Lyle Cherry Orchard - 3rd of 3 wildflower hikes in the Columbia Gorge

Third of 3 wildflower hikes in the Columbia Gorge. This little-known gem of a hike on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge offers spectacular views of the Columbia River, amazing spring wildflowers and an old garry oak forest of gnarled old trees. The trail is midway along the Rowena Gap, where the Columbia R cut through folded layers of basalts. The result is a spectacular scene of multiple basalt flows shorn into 1,000-foot-high cliffs.
Meeting date/time – Thurs Apr23, 9:30AM. Meet at TH. Ready to hike when we’re all geared up.
Trailhead - Lyle Cherry Orchard Trailhead (google map link - https://maps.app.goo.gl/iWdKArB59WwBRotSA)
Pace – casual; there will be time for photos, flower identification, etc.
Distance/gain – 7 miles, 1500’ gain
Route map - https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/route/30b8925b-b8e2-49a3-bfcf-fd77ba1d10b5/

WTA - https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lyle-cherry-orchard
Friends of the Columbia Gorge - https://gorgefriends.org/find-a-hike/lyle-cherry-orchard/

• Poison oak frequently borders the trail here and elsewhere on the hike.
• All the gorgeous flowers come with a price -- be sure to check for ticks!
• Always beware for poison oak
• We may have to sit on the ground for lunch/snack, bring something to sit on.
• Carry your 10 essentials, including rain gear
• No toilet at TH
• No pass is required

Hike leader is staying at Westcliff Lodge (https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/hood-river-4070-west-cliff-drive.html). Rooms feature a refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker, flat screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and free parking (https://www.westclifflodge.com/rooms). Westcliff Lodge is 25-minute drive time to the Lyle Cherry Orchard TH.