A Natural Arch

A beautiful day on the east side of the Cascade Mountains.

In the Teens my destination was Colorado Rapids, a scenic stretch of the Deschutes River and a well-known location to rafters and steelheaders.

As I hiked the three mile trail along the River, the smells and sights were surreal. The warm sunshine was bringing out the lilting songs of little birds, a palette of colors of blooming wildflowers, a variety of butterflies and even a snake or two.

Colorado Rapids

After a nice lunch (maybe a little nap too) I ascended to a rails-to-trail above the River and then an enjoyable climb to Ferry Springs. Odd to hear a chorus of frogs in the desert country.

Springtime on the east side of the Columbia River Gorge – – – it lifts the spirit like nothing else.