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The Columbia River Gorge is an incredibly accessible location for hiking if you are in the Portland, Oregon or Vancouver, Washington area. Not only is this area well-known for incredible waterfalls, you can also find some of the best wildflower hikes in the Pacific Northwest right here. The wildflowers in this area tend to pop before the rest of the Oregon and Washington and the time of year varies with the weather. This post will help you make the most of your time by discussing the best wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge to make sure you have an amazing hiking experience.

How to get to the Columbia River Gorge

If you are coming from outside of the Pacific Northwest, the best way to get to the Columbia River Gorge is to fly into Portland, OR (airport code PDX). It is easiest to rent a car, but there are some shuttle options available for some of the hikes if this is not an option for you. Uber and Lyft are also a possibility, although they could be expensive.

The Columbia River itself serves as the state line between Washington and Oregon in the gorge area. There are hikes on both sides of the river in each state. If you plan to cross the bridges east of the Portland/Vancouver area, be prepared to pay a toll. In Cascade Locks, the Bridge of the Gods costs $2 for most vehicles (you can check the exact cost here). The bridge in The Dalles has no toll but is currently undergoing construction (you can read if you will be impacted here).

Note: If you are not planning to spend your entire trip in the Columbia River Gorge and would like to explore around a little further, check out this list of the Best Waterfall Hikes near Portland.

What to Wear when Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge

You never know just quite what you might get in the Pacific Northwest, but it really depends on the season. The Columbia River Gorge has so many waterfalls because it can be pretty wet – so not surprisingly you may need different gear than when you hike in other areas of the country. In addition to the ten essentials, make sure to pack a rain jacket, wear waterproof shoes, gloves, and bring extra layers – I prefer wool baselayers from WoolX Wool.

Permits and Fees Required for Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge

Permits

The Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Cooridor on the Oregon side will be implementing a permit system between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend for vehicles wishing to travel along the stretch of the road between Vista House and Ainsworth State Park (this includes a large majority of the hikes on the Oregon side). For more details, check out this page for information. Please note, you will not need to obtain a permit if arriving via shuttle, private transportation, or bike.

Passes and Fees

There are four passes that you might encounter/need depending on which hikes you choose in the Columbia River Gorge. They are as follows:

• Interagency/America the Beautiful Annual Pass – This pass is also known as the “national parks pass” but it offers so much more. It also allows use of many US Forest Service sites, recreation areas, and Bureau of Land Management land. It is currently $80 for 12 months.

• Northwest Forest Pass – This pass is not necessary if you already have the Interagency/America the Beautiful Pass as this pass gets you access to everywhere that the Northwest Forest Pass does. However if you are local and not planning to visit any other federally-managed lands outside of Oregon and Washington, you will save money by purchasing this pass. It is currectly $30 for 12 months.

• Oregon State Parks Pass – For state park areas in Oregon you can purchase an annual pass for $30 or 24 month pass for $50. Here is the link. Daily Oregon State park permits must be purchased on site.

• Washington Discover Pass – Similar to the state parks in Oregon, Washington has its own parks pass for its state parks called the Discover Pass. Daily passes and annual passes can be purchased online at this link here.

For more information about these passes including fee-free days, check out these links: Oregon State Parks Pass, Washington Discover Pass, Washington Trail Association “What Pass Do I need FAQ”, and US Forest Service Pass information.

When to Visit the Columbia River Gorge to see Wildflowers

If you are wondering when to visit the Columbia River Gorge, you will be delighted to learn that this is an excellent year-round destination. However, the wildflowers are certainly seasonal. If your goal is to visit for the wildflowers, plan your trip between April and June. Every year will be slightly different according to the weather and snowfall so keep that in mind when planning your trip,

Now what you have been waiting for – the best wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge.

Best Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia Gorge

Dog Mountain

Number of Miles: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,988 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 4
Permit Required: Yes on the weekends
Fees (if applicable): $5, covered by America the Beautiful and Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

This is the ultimate Pacific Northwest wildflower hike and the most well-known hike in the Columbia Gorge for blooms. If it is wildflower season and it is a weekday and you only have time for one wildflower hike, it should be this one. However, it is a calf burner. It is virtually straight up the entire way with very few breaks. So if you are toting young kids or you are not in the best shape, skip this trail.

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

Number of Miles: 5.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 387 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): None
Dogs Allowed: Yes but on a leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: March through September

If you did the entirety of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, it would be a 73-mile journey that would take you along a paved path through the gorge.

However, you can save yourself a lot of time and energy by doing short sections of the larger trail. And parts of the trail that are inundated with wildflowers include:

• 6-mile section from John B. Yeon State Park to Cascade Locks
• 2.5-mile section between Viento State Park and Lindsey Creek
• 4+-mile section between the Mark O. Hatfield West and East trailheads.

Also, keep an eye out for stunning waterfalls and incredible river views since this trail is brimming over with scenic spots that hikers will love.

In total, though, the section outlined above is one of the best wildflowers hikes in the Columbia River Gorge and should take around 2 hours to complete. And since this is a popular hike, try to start out early in the day.

Coyote Wall

Number of Miles: 6.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1624 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 3
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

This hike is shared with mountain bikers and it lends some pretty impressive views of both Washington and Oregon making it one of the best wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. While the mileage is noted as 6.8 miles, you can likely shorten this by turning around once you have hit the ridge if you prefer. This trail is well known for its beautiful wildflowers in the springtime so it will likely be crowded.

@andreafcannon

Reply to @tumble_dweeb Remember to pack bug spray, sunscreen and water, this hike has no shade. #hoodriveroregon #columbiarivergorge #pnwhiker #wildflowerseason

♬ original sound – Andrea – Travel & Outdoors

Lyle Cherry Orchard

Number of Miles: 5.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1213 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 5
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): None
Dogs Allowed: Yes but on a leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: March through November

If you’re looking for one of the best wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge then you can’t beat the Lyle Cherry Orchard hike.

And while this hike is great at any time of year, it is especially lovely from March through mid-May, when the local wildflowers are in bloom.

So, simply access the trailhead just past the tunnel, about a mile east of Lyle. In truth, it’s a slightly remote hike that sits on the eastern end of the Gorge.

Then, once on the hike, climb up a grassy hill to enjoy sweeping views of the Gorge from the bluffs.

Also, be on the lookout for the old cherry orchard at the top of the bluffs since this is the trail’s namesake and where you’ll find the Cherry Orchards Viewpoint.

Pro Tip: This hike is filled with Poison Oak so do take appropriate precautions. Rattlesnakes can also be in the area so be on the lookout for them.

Tom McCall Point Trail

Number of Miles: 4.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,309 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): None
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

This trail starts right at the Rowena Crest Overlook so if you already plan to be in that area, this might be a good trail for you. It is also an easier option on this list. The main downside of this trail is that no dogs are allowed. Therefore if you are planning to bring your pups, choose an alternate trail. The other main perk of this trail is that if you are coming from the Oregon side, there is no bridge crossing involved as it is in Oregon. All the other trails on this list are in Washington.

Cape Horn Trail

Number of Miles: 6.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,348 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 6
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): None
Dogs Allowed: Yes but on a leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: March through October

This incredible loop trail will take you a little over three hours to complete as you go along the northern shore of the gorge.

You’ll start by climbing 1200 feet in the air to enjoy gorgeous panoramas of the Columbia River.

You’ll then descend to the edge of the river and walk among lava rocks and basalt towers.

Finally, you’ll pass a waterfall before heading back towards Cape Horn Road and the parking lot from which you began.

Also, be sure to stop at the Nancy Russell Overlook to enjoy the view. You’ll know you’re here when you see lots of stone walls begin to pop up all around you.

Pro Tip: The trailhead is located near Cape Horn viewpoint. So, pull over on Washington State Route 14 and admire one most impressive views in the region before continuing down the road to the trailhead.

Best Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge FAQs

Are Wildflowers Blooming in the Columbia River Gorge?

While wildflower season can vary from year to year, peak wildflower season in Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls is typically from early April through the end of June.

However, blooms can start as early as mid-March and last well until the middle of July.

What is the Best Part of the Columbia River Gorge?

The best part of the Columbia River Gorge is Rowena Crest. It’s located in between The Dalles and the Hood River and is a great roadside overlook with incredible views of Horseshoe Bend.

What are the Purple Flowers in Columbia Gorge?

The purple flowers in the Columbia Gorge are Lupine. They grow in bunches right next to Balsamroot and fill local mountains with beautiful yellow and purple colors.

What is the Columbia Gorge Famous for?

The Columbia Gorge is famous for a wide array of outdoor activities that include biking, hiking, fishing, sightseeing, and a ton of different water sports.

Additionally, the area is known for being home to a wide array of waterfalls, with 90+ waterfalls on the Oregon side of the gorge alone. You’ll discover many of these, like Multnomah Falls, while driving the Columbia River Highway.

Best Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is an amazing place to see beautiful wildflowers early in the season. Depending on the year, these tend to pop well before any other area in the Pacific Northwest. If you visit, remember to leave no trace.

Have you hiked in the Columbia River Gorge? Which wildflower hike is your favorite? Let me know in the comments.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Best Waterfalls in Oregon
• Best Columbia River Gorge Hikes
• Best Waterfalls near Portland
• 10 Places to Visit in Oregon
• Best Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
• Best Columbia River Gorge Hikes
• Best Hikes near Portland Oregon

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