Beautiful little walk with my 8yo; waving grasses, little ponds choked with water lilies, sweeping views of the gorge. Wind was a demon, though.

Although the balsamroot bloom has passed here there still were many flowers doing their thing. Bachelor Button was my favorite. The day was blustery with times of sun and big clouds occasionally threatening. Our hike was quick and the crowds were not to bad. Kite boarders danced among the waves on the Columbia and rolling shadows on the hillsides kept us entertained. The views really were great. Even the old highway (Oregon 30) was spectacular. It was built 100 years ago when an esthetic for touring was employed. The road is never steep (<5%) and has a minimum turning radii of 100'. These qualifications make for a smooth, rolling road which rarely requires a change in your speed. Today it is perfecting for biking or taking a "Sunday Drive".

OK, this is an Oregon hike, but cut me some slack ... it's right across the Columbia River in view of our fair state. Location is a few miles east of Hood River. I wanted to post this because it is a fabulous wildflower hike in season. Much of the 2 mile (one way) trail to McCall Point is on Nature Conservancy land. The trail ascends about 1100 feet in 2 miles to a nice viewpoint with views to the gorge, Mt Adams, and Mt Hood, and traverses some great flower fields. I attached a few pics to give an idea. Here's some info on access: From I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge, take either the Mosier exit (5 miles east of Hood River) or the Rowena exit (8 miles west of The Dalles). From Mosier, go east on the Old Scenic Highway (US 30). Beyond milepost 6, the preserve is on both sides of the highway. Park at the Rowena Crest viewpoint or at the trailhead on Highway 30.

Wild flowers just coming up, in another 2 weeks should be very beautiful, saw a Bull snake just off of a trail, very nice and quiet hike up to Tom McCall Point

This was a wonderful hike to view the wildflowers. They were in full bloom on this 70 degree day. From the Rowena Point parking lot we first hiked up to McCall Point and then on to the next hill. There are awesome views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams the higher you go. After returning to the parking lot, we then did the Rowena Plateau trail. An easy hike for all ages but awesome views. Two deer walked along next to us for 200 feet without even flinching. They then wandered off to one of the ponds.