friends of the columbia gorge and wild columbia gorge...

The Gorge Needs You!JOIN FRIENDS TODAY

Guide $100 Crown Point $1,000

Sponsor $50 Steward $500

Basic Membership $35 Trailblazer $250

Other______

Friends of the Columbia Gorge invites you to join us in protecting and restoring this incomparable national treasure. Membership benefits include

access to our special member-only hikes, invitations to events and outings, our quarterly newsletter, opportunities to be an activist for Gorge protection, and information on history and current events in the National Scenic Area.

Join online at www.gorgefriends.org, or mail this form with your payment to: Friends of the Columbia Gorge, 522 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 720, Portland, OR 97204.

Visa/MC #

Exp. Date

Amount

Signature

In Portland:522 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 720

Portland, OR 97204503-241-3762

In Hood River:205 Oak Ave., Suite 17Hood River OR 97031

541-386-5268

In Washougal:1887 Main St., Suite 202 Washougal, WA 98671

360-334-3180

www.gorgefriends.org

Hikes, Outings, & Stewardship

Spring/Summer 2014

Working to ensure that the beautiful and wild Columbia Gorge remains

a place apart, an unspoiled treasure for generations to come.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Cover: A view of the Lyle Cherry Orchard (see March 16 hike) from Tom McCall Preserve.

Photo: Jozsef Urmos / panojoe.urmos.net

printed with soy ink on recycled paper design: tothepointpublications.com

editor: Betsy Toll / Lumin Creative Services

Friends of the Columbia Gorge

HikesCarpooling Information: • Carpools generally leave between 8 & 9 a.m.

from Gateway Transit Center (NE Portland).

• Suggested carpool donation is $7-$12 per rider. General Information:

• Most of these activities are open to the public, except where noted as “Members only” . It’s easy to join when registering.

• Hike distances listed are round-trip.

• Please note difficulty levels when choosing hikes. Hiking is always somewhat strenuous; see notes below regarding apparel.

• Children are welcome with parent or guardian; choose hikes appropriate for child’s age and ability.

• Participants are responsibile for their own safety.

• Stay on paths and trails to minimize impact on landscape and to avoid poison oak and ticks.

• Please do not bring pets on group hikes or outings.

• Please leave alcohol and other intoxicants at home.

• Leave no traces, take only memories. What to bring: A daypack with lunch, snacks, water, first aid items, insect repellent, sunscreen, and extra layers for warmth or rain. Many hikers carry field guides, such as Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge by Russ Jolley. What to wear: Long sleeves and long pants are the best protection against sunburn, scratches and scrapes, and pesky ticks. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are always advised.

Register for HikesVisit www.gorgefriends.org/hike.

Questions? Contact Maegan Jossy at [email protected] or 971-634-2028.

www.gorgefriends.org/[email protected] / 971-634-2028

There’s no place on Earth like the Columbia Gorge!

This spring, seven weekends will feature special Play & Stay hikes and activities that are are part of our Gorge Towns to Trails project.

Join us on a hike, and then make a Play & Stay weekend of it! Stay overnight in the Gorge, enjoying local amenities and supporting Friends’ business partners in Gorge communities.

Look for the icon on the hike list inside. Play & Stay is a win-win program – it strengthens your connection to the Gorge and supports sustainable small businesses that play a vital role in protecting the Columbia River Gorge.

Monkey flower and rosy plectritis. photo: Mark McConnell

• Beacon Rock History

• Bridge of the Gods Legend /

Bonneville Slide

• Cape Horn Sheds

• Celilo Falls Fishing Village

• Eagle Creek and the CCC

• Fishwheels of the Gorge

• Flood Basalts

• Flumes of the Gorge

• Historic Columbia River Highway

• Hole-In-the-Wall Falls

• Ice Age Floods Traces

• Koberg Beach

• Lewis and Clark Expedition

• Lyle Convict Road

• Memaloose Island

• Native American Petrogylphs

• Oregon Trail

• Pillars of Hercules

• Syncline and Anticline

• Waterfall Special Effect

2014 HIKING SEASON

Hikes

Register for all our hikes at www.gorgefriends.org/hikes/

or call 503-241-3762 x103.

Catherine Creek. See hikes on March 20 and April 19. photo: © Larry Sawyer

Register for hikes at www.gorgefriends.org/hike

or call 971-634-2028.

Members Only

Wildflowers

Stewardship

Special Focus

Family Friendly

Play & Stay

Histories & Mysteries

S A T U R D A Y , M A R C H 1 5

Lend-a-Hand Stewardship Mosier Plateau Trail, ORJump into spring with Land Trust Manager Kate McBride and hear about our Gorge Towns to Trails plans. We’ll remove teasel, invasive plants, and fallen tree limbs to improve this new Gorge trail.

S U N D A Y , M A R C H 1 6

Lyle Cherry Orchard Wildflowers and Wine Tasting, WAModerate: 6 miles, 1,400-ft elev. gainUnbeatable views and early flowers abound on this outing with Friends board member Aubrey Russell and Conservation Organizer Ryan Rittenhouse. We’ll learn local history and hear what the future holds for this trail, and then enjoy wine tasting at nearby Memaloose Wines.

T H U R S D A Y , M A R C H 2 0

Catherine Creek Wildflowers, WAModerate: 4 miles, 800-ft elev. gain Celebrate the first day of spring on a leisurely week-day hike with botanist Pappy Corbitt, and identify wildflowers on the slopes at Catherine Creek.


Gibbons Creek Bird Walk, WAEasy: 2.75 miles, no elevation gainJoin naturalist Wilson Cady on an easy stroll at the Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge. Learn cultural and natural history and learn to identify some of the refuge’s 200+ bird species.

S U N D A Y , M A R C H 2 3

Swale Canyon Buttercup Hunt, WAModerate: 6 miles, 200-ft elev. gain Join Nancy Allen of Klickitat Trail Conservancy and botanist Carolyn Wright on a moderately paced hike along upper Swale Creek. We’ll spot desert parsley and rare Dalles Mountain buttercups. Trail is rocky in places but fairly flat.


Elowah and Upper McCord Falls, OR Moderate: 4 miles, 600-ft elev. gain Botanist Pappy Corbitt will lead us up a flower-lined trail to two sparkling waterfalls.

S A T U R D A Y , A P R I L 5

Dry Creek Falls, ORModerate: 4.4 miles, 700-ft elev. gainLeader Dave Johnson will guide us on a quiet trail through verdant forests to a secluded waterfall that plunges into a deep pool.

S A T U R D A Y , A P R I L 5

Historic Highway State Trail Tour, OREasy: driving tour with short walksExplore the next restoration phase of the Historic Highway between Wyeth and Hood River with ODOT Project Manager Kristen Stallman, visiting seldom-seen parts of the old Historic Highway. $15 fee.

S U N D A Y , A P R I L 6

Friends’ Annual Meeting and Luncheon, Skamania Lodge, WAReservations at www.gorgefriends.org/annualmtg

S A T U R D A Y , A P R I L 1 2

Petroglyph Tour and Horsethief Butte Hike, WA Two Walks: Moderate, 2-3 miles total, little elev. gain Washington Park Ranger Chon Clayton will share indigenous history as we view ancient petroglyphs and rock images, including “She Who Watches,” at Columbia Hills and Horsethief Butte.

S U N D A Y , A P R I L 1 3

Cherry Blossoms Farm Walk and Wine-tasting, OR Easy: 3-4 miles, 500-ft elev. gain Stroll through blooming cherry orchards at Orchard View Farms with orchardists Bob and Barbara Bailey and learn about sustainable farming in the Gorge.


Deschutes River Trail Bike Ride, ORModerate: 32 miles, 500-ft elev. gainRide your mountain or hybrid bike on an old railroad bed along the Deschutes River with leader Sue Neulist. We’ll catch early wildflowers, look for wildlife, and take in some old Wild West relics.

F R I D A Y , A P R I L 1 8

Eagle Creek to High Bridge or Twister Falls, ORTwo Hikes: Mod.: 6.4 miles, 840-ft elev. gain, and Mod.: 12 miles, 1,640-ft elev. gainEnjoy classic Gorge waterfalls and beautiful spring wildflowers deep in Eagle Creek Canyon with Friends board member Debbie Asakawa. Take the shorter hike to High Bridge, or go clear to Twister Falls.


Gorge Geology Ice Age Floods Tour, OR/WAEasy: Short walks, little elev. gainExplore Gorge geology on a driving tour with short walks to sites bearing traces of the cataclysmic Missoula floods. Lloyd DeKay and Terry Hurd of the Ice Age Floods Institute will share science and stories that tell the geologic history of the Gorge. $60 fee.

More Hikes…S A T U R D A Y , A P R I L 1 9

Lend-a-Hand Stewardship Memaloose Meadows, ORHelp remove old fencing while exploring this new land trust property with Outreach Manager Maegan Jossy, and enjoy beautiful wildflowers.


Catherine Creek Wildflowers and Wine Tasting, WA Moderate: 4 miles, 800-ft elev. gainRamble across flower-filled hillsides with botanist Pappy Corbitt, identifying flowers and soaking up beautiful eastern Gorge views.

T U E S D A Y , A P R I L 2 2

Triple Falls, OR Moderate: 4.5 miles, 700-ft elev. gainCelebrate Earth Day with leader Jane Garbisch on this outstanding Gorge hike through lush forests on our way to four waterfalls.

T H U R S D A Y , A P R I L 2 4

Weldon Wagon Rd, WAModerate: 7 miles, 1,340-ft elev. gainLeader Kim Owen will guide us on this historic wagon road, sharing lore as we cross fields of wildflowers and expansive oak woodlands.


Herman Creek to Casey Creek, ORModerate: 7.6 miles, 1250-ft elev. gainFollow hike leader Hal White through stunning old-growth forests and wildflowers past sparkling creeks to beautiful views.


Mosier Plateau & Garnier Vineyards, ORModerate: 4.5 miles, 600-ft elev. gainJoin Renee Tkach, Gorge Towns to Trails Project Manager, on a hike to Friends’ land trust property at Mosier Plateau for incredible wildflowers and views. After the hike, we’ll enjoy lunch and wine tasting at Garnier Vineyards on the Columbia River.


Curious Gorge Tour, OR/WADriving Tour with short walks, little elev. gain Explore the eastern Gorge’s arches and erratica, sunshine and wildflowers, petroglyphs and pictographs, Stonehenge secrets and more, with Curious Gorge author Scott Cook. C’mon, get on the bus! $15 fee.


Starvation Creek Ridge, ORModerate: 2.5 miles, 700-ft elev. gain Follow a short but challenging trail with leader Tom Kloster, to enjoy wildflowers and waterfalls and learn about Hole-in-the-Wall Falls and area lore.

T U E S D A Y , A P R I L 2 9

Bridal Veil Falls, OREasy: 1.2 miles, 70-ft elev. gainDiscover secrets of Bridal Veil’s past, with Oregon Park Ranger Dorothy Brown-Kwaiser, as we hear historical tales and enjoy blooming camas fields.

T H U R S D A Y , M A Y 1

Camas Lily Fields, WAModerate: 7 miles, 400-ft elev. gain Hike with leader Jim Daly along Lacamas Creek to sparkling waterfalls, Round Lake, and a blanket of blue camas and rosy plectitris.

F R I D A Y , M A Y 2

Petroglyph Tour and Dancing Rock, WA Two walks: Easy, 4 miles, little elev. gain Washington Park Ranger Chon Clayton will lead us to ancient petroglyphs and rock images, including “She Who Watches.” Then we’ll follow Jim Chase to see traces of the ice age floods and enjoy wildflowers at Dancing Rock, a Friends land trust property.

S A T U R D A Y , M A Y 3

Ferry Springs at the Deschutes River Trail, ORModerate: 8 miles, 500-ft elev. gain Enjoy high desert vistas where the Deschutes approaches the Columbia River, with leader Ross Edginton, and learn about desert wildflowers, historic sites, and local geology.


Seasonal Photography Classes Mosier Plateau, ORThis series includes four field classes with photographer Jason Waicunas of Outdoor Viewfinder, during different seasons and conditions. Great for all photographers who want to learn how to photograph wildflowers, birds, water features, and Gorge panoramas. $185 fee for four classes.


Wahkeena Falls Herbal Hike, OREasy: 2.4 miles, 520-ft elev. gainNaturopathic physician Daivati Bharadvaj will point out medicinal native plants in this beautiful area as we hike past two sparkling waterfalls.

S U N D A Y , M A Y 4

Crawford Oaks and Wine Tasting, WAModerate: 6 miles, 800-ft elev. gainHike with Field Representative Peter Cornelison on a new section of Columbia Hills State Park, past Eight Mile Falls to beautiful flower-covered hillsides. Later, we’ll swing by Jacob Williams winery for wine tasting.

S U N D A Y , M A Y 4

Ecosystems of the Gorge Hikes, OR/WAEasy: 4 miles, 500-ft elev. gainJoin biologist Ivan Phillipsen for two short hikes, at Wahclella Falls and Catherine Creek, to experience diverse Gorge ecosystems, from the rain-drenched coniferous forests in the west to the dry oak woodlands in the east.

F R I D A Y , M A Y 9

Tom McCall Wildflowers and Wine Tasting, ORModerate: 5 miles, 1,025-ft elev. gainNature Conservancy staff member Leslie Nelson will lead this leisurely hike across flower-filled meadows to breathtaking views. Later, we’ll enjoy wine tasting at Phelps Creek Vineyards.

S A T U R D A Y , M A Y 1 0

Volcano Ridge Vineyard Walk and Wine Tasting, OREasy, 2 miles, 600-ft elev. gainWalk amid ripening grapes at Volcano Ridge Vineyard with winery owner and viticulture expert Dr. Alan Busacca. We’ll learn about the area’s viticulture and sample Volcano Ridge wines. $20 fee.


Klickitat River Whitewater Rafting, WAThis rafting trip with Wet Planet begins on the eastern flank of Mt. Adams and passes through pine forests, deep basalt canyons, lava formations, and scrub oak woodlands. $85 includes gear and lunch.

S U N D A Y , M A Y 1 1

Klickitat Trail: Fisher Hill to Pitt, WAModerate: 9 miles, 100-ft elev. gainCelebrate Mother’s Day along the Wild and Scenic Klickitat River, surrounded by balsamroot, lupine, and much more in bloom. This one-way hike with Klickitat Trail Conservancy’s Jim Denton involves a car shuttle.

S U N D A Y , M A Y 1 1

Transit to Trailhead: Cape Horn, WAModerate: 4 miles, 1,900-ft elev. gainCatch public transit from Portland or Vancouver with leader Scott Parker to enjoy panoramic views from the Nancy Russell Overlook. The stunning blue delphium should be in bloom on the upper section of this trail.

T U E S D A Y , M A Y 1 3

Falls Creek Falls and Panther Creek Falls, WAModerate: 3.4 miles, 650-ft. elev. gain Follow leader Jane Garbisch on this quiet creek-side trail to a magnificent three-tier waterfall, then visit nearby Panther Creek Falls.


Lend-a-Hand Stewardship Mosier Plateau Trail, ORHelp with trail improvements on this scenic land trust property with Outreach Manager Maegan Jossy. We’ll prune vegetation and invasive plants, and remove blackberries at the base of the plateau.


Hamilton Mountain Loop, WAStrenuous: 9 miles, 2,100-ft elev. gainThis fantastic trek with Field Representative Peter Cornelison climbs high above the Gorge, past waterfalls and wildflowers to spectacular vistas.


Ice Age Floods Tour, OR/WAEasy: Short walks, little elev. gainOn this driving tour with short walks, we’ll explore Gorge geology at different sites to see evidence of the ice age floods that shaped the Columbia Gorge. Lloyd DeKay and Terry Hurd of the Ice Age Floods Institute will share geology and history that expand your appreciation of the Gorge. $60 fee.

S U N D A Y , M A Y 1 8

Cape Horn Upper Trail, WA Moderate: 4 miles, 800-ft elev. gainFriends Executive Director Kevin Gorman and Cape Horn Conservancy board members will share trail history and future plans as we hike to breathtaking views at the Nancy Russell Overlook.

T H U R S D A Y , M A Y 2 2

Latourell Falls Loop, OREasy: 2.4 miles, 600-ft elev. gainVisit lower and upper Latourell Falls with leader Heather Rosenwinkel, on this family-friendly loop hike through towering fir forests.

S U N D A Y , M A Y 2 5

Swale Canyon Song Birds, WAEasy: 2 miles, little elev. gainOn this early morning bird walk with wildlife biologist and bird guide Tim Pitz, we’ll learn bird species and songs as the day begins in Swale Canyon.

T H U R S D A Y , M A Y 2 9

Dog Mountain, WAStrenuous: 6.9 miles, 2,820-ft elev. gainEnjoy beauty and solitude as well as magical wildflowers and scenic vistas on this quiet weekday hike on Dog Mountain with Friends Executive Director Kevin Gorman.


Devil’s Gap, WA Moderate: 5 miles, 800-ft elev. gainHike a hidden part of Columbia Hills State Park with leader Jim Denton, crossing open meadows and woodlands to falls, flowers, and views.

S U N D A Y , J U N E 1

Sandy River Delta Bird Blind, OR Easy: 5-6 miles, little elev. gainOn this late afternoon hike to architect Maya Lin’s Bird Blind, we’ll hear about environmental restoration from the Confluence Project’s Courtney Yilk. Jeff Schuh of Friends of the Sandy River Delta will share the Delta’s history and plans to preserve its environmental, historical, and cultural heritage.

T U E S D A Y , J U N E 3

Franklin Ridge Loop, ORRugged: 10 miles, 2,760-ft elev. gainFriends board member Debbie Asakawa will lead this challenging hike past several falls up to Franklin Ridge, before descending along Multnomah Creek.

F R I D A Y , J U N E 6

Dog Mountain, WAStrenuous: 6.9 miles, 2,820-ft elev. gainEnjoy hillsides carpeted with wildflowers on a quiet weekday hike with leader Stephen Brown to spectacular Gorge views.

Spring on Dog Mountain. See hikes on May 29 and June 6. photo: Jozsef Urmos / panojoe.urmos.net

Register at www.gorgefriends.org/hike or call 971-634-2028 for more info.

S A T U R D A Y , J U N E 7

Pierce National Wildlife Refuge, WAEasy: 3 miles, 150-ft elev. gainBirder Carol Kohler will lead an easy, ambling hike through oak woodlands, open fields, wetlands, and and riparian forests.

S U N D A Y , J U N E 8

Fort Cascades Historic Trail and Bonneville Dam Tour, WAEasy: 1.5 miles, little elev. gainStroll this historic trail with Park Ranger Jesse Brownlee, learning how early settlers survived in the area. After lunch, we’ll tour Bonneville Dam.

F R I D A Y , J U N E 1 3

Beacon Rock Full Moon Hike, WAModerate: 2 miles, 800-ft elev. gainHike under the full moon with Field Representative Peter Cornelison at Beacon Rock, where Lewis and Clark first noticed the ebb and flow of tides.

S A T U R D A Y , J U N E 1 4

Herman Creek to Benson Plateau Viewpoint, ORStrenuous: 9.6 miles, 3,000-ft elev. gain Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day with leader Hal White on this trek through towering forests and wildflowers to a beautiful viewpoint.

F R I D A Y , J U N E 2 0

Whistling Ridge Hike and Wine Tasting, WAStrenuous: 8 miles, 2,200-ft elev. gainStaff Attorney Nathan Baker and Conservation Organizer Ryan Rittenhouse will update us on the nearby proposed wind energy project as we make our way to fantastic views from the summit.


Lend-a-Hand Stewardship Carson Cove, WARemove blackberries and ivy with Land Trust Manager Kate McBride at this rarely-visited land trust property on the banks of the Columbia River.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21 – SUNDAY, JUNE 22

Field Journal Workshop at Nesika Lodge, ORCapture natural beauty using watercolor and pen on this overnight retreat at Nesika Lodge with environ-mental scientist and artist Heather Brunelle. $50 fee.

S U N D A Y , J U N E 2 2

Panther Creek Experimental Forest, WAStrenuous: 7.2 miles, 1,200-ft elev. gainFollow leader Jim Chase through pine and fir forests along a seldom-traveled section of the Pacific Crest Trail with beautiful views of the Gorge.


Historic Highway State Trail Bike Ride, OREasy: 13 miles, 200-ft elev. gainBike from Cascade Locks to J. B. Yeon State Park with ODOT Project Manager Kristen Stallman and Friends Outreach Manager Maegan Jossy on the newest section of the Historic Highway State Trail.


Wyeth Trail, ORStrenuous: 11 miles, 3,180-ft elev. gainWildflowers line the trail through this lush forest.Join wildflower enthusiast Paul Freeman for a strenuous climb to incredible views.


Elowah and Upper McCord Falls, OR Easy: 1.5 miles, 280-ft elev. gain, or 3.5 miles, 450-ft elev. gainEnvironmental educator Andy Bauer will lead a scavenger hunt as we visit these beautiful waterfalls. Fun for the entire family!


Big Lava Bed to Big Huckleberry Mountain, WAStrenuous: 13 miles, 600-ft elev. gainLeader Jim Chase will guide us past ancient lava flows, rocky fields, and enchanted forests to stunning views from Big Huckleberry Mountain.

T U E S D A Y , J U L Y 1

Steigerwald Kids Hike, WAEasy: 2.75 miles, little elev. gainEnvironmental educators Samantha Johnson and James Sterrett will lead this fun hike at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, pointing out animal tracks, cool plants, and wild birds in the refuge.

S A T U R D A Y , J U L Y 5

Nick Eaton Ridge, ORStrenuous: 10.2 miles, 3,100-ft elev. gainClimb along rushing Herman Creek with wildflower enthusiast Paul Freeman to outstanding views, learning about the flowers along the way.

S U N D A Y , J U L Y 6

Grassy Knoll, WA Moderate: 6.8 miles, 1,000-ft elev. gainFollow leader Jim Chase along a gently sloping, flower-covered ridge to stunning Gorge views.

S A T U R D A Y , J U L Y 1 2

Steigerwald Full Moon Bat Walk, WAEasy: 2.75 miles, little elev. gain Come on an evening hike as the full moon rises, with Gorge Refuge Steward Joan Durgin. We’ll tune in to wildlife at night and learn about bats as we walk the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail.


Table Mountain / Heartbreak Ridge, WARugged: 8 miles, 3,200-ft elev. gain This power climb up iconic Table Mountain with leader Linda Hughes leads to panoramic views from flower-filled meadows at the summit.

S U N D A Y , J U L Y 1 3

Little Baldy, WAStrenuous: 10.5 miles, 1,600-ft elev. gain Enjoy breathtaking vistas from lofty ridges, alpine wildflowers, and shady forests with leader Jim Chase, on this trail near Silver Star mountain.


White Salmon River Whitewater Rafting, WAFloat the White Salmon below where Condit Dam was removed, on a section of the river that few people have seen. This new full-day trip offered by Wet Planet passes through majestic forests and deep canyons. $135 fee includes gear and lunch.


Cape Horn Loop Hike, WAStrenuous: 6.8 miles, 1,500-ft elev. gainCape Horn Conservancy board members will lead this hike and share trail history and plans for its future. Wildlife Biologist Cathy Flick will point out wildlife habitat along the trail.


Silver Star Mountain (Ed’s Trail), WA Moderate: 5 miles, 1,500-ft elev. gainJoin Outreach Manager Maegan Jossy for this hike up to a 360-degree view of five Cascade Peaks. We’ll learn how a devastating wildfire created this unique alpine ecosystem that today supports a rainbow display of wildflowers.


Friends’ Summer PicnicLocation: TBAwww.gorgefriends.org/summerpicnic

“She Who Watches.” Photo: Angie Moore

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