Posted by Zack Clothier on March 12, 2014 at 3:57 PM
Trying to plan a possible trip to the Columbia River Gorge sometime in May. I was wondering what the best campground options would be that would be close to trail access, and also what the weather and water levels tend to be at that time of the year..thanks for any suggestions
Posted by Greg Vaughn on March 13, 2014 at 12:43 PM
Hi Zack,
The Gorge can be great at any time of year, but I think it is at its best for photography in late October (fall color) and late April to early May when forest foliage is fresh, wildflowers are blooming and the creeks have very good water flow. Weather-wise, there is a good likelihood in May of rain and overcast skies, but as long as it doesn't rain constantly, that's great weather for waterfall photography.
There are three USFS campgrounds in the Gorge: Eagle Creek, Herman Creek and Wyeth. Season is May 1 through September. The Eagle Creek campground is near the trailhead for Punchbowl and Metlako Falls, one of the most popular hikes in the Gorge.
Ainsworth State Park campground is near Horsetail and Multnomah Falls, and also opens in May. Like most Oregon state parks, it has very nice facilties, including hot showers.
None of these campgrounds is going to give you a wilderness experience - there is near constant road noise from I-84 and trains running periodically through the night. I find that earplugs help.
Even if you're coming for the waterfalls, don't neglect the wildflowers. Early in May is great for several areas on both the Oregon and Washington sides of the Columbia River.
There are a lot of options in the Gorge area, depending on what you want.
The farther east you go in May, the sunnier and drier the conditions and it can be extreme.
It can be steady rain at Multnomah falls and sunny in Hood River.
In May the eastern end is really nice for wildflowers at Rowena Dell and east of the Dalles.
There is camping open at that time of year in the lower slopes of Mt. Hood and the Hood River Valley if you want to get away from I-84 and the trains.
Hood River has good dining and lodging and is a great town to hang out in if you are looking for that.
The Washington side has more of the best waterfalls that are lesser known and there is camping around Carson and White Salmon that is off the beaten path.
I live in Portland, feel free to email me at dankearl@comcast.net if you have any more specific questions.
Posted by Steve Kennedy on March 14, 2014 at 5:25 PM
Hi Zack!
I can't add much to what Greg and Dan have offered, but if you are interested in company, let us know the dates when you'll be here. Some of us may be able to join you. After all, there aren't many places better than the gorge for photography and May is a great time to be there.
Discussion
3 repliesThe Gorge can be great at any time of year, but I think it is at its best for photography in late October (fall color) and late April to early May when forest foliage is fresh, wildflowers are blooming and the creeks have very good water flow. Weather-wise, there is a good likelihood in May of rain and overcast skies, but as long as it doesn't rain constantly, that's great weather for waterfall photography.
There are three USFS campgrounds in the Gorge: Eagle Creek, Herman Creek and Wyeth. Season is May 1 through September. The Eagle Creek campground is near the trailhead for Punchbowl and Metlako Falls, one of the most popular hikes in the Gorge.
Ainsworth State Park campground is near Horsetail and Multnomah Falls, and also opens in May. Like most Oregon state parks, it has very nice facilties, including hot showers.
None of these campgrounds is going to give you a wilderness experience - there is near constant road noise from I-84 and trains running periodically through the night. I find that earplugs help.
Even if you're coming for the waterfalls, don't neglect the wildflowers. Early in May is great for several areas on both the Oregon and Washington sides of the Columbia River.
There are a lot of options in the Gorge area, depending on what you want.
The farther east you go in May, the sunnier and drier the conditions and it can be extreme.
It can be steady rain at Multnomah falls and sunny in Hood River.
In May the eastern end is really nice for wildflowers at Rowena Dell and east of the Dalles.
There is camping open at that time of year in the lower slopes of Mt. Hood and the Hood River Valley if you want to get away from I-84 and the trains.
Hood River has good dining and lodging and is a great town to hang out in if you are looking for that.
The Washington side has more of the best waterfalls that are lesser known and there is camping around Carson and White Salmon that is off the beaten path.
I live in Portland, feel free to email me at dankearl@comcast.net if you have any more specific questions.
I can't add much to what Greg and Dan have offered, but if you are interested in company, let us know the dates when you'll be here. Some of us may be able to join you. After all, there aren't many places better than the gorge for photography and May is a great time to be there.