gorge.

Timing & Crowds

40 min up, 30 min down, 20 min at the peak.

The trail is quite popular among hikers and photographers - for a good reason! - so don’t expect solitude.