Posted by Greg Vaughn on April 17, 2014 at 12:43 AM
Several reports I've read say that wildflowers are getting really good in some parts of the Columbia River Gorge now, and that the apple blossoms in Hood River Valley are about peak.
I will be photographing in the area for several days starting Thursday afternoon (4/17). If anyone else on the forum is doing the same, it would be fun to meet. If you see a white VW Westfalia on the side of the road or at a trailhead, say hello.
Greg, how long will you be out there, do you think?
We were up Herman Creek last weekend, stayed at Noble camp. That was a little high for flowers, and may return but stay lower, at the Casey Creek camp. We found trillium and forest slippers from the railhead to ~1600 ft.
We're in an 87 Vanagon (Clio) with a solar cell in the luggage rack.
Best,
Wesley
Posted by Greg Vaughn on April 17, 2014 at 2:05 PM
Hi Wesley,
If the weather is good for photos I'll probably stay in the area until next Tuesday or Wednesday. Some work in the main waterfall area but mostly east for flowers between Hood River Valley and Columbia Hills. My 90 Westy has a gas can on the roof luggage rack and a black bra on the front. Maybe Rusty and Clio can get together.
I maybe could join you(s) early next week, Monday – Tuesday. Be great to see you and to hunt for wildflowers. Thanks Greg, for posting your outing with an invitation.
Buzz is a black-cherry color Scion Tc and has a black poodle in it, or out with me. I will probably stay at the Hood River Best Western.
Posted by Greg Vaughn on April 18, 2014 at 12:06 AM
Here's what I saw today (besides a lot of rain):
The blossoms on the apple trees in lower Hood River Valley (like around Panorama Point) are at peak right now and really stunning.
At Tom McCall Preserve and Mosier-Rowena area, balsamroot is looking REALLY good; lupine not really happening yet except in a few spots.
About half mile up the trail at Deschutes River St Pk, there's scattered clumps of lupine among the sage that are kinda pretty.
In the main CRG waterfall area deciduous trees are starting to leaf out so the forest is looking very nice.
From what I've seen and heard, the flowers were better about a week after I was there. Low elevation sites might be waning now, but higer up like on Dog Mountain is probably looking really good these days.
Discussion
7 repliesI will be photographing in the area for several days starting Thursday afternoon (4/17). If anyone else on the forum is doing the same, it would be fun to meet. If you see a white VW Westfalia on the side of the road or at a trailhead, say hello.
We were up Herman Creek last weekend, stayed at Noble camp. That was a little high for flowers, and may return but stay lower, at the Casey Creek camp. We found trillium and forest slippers from the railhead to ~1600 ft.
We're in an 87 Vanagon (Clio) with a solar cell in the luggage rack.
Best,
Wesley
If the weather is good for photos I'll probably stay in the area until next Tuesday or Wednesday. Some work in the main waterfall area but mostly east for flowers between Hood River Valley and Columbia Hills. My 90 Westy has a gas can on the roof luggage rack and a black bra on the front. Maybe Rusty and Clio can get together.
Buzz is a black-cherry color Scion Tc and has a black poodle in it, or out with me. I will probably stay at the Hood River Best Western.
The blossoms on the apple trees in lower Hood River Valley (like around Panorama Point) are at peak right now and really stunning.
At Tom McCall Preserve and Mosier-Rowena area, balsamroot is looking REALLY good; lupine not really happening yet except in a few spots.
About half mile up the trail at Deschutes River St Pk, there's scattered clumps of lupine among the sage that are kinda pretty.
In the main CRG waterfall area deciduous trees are starting to leaf out so the forest is looking very nice.
I plan to check out Columbia Hills tomorrow.