March 19, 2026 8:05 am
Clark County, Life, Outdoors 
In spring, the Coyote Wall Recreation Area in the northeastern Columbia River Gorge bursts with wildflowers. (Scott Hewitt/The Columbian)
Dog Mountain is a tough, steep hike, but you can see why it’s so popular in springtime. (Contributed by Friends of the Columbia Gorge)
If you hike the eastern Columbia River Gorge in the afternoon, you’ll catch the golden rays of sunset like this view of Rowena Crest near Mosier, Ore., in April 2025. (Jessica Prokop/The Columbian)
The sun sets on the Rowena Crest area near Mosier, Ore., in April 2025. (Jessica Prokop/The Columbian)
An Anise Swallowtail butterfly rests on balsamroot in the Columbia River Gorge in April 2025. (Jessica Prokop/The Columbian)
Lupine and balsamroot in bloom at vast, rolling Columbia Hills State Park in the eastern Gorge in April 2025. (Jessica Prokop/The Columbian)
Lupine and balsamroot in bloom at vast, rolling Columbia Hills State Park in the eastern Gorge in April 2025. (Jessica Prokop/ The Columbian)
Lupine and balsamroot whip in the wind at Columbia Hills State Park in the eastern Gorge in April 2025. (Jessica Prokop/The Columbian)
Even while worrying about a warming planet, here’s a reason to revel in early spring: gorgeous wildflowers in abundance.
“Due to our mild winter weather conditions, blooms have begun a bit earlier than last year,” said Beth Kennedy, U.S. Forest Service spokesperson for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, who’s based in Hood River, Ore.
Thank you for reading the Post-Record.
Subscribe now to get unlimited access.
Login
Newsletters
