We enjoyed the warmest day so far this year on the Weldon Wagon Trail, with a high temperature in the low 70s. It was a perfect day to hike leisurely and enjoy the vast displays of wildflowers.

For those interested in the names of the plants we say, our plant list is online at  http://science.halleyhosting.com/nature/bloomtime/egorge/22/4.html

We started our hike from the unmarked trailhead on Indian Cemetery Road and hiked up to the turnaround point at Sanborn Road and returned. We encountered the trail neighbor who owns the house and tree plantation next to the trail at the Sanborn Road end. He knew one of our group members so he was quite friendly and asked about the plants we had seen.

The trail is in good shape except for 3 fallen trees that need to be logged out. The first one is a very large oak snag that uprooted across the trail near the lower trailhead; it has a boot path bypass. The second fallen tree is an oak about 1/3 the way up that must be climbed over since it is suspended above the ground. The third is a fallen tree on the ground in the upper woodlands that can be stepped over.

Lovely spring day in the gorge for a hike. Easy to find although the GPS link here wanted me to go right but there was a sign pointing left. Stay left at the last fork in the road and the parking area is on the left just a little farther up the road. Gravel road has potholes but any car can manage them.

Trail in good condition with a couple wet and muddy spots to cross as well as one small log. Lots of green grass and wildflowers.

When I reached the other road I felt the hike needed more length so I went left past the gate down the logging road and then another left that looked interesting. I basically circled around the oak preserve and came to a beautiful view of Mt Adams.

It’s a gentle uphill most of the way so it’s easy on the knees going down.

Enjoy!

This trail is just 15 minutes from White Salmon where we were staying so we were able to go for a leg-stretching hike after arriving in town in the late afternoon. The trailhead is not completely obvious and there were no other cars there when we arrived, but if you see a gate to the right of a large gravel area, you've arrived at the trailhead. 

The oaks are gorgeous along the trail and there were a few species of wildflowers blooming. There are no issues with the trail, though I can't imagine anyone ever taking a wagon up it.

One thing to note: much like other trails in the Gorge, they are trying to control the spread of weeds and there are boot cleaners at the trailhead which you are expected to utilize at the start and finish of your hike. At the very least, your boots will be clean.

Now is the time to hike this trail to see the many beautiful balsamroot plants blooming on the hillsides above and below the trail in the open areas. Manroot (wild cucumber), barestem biscuitroot, fern leaf biscuitroot and Columbia desert parsley are also present, but the balsamroot is the star of the show! The Columbia desert parsley flowers are spent, but the blue-green color of their leaves add to the beauty of the area. Some of the other flowers seen were: 3 calypso orchids, Pacific hound's tongue, lupine, yellow violets, Big-head clover and 30 chocolate lilies in one area. The day was sunny and windy with 20 MPH winds with gusts up to 40 MPH. I did find one tick on my pants after lunch!

First time doing this hike. I tried a couple years ago but it was closed. So glad I finally got to hike this hike. I loved it.
I love trails that hike along the mountain in a long gradual ascent. One where you can clearly see across the valley as to your end game. The views were of the valley in White Salmon and Mt Hood. The White Oak Forest is amazing. It makes me think of the children’s book Where The Wild Things Are. Not sure why but I imagined it while hiking.
Lots of poison oak out so be very mindful of that. Balsamroot was plentiful. Lupine is just getting going. Other wildflowers too but I don’t know the names.
So glad I started early when it was cool. I was the only one on the trail and didn’t see anyone until the way down. The bugs came out too once it warmed up. They were so annoying.
I’ll be back to hike this again. I’d love to see it in e fall with the changes of the color.