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Catherine Creek
It was the first weekend of February and what a nice mid-winter day it was.
Mostly cloudy skies, but no wind and temperatures in the 40s. Many colorful wildflowers were easy to spot and there were beautiful vistas extending up and down the Columbia River.
I enjoyed hiking several miles in the Catherine Creek area, mainly in open Oak Savannah.
The small, but pretty purple grass widows were just beginning to bloom in the lower elevations. There were also Western saxifrage and salt & pepper parsley to be seen.
The first wildflowers always brighten my mood, and foretell a new year of wonderful hikes.

Grass Widow

Early morning sunrise at the eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge

Salt & Pepper Parsley

Small waterfall on Catherine Creek

Grass Widow

Kolk pond, depression created by ice-age floods

Reflections of Oregon
Early morning sunshine on Mt. Hood
Perhaps that Spring has sprung! I believe that the grass widow is known for blooming a bit early, though. 🙂 Gorgeous colors. Love the rushing waters.
Thanks, it does always feel like Spring has sprung when I spot the first wildflower in bloom.
Beautiful shots as always.
Sherry
Thanks for the kind words Sherry. It’s always amazing seeing wildflowers in bloom in the middle of winter.