Finally, some well appreciated sunshine, and wild lilies too. The lyrical and distinctive song of meadowlarks punctuated the silence.
Groundhogs and Columbia ground squirrels basked in the sun. Green grass grew as far as the eye could see.
In a few more weeks the Columbia Hills will be covered in golden balsamroot and purple lupine. For now I am happy with purple grass widows, yellow bells (wild lilies), yellow buttercups, salt & pepper parsley and biscuit root.
I parked at a gate and began the hike to Stacker Butte in the wide open spaces of the east end of the Columbia River Gorge.
After ascending the maintenance road for 2 1/2 miles, I reached the 3,300-foot summit of Stacker Butte where an FAA tracking site is located.
The 360° views were spectacular, with the Columbia River stretching far to the east and rimrock canyons to the north.
I hiked westerly on the ridge to a microwave site and enjoyed a leisurely lunch. Soon it was time to take a slow hike back to the car.
Does a late-winter hike get any better?
Groundhog
Early morning sunlight on Mt. Hood
Yellow Bell (wild Lilly)
FAA site on Stacker Butte
Columbia Ground Squirrel
It is a special place
Western Meadowlark
The Dalles Mountain Buttercup
Stacker Butte
Biscuit Root
Grasslands extending to the skies
Groundhog enjoying the sunshine
Grass Widow
Basalt cliffs
I’ve wondered what that was on top of Stacker; thank you for solving the mystery for me. Great pictures John!
Thanks Tim. In truth, it looks more like a UFO listening site than an FAA site.
What a fabulous hike. Makes me wistful for the Northwest. What great photography as well.
Thanks Jason. It is a fun time of the year on the east end of the Columbia River Gorge. It brings back great memories of early springtime in North Central Washington State.