The Kreps Family owns a large cattle ranch north of Bingen, Washington. They are kind enough to open their property to hikers.
In early April, and with the promise of much sunshine, I drove to the trailhead. It’s located at roughly 400 feet above sea level near the White Salmon Hospital.
I was looking forward to hiking the 8 1/2-mile lollipop loop, passing over the summit of 2,300-foot Burdoin Mountain. And, what a fine hike it turned out to be. The first glacier lilies of the year were spotted, along with four blacktail deer, a wild turkey, white-crowned sparrows and many early wildflowers.
The summit area was relatively flat and mostly open. The views encompassed Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and the Columbia RIver Gorge stretching from the Hood River Bridge far to the west.
Truly an enjoyable adventure. It remains one of my favorite outings in the Columbia River Gorge.
Great Hound’s Tongue
An old Ponderosa Pine standing in a field of Desert Parsley
Looking down the Columbia River from the summit of Burdoin Mountain
An Ant on a Yellow Bell (wild lily)
Early morning light on Mt. Hood
Paraglider way above the Columbia River Gorge
Cottontail Rabbit
Glacier Lily
Balsamroot
White-crowned Sparrow
Grass Widow
GORGEOUS!!! I wonder if wildflowers are appearing in any of the clear cut area.
Thanks Debbie. There were a few deer in the clear cut area but it was too early for flowers. By the end of April it should be at its prime.
Thank you John, this is on the list.
I would recommend waiting two or three weeks Geoff. By that time the wildflowers will be at their prime.