I only went on two hikes in April. My husband and usual hiking partner was away on a photo trip to Patagonia. When he returned, we wanted to get out in the eastern Columbia River Gorge to see the spring wildflowers, especially the balsamroot, before it got too hot!
4/20 – Part 1 – Dalles Mountain Ranch, WA
I did an abbreviated version of this hike, as I was still regaining my stamina. After lunch, I returned to the trailhead via a dirt connecting road, while my hiking partner continued the loop. I saw a slightly different version of the usual views, and then had to climb a fence to get back to the main road – all part of the adventure! (2.6 miles, 220 feet)
Approaching the the Columbia Hills, painted yellow with balsamroot.The classic view of Dalles Mountain Ranch and Mt Hood, with balsamroot.Trail viewBalsamroot all the way down to the river…We stopped for lunch at our favorite oak tree.Oak tree
There were other flowers among the yellow…
Phlox, lupine, and desert parsleyMilk vetchBitter cherry, with Mt HoodBalsamroot closeup
After lunch, I made my way back up the hill along the old road, assuming from my map that it would connect to the Dalles Mountain Road…
Wide view down to the Columbia River, with Mt Hood.And over to the ranch, from the east.My route in blue. It rejoins the road at the gate.The unexpected gate was actually pretty easy to climb, and I was back at the trailhead after a short roadwalk.
4/20 – Part 2 – Bitterroot at Catherine Creek, WA
We stopped on the way home for a short hike up to the Fairy Ponds at Catherine Creek – I thought the bitterroot might be blooming, and I did not want to miss them!
From the trailhead, the wide open meadows are turning brown, with late season flowers – purple tomcat clover and white cluster lilies.The fairy pools under the oak trees are dried up, with monkey flowers and camas blooming in the shade.Buttercups and camasWe found bitterroot blooming on the nearby rocky outcrops.Bitterroot, Catherine Creek Arch in the distance.A large clump of bitterroot.Heading down – eastward view. Westward view, with Mt Hood.
4/28 – Weldon Wagon Road, WA
This is another place we go to see huge swaths of balsamroot in bloom, and once again, it was a beautiful hike, with a side view of Mt Adams from the lunch stop. It is steadily uphill, but never too steep, as it was originally a wagon road. (4 miles, 1100 feet)
The lower slopes are shady oak woodland, with meadows full of buttercups, vetch and other tiny flowers – very colorful!Bicolored lupines and barestem biscuitrootA few clumps of lupine in the shade, and lots of poison oak everywhere off trail.Eventually, the view opens up to the balsamroot slopes…Before continuing, we popped over the ridge on a side trail to our lunch stop – with views to Mt Adams.Mt Adams
After lunch we continued upward along the main trail…
Upward on Weldon Wagon Road – clouds covering Mt Hood.Looking down the slope.In the upper woods, tall western groundsel,Large-head clover, and Pacific waterleafEventually Mt Hood started to emerge from the clouds.Hiking back down, noticing the fern leaf desert parsley among the yellow blooms.Fernleaf desert parsleyAnd back down through the painterly lower meadows and oak trees. Another good visit to this trail.
We went to the coast for a few days, to make up for the cancelled (due to illness) trip last month. We were not lucky with the weather, but we enjoyed the change of pace. We have been to these places before, so we knew where to go to make the most of the decent weather intervals. We spent the worst weather day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
March 9 and 10 – Cape Perpetua
The evening we arrived, clouds were high and the tide was ebbing. We went to the Thor’s Well Viewpoint at Cape Perpetua to watch the action.
Looking down towards Thor’s Well from above.This hole in the volcanic ledge fills with water as the waves wash in,and then drains as the water recedes.Sometimes there are big spouting splashes.
To the left, another rocky feature sends up puffs of spray when the swash level is just right. It is called The Spouting Horn…
Looking back up toward the highway bridge and Spouting Horn.We hit the tide level just right, and saw plenty of spouting action…Looking out toward the sea, with another spout on display.
We stayed long enough to see this gorgeous sunset from Cape Perpetua.
Sunset, Cape Perpetua
The next morning, the sky was overcast, a bit misty. We went back to Cape Perpetua to do as much as we could before the predicted rain arrived.
We had hiked up to the Overlook Viewpoint before, but this time, we drove to the upper parking area, and walked a short way to the stone viewing shelter, looking down on the coastline as we went.
From the overlook trail we could see the Thor’s Well area, where we had been last night, and the Devil’s Churn area, where we would go after this.Zooming in – there is the highway bridge, the trail, and the rock benches we were walking on last night.Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn, not spouting now.Trail to the shelter, through the forest.The rock shelterAnother view to the south And a view out the other side of the stone shelter. This trail continues all the way to Yachats, but not for us today.
We drove down to the Devil’s Churn area, and took a short hike along the cliffs and beaches there.
Trail of the Restless Waters/Devil’s Churn areaDevil’s ChurnSwitchbacks down into the ChurnWatching the waves splash on the rocks.Landward edge of Devil’s ChurnCircling around through the forest, we saw a few flowers, including this coltsfoot.View south from the small beach on the south end of our hiking loop.
One could continue south along the beach here, but we were starting to feel the raindrops and the wind, so we hiked back to our car and called it a morning. Luckily, our lodging has a lovely indoor soaking pool with a view to the beach, so we enjoyed that while watching the storm come in.
March 11 – Oregon Coast Aquarium
This day looked to be completely rainy and windy. We drove a half hour north to Newport to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium. We had been a few times before, when we had children in the house. But not for many years. We enjoyed the day!
The first thing I saw in the entry area was the large tank of moon jellyfish, fluttering and floating in a mesmerizing way. Perfect meditation objects…
Moon jelliesMoon jellies – shimmering and floating up and down.Moon jellies – we watched them for a while.
Next, we wandered through the various rooms, looking at sea creatures we don’t usually see up close…
Sea pensSand dollarsScallopsLots of bright, colorful anemones, urchins, and other creatures in the touch pools.Sea stars, anemones, and coral in the touch pools.Rockfish, urchins, and anemones in one of the tanks.
We watched the resident octopus swim laps around the tank. Also mesmerizing…
Sea horsesBright coral and clown fishMany colorful fish in a large tank.Another kind of jellyfish.Spotted eel and spotted fish…
We rushed past the outdoor viewing areas in the rain, stopping just long enough to notice these hunkered down puffins.
Puffins
We went to the Passages of the Deep, walking through large glass tubes in a giant tank that is now populated with the sea creatures that live in the various habitats off the Oregon coast. We brought our kids here to see the orca Keiko, all those years ago, before he was freed (Free Willy).
One of the viewing galleries in this exhibit.Fish swimming around pier posts and kelp.More fish – it’s difficult to get good photos through the very thick tank walls.Shark
We returned back through the main galleries, taking time to look at the moon jellies once more.
Moon jellies
Then we drove back to Yachats, through the wind and rain, over the Art Deco Yaquina Bay Bridge…
Yaquina Bay Bridge
March 12 – 804 Trail, Yachats
This looked to be another rainy day. The 804 Trail passes in front of our hotel, and all along the waterfront of Yachats. We walked in alternating drizzle and mist about 3 miles north and south along the trail.
Walking south on the 804 trail – there are benches for better weather days.Sea spouts among the rocky ledges here.Sea thrift blooming along the shore; our hotel in the mist.Beach at the northern end of the 804 TrailSeabirds – don’t mind the rain.
That afternoon, it was back to the soaking tub and spa, and I had more time to knit with a view…
Knitting and storm watching.
March 13 – Homeward
On Friday we drove home, refreshed from our time at the coast, despite the stormy weather. I appreciated all the coastal-themed art work in our hotel, including a seabird chess set.
Lobby with fireplace and comfortable seating.Seabird chess set
Four hikes in the eastern Columbia River Gorge, with wildflowers and fire recovery notes; and two urban walks.
3/3 – Crawford Oaks, WA
On a calm day, we walked the Vista Loop from Crawford Oaks (5 miles, 750 feet). We saw the earliest spring flowers, and the Columbia River reflecting the landscape like a mirror.
Eight Mile FallsGold Stars blooming along the trail.Grass widows and salt and pepper parsley blooming at our lunch stop, looking toward The Dalles.Dalles Mountain Ranch. We saw a few yellow bells blooming in the dry grass.Emerging balsam root bloomsEastward view up the Columbia River toward Celilo.Spotted towhee
3/17 – The Labyrinth, WA
I finally made it all the way up to the guide Ponderosa pine, for the first time since the Burdoin Fire last summer. There was evidence of fire damage along the way, and extremely lush meadows full of flowers. (4 miles, 900 feet)
Starting up, green meadows with blooming popcorn flowers and filaree.Swales of white cress flowersGold stars and grass widows near Hidden Falls.Lots of water in the creek, with buttercups.Grass widows, and the orchards of Mosier across the Columbia River.Fire damage in my favorite oak grove.More fields of glowing grass widows as we approach the lunch ledge,And a view of Mt Hood with lenticular cloud.Columbia desert parsleyThe ridgeline oak treeContinuing upward toward the ‘guide’ ponderosa at the turnaround/viewpoint,On closer view, I can see the burn damage, but there is still a lot of green. I’m hoping it will survive.View eastward from near the ponderosa.Saying goodbye to the trail guardian oak on the way down – also still here, and undamaged.
3/21 – Portland Waterfront Cherry Blossoms
We took quick walk, along with thousands of others, to see the blooming cherry trees along the Portland waterfront, on a sunny day. Given all the usual protest vibes we live with, this day was a refreshing break. We were all enjoying the sunshine and the blossoms!
Looking down on the Willamette River waterfront from the Steel Bridge.Cherry trees and the Burnside BridgeLooking back to the Steel BridgeCherry blossoms, Convention Center tower beyondCherry blossoms
3/25 – Mosier Plateau, OR
We hiked with friends on this windy day, out to the Mosier Plateau, where we could see the first balsam root flowers blooming, and great views across the Columbia River. (3.2 miles, 650 feet)
Walking uphill along Mosier Creek, past Mosier Falls.A few switchbacks and stairs, still protected from the wind; with Columbia desert parsley.Now walking north toward the exposed plateau, balsamroot blooming along the trail.Windy view across the Columbia River, with balsam rootFreshly blooming balsamrootWestward view, down the Columbia RiverNorthward view, directly toward Coyote Wall; Labyrinth to the right. All burned by last summer’s Burdoin Fire, and now all green.Upriver view, toward the Catherine Creek area.
3/30 – Catherine Creek, WA
Our first time doing this eastern loop since the Burdoin Fire. The meadows were full of blooming flowers. There were many remnants of burned trees, and I learned about bonfire moss, a neon green variety that marks the fire areas. I didn’t see my ‘ent’, a snag that I greet every time we hike here. It seems to have vanished in the fire…though if it were a true ent, it would have moved away from the fire. (3 miles, 500 feet)
Meadow full of death camas at the trailhead.Gold stars near the bridge.Rosy plectritis in abundance.Camas, shooting stars and saxifrage.View back to Mt Hood across the Columbia River.Walking uphill along the eastern trail. I don’t see my ent, but it should be somewhere in this view…I did see many remnants of burned trees – blackened logs, surrounded by bonfire moss.Miners lettuce and bonfire moss.We passed many burned logs, each with their bonfire moss halo.View from the cliff edge across Catherine Creek, as we return down the trail. The yellow patches are monkey flowers.RIP to my old ent… perhaps he is wandering out there somewhere. Photo from 2024.
3/31 – Fort Vancouver Land Bridge, WA
We took a brisk two mile walk over the Confluence Land Bridge near downtown Vancouver, Washington. The bridge and trail trail connect historic Fort Vancouver to the Columbia Riverfront, over the freeway. Art and signage explain historical and natural history. Although it was very noisy near the freeway, and on this day, the view of the river was blocked by a parked train, the bridge does provides a creative and protected way to cross the freeway and the train tracks, and we saw many bikes and people making use of it.
Sign explaining the Confluence Project and this Land Bridge.Entrance to the bridge.Historic placards and native plants along the way.Red currantOregon GrapeA lovely view of Hwy. 14 to the east, and that train blocking the river view.View of Fort Vancouver.Going down the north side – more artwork. Note the towers of the Interstate Bridge and the freeway interchange in the distance.Indigenous art.We walked near these reproduction cabins at the Fort Vancouver site,and then walked over to the Fort.It was quieter here. We had another appointment to get to, so didn’t have time to explore.We attended living history demonstrations here with our kids many years ago, but haven’t been for a long time. Despite being so close to freeways, the interstate bridge, train tracks and a lot of traffic, we appreciated having a green place to walk between appointments on this busy day.
April was a roller coaster, with another great loss. Nevertheless, I made progress on some usual activities.
Neighborhood walks…
Red rhododendronRoof top crowsSunset cloudsFringe FlowerFirst roseRaindrops on rose leavesFothergillaDogwood
Sidewalk of the month:
Knitting…
I finally finished knitting my Zephyr Cardigan. It fits well, and now just needs buttons.
Some button choices…
Books…
I finished twelve books in April. In the Jane Austen category, I listened to the BBC radio adaptations of all six novels – a completely satisfying refresher. I also listened to two Nancy Mitford novels, and read two by D.E. Stevenson. All escapism. I suppose my re-listen of The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion was the most pertinent, and sadly, very relatable, and I appreciate having her writing to listen to in a sad time such as this.
April books
Art…
Once again, I did not make it to the Art Museum this month, but I did see a huge new wall mural at one of the remodeled arrival concourses at the Portland Airport. Colorful ceramic tiles suggest a volcanic landscape, or the view from 30,000 feet… with details that look like topography, plants, lakes, lava…it is beautiful!
We also went to the Oregon Potters Association Showcase, and bought some new bowls and trinket dishes.
Patagonia by proxy…
My husband went to Patagonia for a Photography Workshop, and shared photos while visiting the National Park and Fitzroy areas.
Sisters quilting retreat…
While he was gone, two of my sisters came to visit and to work on some quilting projects. We finished four potholders to give to family members in Eugene. I practiced using my Juki machine, and we had more quilting planned after the Eugene weekend.
Four quilted potholdersTulips to admire while the person with hay fever is away.
Eugene weekend…
We were enjoying visiting with siblings and sorting some of our parents photos and other archival material.
We watched the splashdown of Artemis II together. Our father was a rocket engineer, heavily involved in the Saturn V engine development in the early 60’s, so we all have great appreciation for successful space missions.Sorting through old family photos.
An afternoon in a family garden…
Only one younger sister wasn’t there, not feeling well – and then we received the sudden news that she had an unexpected fatal cardiac arrest and our world turned upside down. What started as a fun reunion turned to grief. At least we were all together and could console each other; at least we are good people to go through tragedy with; ‘at least‘ is one of the worst phrases in the language…All plans were upended and now I am writing this in May trying to remember what else happened in April.
Toward the end of the month…
My husband returned safely from South America. Our younger son visited from Philadelphia. Our daughter passed all her preliminary PhD exams at Duke, and now “just” has to complete her dissertation over the next few years. Our older son traveled to Trail Blazer post season games, thus the many airport trips. There will be two hikes to report on in a later post.
Etc…
Life continues under the toxic umbrella of war and global disarray that I do not look away from.
Neighbors sharing the solution…Sisters, circa 1959…
Margaret Quilts 