Friends of the Columbia Gorge Hikes, Outings, Events & Stewardship Spring & Summer 2017

Hiking at Coyote Wall. Photo: Debbie Asakawa

Register now at www.gorgefriends.org/hikes

Come on out and lend a hand! Stewardship Work Parties Photo: Sara Woods end a hand – no experience necessary! Most events will be led by Friends Stewardship Coordinator Sara Woods on our land trust properties, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Thursday, March 16: Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA June 20 – 24: Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA Fence Removal and Post Transport Yellow Starthistle Power Pull Week

Monday, March 20: Mosier Plateau, OR Thursdays, June 29 and July 6 & 13: Invasive Teasel Rosette Removal Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA Yellow Starthistle Power Pull Parties Wednesday, May 10: Mosier Plateau, OR Native Balsamroot Seed Collection Saturday, July 15: Mosier Plateau, OR Invasive Teasel Seedhead Removal Wednesday, May 31: Mosier Plateau, OR Native Lupine Seed Collection August dates TBA: Mosier Plateau, OR and Dancing Rock, WA Friday, June 2: Western Gorge Invasive Knapweed Pull Parties Thursday, June 8: Eastern Gorge Exact locations TBA Visit www.gorgefriends.org/stewardship for all the details. Invasive Species Training Hikes Questions? Contact Sara Woods at [email protected]. Sunrise in Washougal. Photo: Mitch Hammontree Hike Program 2017 Play & Stay Weekends General Information • Hike distances listed are round-trip. April 28–30 • Please note difficulty levels when Wildflowers & Wine, Dufur, OR choosing hikes: Easy, Moderate, May 19–21 Strenuous or Expert. Beaches, Birds & Brews, Washougal, WA • Outings are very popular, so as a courtesy Enjoy a “Gorge getaway” weekend as part of our Play & Stay program. Exclusive to other hikers, please only register if guided outings in specific areas, discounted lodging, meals, and evening events are you’re sure you will attend. all organized for you. As a Gorge lover, this is an opportunity to go beyondjfolaw.co daym hikes • Carpool information and outing-specific and leave a positive economic footprint in Gorge communities when you Play & Stay. details will be emailed to you upon For more details, visit registration. www.gorgefriends.org/playandstay. • Children are welcome with a parent or guardian. Please choose hikes appropriate for your child’s age and ability. Member Registration is Now Open! Our hiking program • Dogs are welcome on hikes with the General registration begins March 6. is sponsored by dog-friendly icon; otherwise, please leave www.gorgefriends.org/hikes pets at home. Questions? Contact Kate Lindberg at • Leave no traces – take only memories, 971-634-1265 or [email protected] and photos!

www.gorgefriends.org/hikes

Thursday, March 23 Multnomah-to-Wahkeena Loop, OR Spring & Summer 2017 Moderate: 4.8 miles, 1,540-ft elev. gain Saturday, March 11 Friday, March 17 Follow leader Annette Hadaway on this classic Gorge waterfall trail past seven waterfalls. Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA Catherine Creek to Labyrinth Loop, WA Early wildflowers will be coming to life after Moderate: 6 miles, 1,400-ft elev. gain Moderate: 5.8 miles, 1,200-ft elev. gain a hard winter. Gorge Towns to Trails Project Manager Field Representative Peter Cornelison is our Renee Tkach will lead us to early spring guide at one of the Gorge’s best wildflower Friday, March 24 spots. We’ll pass two cascading waterfalls as wildflowers and panoramic Gorge Wildflower Walk at views, at this iconic Friends land trust we hike to enjoy spectacular Gorge views. Catherine Creek, WA property. Optional wine tasting at a Saturday, March 18 Moderate: 3.5 miles, 500-ft elev. gain nearby winery afterwards. First Aid & CPR Training Wildflower enthusiast Pappy Corbitt will Heritage Farm, Vancouver, WA share knowledge of Gorge flora and their This 6-hour course led by NW Responder medicinal properties on a leisurely walk on Outing Icon Key teaches critical response skills to manage a the slopes at Catherine Creek. Later, enjoy Members Only first aid, choking, or sudden cardiac arrest optional wine tasting at nearby winery. emergency until emergency services arrive. Wildflowers Saturday, April 1 Special Focus Saturday, March 18 Rowena Botanical Walk, OR Wiking Hike & Wine Tasting Hamilton Mountain, WA Easy: 1-2 miles, little elev. gain Family Friendly Strenuous: 9.4 miles, 2,100-ft elev. gain Botanist Pappy Corbitt will teach us about Climb high above the Gorge with Friends wildflowers at Rowena and Gorge endemics Trails to Ales Hike & Pub Visit Field Representative Peter Cornelison on this on this leisurely walk amid spring beauty. Dog Friendly strenuous trek past two waterfalls and open Later we’ll enjoy lunch, a vineyard tour, and meadows to spectacular vistas. wine tasting at Analemma Wines (optional). Saturday, April 1 Sunday, April 9 Saturday, April 22 Lyle Cherry Orchard Wildlife Walk, WA Starvation Ridge Loop, OR Coyote Wall Wildflowers, WA Moderate: 4 miles, 900-ft elev. gain Easy: 2.5 miles, 600-ft elev. gain Strenuous: 8.7 miles, 2,000-ft elev. gain. Wildlife biologist Bill Weiler will lead us up Hike at an easy pace with leader Billie Wildflower enthusiast Paul Freeman leads this to the Lyle Cherry Orchard and neighboring Anger on a newly restored section of strenuous hike up rocky slopes to gorgeous Washington DNR land, pointing out the Historic Columbia River Highway views, with stops to ID flowers as we get a threatened western gray squirrels, pileated featuring a pathway with views of three thorough workout. This should not be your woodpeckers, and other local wildlife. waterfalls and a new stone bridge. first hike of the season!

Thursday, April 27 Sunday, April 2 Saturday, April 15

Annual Meeting & Luncheon Wildflowers & Waterfalls Weldon Wagon Road, WA Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA at Latourell Falls, OR Moderate: 5 miles, 1,340-ft elev. gain www.gorgefriends.org/annualmeeting Easy: 2.4 miles, 520-ft elev. gain Leader Kim Owen will share local history as Join Oregon State Park Ranger Dorothy we hike this historic wagon road, now a year- round trail, to enjoy a weekday wildflower Thursday, April 6 Brown-Kwaiser for an Earth Day hike Wildflowers at Catherine Creek through the “mist zone” at Latourell Falls. show. Stop afterward at a nearby brewery to & Klickitat Trail, WA We’ll visit two sparkling waterfalls that continue conversations (optional). Easy/Moderate: 5 miles, 150-ft elev. gain plunge over high basalt cliffs on this loop hike and learn the park’s history and flora. Walk with Klickitat Trail Conservancy board Friday-Sunday, April 28-30 Play & Stay Weekend members Steven Woolpert and Barbara Thursday, April 20 Robinson at these two eastern-Gorge Wildflowers & Wine Mindfulness Earth Walk www.gorgefriends.org/playandstay locations famous for spring wildflowers. on the Klickitat Trail, WA Easy: 2-3 miles, 150-ft elev. gain Friday, April 7 This quiet walk with Klickitat Trail Saturday & Sunday, April 29-30 Petroglyphs Tour, WA Wilderness First Aid Easy: 0.5 miles, little elev. gain Conservancy board member Steven Woolpert offers an opportunity to Beacon Rock Group Site, WA Take a quiet walk on culturally treasured enhance your outdoor experience. Learn how to treat an injury or illness in the Yakama Nation lands with leader Judy Walking quietly, we’ll use mindful backcountry where help is delayed. This 16- Todd to see Tsagaglalal, or She Who Watches. awareness to connect more fully with hour, hands-on, interactive class with NW Learn historical perspectives and current nature, health, and ourselves. Responder has been customized and updated challenges as we view the rock art. for our hike leaders and shepherds. First day is Friday, April 21 indoors, with a field session on day two. Saturday, April 8 Mosier Plateau, OR Columbia River to Rowena Crest Easy: 3.5 miles, 600-ft elev. gain Saturday, April 29 Bike Ride, OR Sandy River Delta Evening Walk, WA Enjoy panoramic views on the bluff trail Moderate: 26.6 miles, 1,200-ft elev. gain above Mosier with Friends Land Trust Easy: 3-4 miles, little elev. gain Tour on your bike with Field Representative Manager Kate McBride, as colorful spring Join Courtney Yilk of Confluence, Bill Weiler Peter Cornelison. Starting from the river in wildflowers carpet the plateau. After of Sandy River Basin Watershed Council, The Dalles, we’ll ride up through the famed the hike, we can enjoy wine tasting and and Friends of Sandy River Delta President Rowena Loops to Rowena Crest, then glide a vineyard tour at nearby Analemma Jeff Schuh to learn about their efforts to downhill to stop at a new Gorge brewery Winery (optional). preserve this popular multi-use area. back in The Dalles (optional). Saturday, April 29 Ferry Springs / Deschutes River Trail, OR Moderate: 5 miles, 500-ft elev. gain Caretakers of the Gorge Leader Ross Edginton will guide us to sweeping views near the confluence of the Deschutes and Whether hiking with Friends Columbia Rivers. Learn desert wildflowers, or on our own, we’re all historic sites, and the area’s geology. caretakers of the Gorge. We encourage everyone to Sunday, April 30 be a responsible hiker. Elowah & Upper McCord Family Hike, OR Stay on the trail, use a Easy: 3 miles, 600-ft elev. gain trailhead boot brush, Enjoy a Gorge scavenger hunt on this hike with environmental educator Roland Begin. and carry out your trash. We’ll visit two waterfalls and learn plants, Indian paintbrush. Leave no traces, take only animals, geology, and history on this outing Photo: Micheal Drewry memories – and photos! for the young and the young-at-heart! Friday, May 5 Columbia Hills Wildflowers, WA Moderate: 6.9 miles, 1,060-elev. gain Join leader Kristin Price when wildflowers are at their peak along the expansive Crawford Oaks trail to Dalles Mountain Ranch. Later, enjoy an optional wine tasting nearby. Heron taking flight at Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge. Saturday, May 6 See hike on May 27. Ecology of Conboy Lake NWR, WA Photo: Mitch Hammontree Easy: 3 miles, 100-ft elev. gain Discover the rich ecology of Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge along the Willard Springs trail with leader Ralph Rogers, spotting wildlife, many birds, and an abundance of spring flowers.

Saturday, May 6 Petroglyphs & Dancing Rock, WA Two walks: Easy, 3 miles, little elev. gain Friends Board Member Jim Chase will lead us to view ancient petroglyphs, including She Who Watches, and then over to our nearby Dancing Friday, May 12 Thursday, May 18 Rock land trust property. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy Falls Creek & Panther Creek Falls, WA Geology Hike at wine tasting at a local winery (optional). Moderate: 3.4 miles, 700-ft elev. gain Wahclella Falls, OR Follow leader Jane Garbisch on this gentle Easy: 2 miles, 380-ft elev. gain Sunday, May 7 creek-side trail and cross a small suspension Learn from leaders Tom Kloster and Klickitat River Whitewater Rafting, WA bridge, then follow a gently ascending creek Brian Chambers about the earth forces Enjoy a full-day whitewater rafting adventure to a multi-tiered waterfall over 200 feet high, that created the Columbia Gorge on with Wet Planet, passing thick pine forests, ending with a stop at Panther Creek Falls. this hike to thundering Wahclella Falls. basalt-lined canyons, and oak woodlands. Wahclella plunges down steep cliffs $90 includes lunch and gear. Saturday, May 13 into Tanner Creek, in one of the most Lichen Discovery Hike, OR geologically active canyons in the Gorge. Sunday, May 7 Easy hike. Location TBD. Little Beacon Rock & Rodney Falls, WA U.S. Forest Service Botanist Andrea Easy: 2.5 miles, 500-ft elev. gain Montgomery will lead this family-friendly Friday-Sunday, May 19–21 This educational scavenger-hunt outing to Rodney outing to find forest lichen and learn how this Play & Stay Weekend Falls and Little Beacon Rock with environmental complex life form indicates air quality and Beaches, Birds, & Brews educator Roland Begin features local history, forest health. Location will depend on lichen www.gorgefriends.org/playandstay geology, and plant lore. This is a great outing for abundance – to be announced in March. the whole family! Saturday, May 13 Tuesday, May 23 Thursday, May 11 Riparian Ecology along Dog Mountain, WA Mosier Twin Tunnels All-Access Outing, OR the Deschutes River Trail, OR Strenuous: 6.9 miles, 2,820-ft elev. gain Easy: 3 miles, paved, little elev. gain Moderate: 4-5 miles, little elev. gain Hike up to high slopes covered with Hikers of all abilities can join leader Annette Take a leisurely walk with leader Ralph Rogers wildflowers with leader Karl Kratzer. Hadaway on this section of the Historic Highway. on the Deschutes River Trail and learn riparian We’ll take in panoramic Gorge views We’ll enjoy an easy pace on this paved trail. ecology, vegetation, and wildlife along the and bask in beauty and solitude on this Friendly outing for wheelchairs, walkers, and trail, enjoying birds, butterflies, and bright weekday hike. strollers. Transportation possible from Portland. spring flowers. Thursday, may 25 Thursday, May 11 Sunday, May 14 Coyote Wall & Labyrinth, WA Cape Horn Upper Trail Swale Canyon Bike Ride, WA Moderate: 5.8 miles, 1,500-ft elev. gain Moderate: 7-8 miles, 1,000-ft elev. gain Difficult: 28 miles, 1,000-ft elev. gain Leader Annette Hadaway will be our guide Dazzling delphinium blooms and bright wildflowers Ride the old Swale Creek railbed with Field up the trail that climbs dramatic Coyote line the upper section of this trail where we’ll hike Representative Peter Cornelison, from Wall and winds through the verdant with Cape Horn Conservancy board member Jill Harms Road down to Lyle. We’ll cross some Labyrinth. We’ll enjoy breathtaking views Turner. Hear trail history and future plans as we rough railroad rock and enjoy great views in from the sweeping, flower-covered slopes hike to panoramic views at the overlook points. this arid landscape. Involves a car shuttle. above the river. Saturday, May 27 Saturday, June 3 Tuesday, June 20 Gibbons Creek Wildlife Walk, WA Petroglyphs & Wine Tasting, WA Silver Star Mountain, WA Easy: 2.8 miles, no elev. gain Easy: 0.5 miles, little elev. gain. Moderate: 5 miles, 1,500-ft elev. gain Enjoy a leisurely morning walk on the Washington State Park Ranger Welcome summer with Outreach Manager loop trail at Steigerwald National Wildlife Chon Clayton will lead us to ancient Maegan Jossy, hiking on flower-strewn hillsides Refurge, with Gorge Refuge Steward Joan petroglyphs and rock images, including to a 360-degree view of five Cascade Peaks. Durgin. The Refuge marks the western the famed She Who Watches. Afterwards, We’ll learn about the devastating wildfires that entrance to the National Scenic Area. we’ll enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a created this unique alpine ecosystem, as we Afterwards, join us for post-hike beverage nearby winery (optional). enjoy a leisurely pace to identify wildflowers. at a Washougal brewery (optional). Sunday, June 4 Saturday, June 24 Saturday, May 27 Fort Cascades Historic Trail & Dry Creek Falls, OR Whistling Ridge, WA Bonneville Dam Tour, WA Moderate: 4.7 miles, 760-ft elev. gain Strenuous: 8 miles, 2,200-ft elev. gain Easy: 1.5 miles, little elev. gain Leader Kristin Price will lead us on a section Friends Staff Attorney Nathan Baker will Stroll this historic trail with Park of the PCT to this lovely, secluded waterfall. lead us across the scenic ridge whose Ranger Jesse Brownlee, learning how Later, we can stop at nearby Thunder Island name is shared with the nearby proposed plants and animal species here were Brewing for a drink, snack, and continued wind energy project. We’ll get a current used by early European settlers. Bring conversation. update on this project, and later we’ll a sack lunch to enjoy near Bonneville’s visit a nearby winery for wine tasting and famous fish-viewing windows, then Saturday, June 24 conversation (optional). tour the powerhouse. Little Baldy, WA Strenuous: 9 miles, 1,500-ft elevation gain Sunday, May 28 Thursday, June 8 Join Board Member Jim Chase on a favorite Pierce National Wildlife Refuge, WA Historic Highway Bingo Tour, OR trail near Silver Star Mountain. This hike Easy: 3 miles, 150-ft elev. gain Easy: Driving tour with short walks through enchanted forests and wildflowers Gorge Refuge Steward Randy Fortish Explore sections of the historic highway will be shorter than last year, and will include will lead this easy, early-morning hike with Kristen Stallman, National Scenic a nontechnical scramble up to the summit of through oak woodlands, open fields, and Area Coordinator at the Oregon Little Baldy for stunning views. riparian forests, pointing out birds and Department of Transportation, and other wildlife that live in this beautiful Friends’ Outreach Manager Maegan wetland area. Jossy, and play Historic Highway Bingo along the way. Thursday, June 1 Angel’s Rest, OR Sunday, June 11 Moderate: 5 miles, 1,500-ft elev. gain White Salmon River Half-Day Join Outreach Manager Maegan Jossy on Whitewater Rafting, WA forested switchbacks traversing some rocky The Wild and Scenic White patches and boulders to see breathtaking Salmon River offers a views that are well worth the trek. breathtaking combination of outstanding whitewater and Friday, June 2 scenery. This crystal clear river Beacon Rock Geology & tumbles down steep, narrow River-to-Rock Ramble, WA canyons of volcanic basalt Moderate: 3.3 miles, 850-ft elev. gain before reaching the forested Friends board member Jim Chase will share river plain on the valley floor. an Ice Age Floods presentation, then lead us $65 includes gear. up from the river to the Beacon Rock trail, where we’ll climb the iconic monolith to see Saturday, June 17 how the Missoula Floods shaped the Gorge. Grassy Knoll, WA Strenuous: 7.5 miles, Friday, June 2 1,800-ft elevation gain Triple Falls Loop, OR Follow leader Jim Chase Moderate: 5 miles, 740-ft elev. gain along a ridge carpeted with Join leader Billie Anger on this classic wildflowers and through a Gorge hike through lush forests, passing lush forest to an icy spring. three pristine waterfalls to reach Triple Enjoy great mountain and Falls, nestled in the lush and beautiful Gorge views, and an overlook Family friendly outing at Elowah and Upper Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. of Big Lava Bed. McCord Falls. See April 30 hike. Photo: Micheal Drewry Sunday, June 25 Saturday, July 8 Friday, July 14 Rooster Rock Kayak Tour, OR Toothrock Full Moon Hike, OR Horsetail Falls Pika Hike, OR Oregon State Parks Rangers will lead Easy: 2 miles, little elev. gain Easy: 1 mile, 500-ft elev. gain this 2.5-hour paddle trip on the channel Join Oregon State Park Ranger Dorothy A Cascade Pika Watch volunteer will lead out to the Columbia River with the Brown-Kwaiser for a full-moon sensory this hike in Gorge habitat of the American possibility of visiting Mirror Lake. Learn exploration, learning how nocturnal pika, a small alpine creature considered a basic strokes and local history on this animals adapt to darkness. sensitive indicator of climate change. tour for beginning kayakers and Rooster Rock history buffs. $15 fee includes Saturday, July 15 Sunday, July 9 kayaking equipment. Cape Horn Full Loop, WA Summer Picnic in Paradise Thunder Island in Cascade Locks, OR Moderate: 8.3 miles, 1,500-ft elev. gain Saturday, July 1 www.gorgefriends.org/summerpicnic Hike with leader Sharon Ross and Friends Larch Mountain Crater Loop, OR Executive Director Kevin Gorman to Moderate: 6 miles, 1,300-ft elev. gain viewpoints including the Nancy Russell Enjoy alpine wildflowers on one of the Monday, July 10 Overlook, on this midsummer hike on this Gorge’s highest trails. We’ll hike through Wahclella Falls Family Hike, OR protected trail. an old growth forest with Executive Easy: 1.8 miles, 300-ft elev. gain Director Kevin Gorman for a unique view Join leader Sam Dumont of Lower Columbia Sunday, July 23 of the Columbia River and five major Estuary Partnership on this hike to thundering White Salmon Rafting, WA peaks from Sherrard Point. Wahclella Falls. We’ll see native plants and This full-day guided raft trip on the learn about the salmon that spawn here in fall. Wild & Scenic White Salmon River Saturday, July 8 Fun for the whole family! with Wet Planet descends through steep Tanner Butte, OR canyons formed after the removal of Expert: 18.4 miles, 4,500-ft elev. gain Thursday, July 13 Condit Dam. The river plunges through Follow leader Paul Freeman to catch Larch Mountain Loop Dog Hike, OR spectacular basalt-lined Narrows Canyon beargrass in bloom on this rugged full- Moderate: 6 miles, 1,300-ft elev. gain before reaching the sunlit riverplain day hike to enjoy sweeping views at the Follow Madeleine von Laue to the sparkling below. $130 includes gear and lunch. top of the Butte as we enjoy lunch. headwaters of Multnomah Creek. Complete Note: This should not be your first the loop hike on Larch Mountain with a Friends hike. panoramic view from Sherrard Point. Teaching on the trail. Photo: Micheal Drewry