In mid-February I was in the east end of the Columbia River Gorge and decided to take a side trip to The Dalles Mountain Ranch. In a couple of months the hillsides in the area will be covered with golden balsamroot and purple lupine.
But, there were only a few scattered purple grass widows to be seen. Still, it’s always a shock to see wildflowers so early in the year.
The views to the south were spectacular with Mt. Hood dominating the skyline.
Not long later I was in the Dundee area visiting a few wineries. The rows of dormant grape vines at the Erath Vineyard were a reminder that new growth and a new season of wine making would soon be beginning.
Mt. Hood
Erath Vineyard
Grass Widow
Erath Vineyard
Terrific photos, John. Thanks for sharing. Have you been to Post Canyon? I’m heading up there Friday with Trailmix. It’s a great area.
Post Canyon? I thought that was set up for mountain bikes.
We live in a beautiful state! I love the sunshine-y photos.
It is a beautiful area. From the Ocean Shore to the Columbia Gorge, there’s always something wonderful to see and photograph.