Sharing the Fascinating Ice Age Floods Story Since 1995
The annual IAFI Membership Meeting is coming to the Columbia Gorge this May 2-4, 2025, and both members and the public are cordially invited to come enjoy some of the best and most interesting nature experiences the Gorge has to offer. Several of the events are already full but there are still opportunities to explore geology and winery field trips and enjoy an entertaining presentation by Nick Zenter of YouTube fame.
Gorge-ous Gathering Event check-ins begin each day at 8:00 AM at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
Friday, May 2nd, Spring Wildflower Walk
Prepare to be captivated as Barbara Robinson, a renowned native plants expert, leads you on a spectacular Wildflower Walk through Tom McCall Preserve on the Rowena Plateau. Located in the transition zone between the moist, heavily-forested west side of the Cascades and the drier bunch grass prairies of the east, the easy Plateau Trail immerses you in a vibrant tapestry of springtime wildflowers that cover grasslands full of arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine, bachelor’s button, and other spectacular wildflowers blooming at your feet. You’ll meander through breathtaking panoramas of the Columbia River Gorge unfolding before you, imagining the raw power of nature that created the enigmatic mound-and-swale topography and kolk pond landforms sculpted by ancient forces of volcanic eruptions and Ice Age floods that flowed 200 feet above your head. You’ll meet Barbara at the Rowena Crest parking circle at 10:00 AM, Friday. May 2nd (Google Maps link) for an unforgettable magical adventure on the Rowena Plateau. Remember to stay on marked trails, dress for probable strong winds, avoid poison oak, and that dogs are not permitted.
Friday, May 2nd, Embark on a Vineyard/Winery “Journey Through Terroir”
Experience the magic of the Columbia Gorge Wine Region with renowned soil scientist and vineyard consultant, Alan Busacca. This exclusive bus tour takes you deep into the heart of this unique region, where dramatic landscapes and diverse microclimates create wines of extraordinary character. You’ll visit stunning vineyards, sample award-winning wines, and uncover the fascinating science behind their unique flavors. Learn how terroir – diverse soils, extreme rainfall gradients, temperature, elevation and aspect – all contribute to the distinctive taste of each wine. From lush, forested hillsides to sun-drenched high-desert slopes, this is your chance to experience the incredible diversity of this “World of Wine in Forty Miles.” and taste the sensory adventure of the Columbia Gorge firsthand. May 2nd, 9:30AM-4:00PM, bus loads at 9:30AM. Click here for the itinerary and route map details
Friday, May 2nd, Unveiling the Gorge field trip
The walls of the Columbia Gorge expose layer upon layer of similar appearing Columbia River Basalt. But exposed within those walls are features that tell unusual stories of geologic events, cultural history and inspire imaginative tales. On this field trip geologist Lloyd DeKay will lead you to several stops to explore and discuss those features and their stories as we do a 50-mile bus loop through some of the most spectacular scenic vistas the Gorge has to offer. Maars, lahars, pillows, petroglyphs, even an exotic side trip, plus much more will expand your vision and tickle your imagination. Lunch at a scenic overlook May 2nd, 9:30AM-4:00PM, bus loads at 9:30AM. Click here for the route map details
Friday Evening, May 2nd, Nick Zentner Presents – “Bretz, Pardee, and the Ice Age Floods”
Prepare to be enthralled and captivated as Nick Zentner (of YouTube fame!) brings to life the epic tale of J Harlen Bretz and Joseph Pardee, the visionary geologists who deciphered the colossal Ice Age Floods. Their story is one of scientific rebellion and groundbreaking discovery, and Nick’s dynamic presentation of his recent collaboration to document and share the field notes and journal revelations of Bretz and Pardee will leave you awestruck. May 2, 7:00 PM.
Saturday, May 3rd, Ice Age Floods Gorge Geology field trip
Ice Age Floods Gorge Geology Field Trip – Explore evidence of the Ice Age Floods in the Columbia Gorge with guidance from USGS geologists Jim O’Connor and Richard Waitt. This field trip will examine the geology of the Columbia River Gorge, especially the effects of the Ice Age Missoula floods, examining key sites and discussing the latest research.
The Columbia River Gorge is the Columbia River’s long-held path through the volcanic arc of the Cascade Range. Here, the myriad routes of the dozens of scabland floods were confined to a single path, forced by gorge constrictions to flow depths as great as 300 m. The intense flood hydraulics left large, coarse boulder bars in the valley bottom and bedded slackwater deposits far up tributary valleys. Taking advantage of the simpler situation of single route, O’Connor and Waitt have been examining the stratigraphy, chronology, and hydrodynamics of Missoula flood features in the gorge for decades to gain a ‘beyond the scablands’ perspective on ice-age floods in the Columbia River basin.
Learn more about the Missoula Floods, explore dramatic flood landforms, and enjoy beautiful vistas, lunch at the Deschutes River Park, and a no-host afternoon recap at Maryhill Winery. May 3rd, 9:00AM – 4:00PM, buses load at 9:00AM. Click here for the route map details
Sunday, May 4th, Unveiling the Gorge repeat field trip.
The walls of the Columbia Gorge expose layer upon layer of similar appearing Columbia River Basalt. But exposed within those walls are features that tell unusual stories of geologic events, cultural history and inspire imaginative tales. On this field trip, geologist Lloyd DeKay will lead you to several stops to explore and discuss many of those features and their stories as we do a 50-mile bus loop through some of the most spectacular scenic vistas the Gorge has to offer. Maars, lahars, pillows, petroglyphs, even an exotic side trip, plus much more will expand your vision and tickle your imagination. Lunch at a scenic overlook.May 4th, 9:30AM-4:00PM, bus loads at 9:30AM Click here for the route map details
Note: The Columbia Gorge in May can be warm/cool, dry/wet, calm/windy, and some tours will involve roadside off/on the bus stops and short walks, so dress appropriately and wear comfortable walking shoes.
There’s lots more to see and do in the Gorge to keep you fascinated and engaged.
Visit iconic Multnomah Falls (I-84 access only) and spectacular Vista House at Crown Point overlook.
Visit Timberline Lodge, a stunning 1930’s CCC project, on the snowy upper flanks of Mt. Hood.
Travel the Hood River Fruit Loop or ride the Mt Hood Railroad
Hike one (or more) of the innumerable and spectacular Gorge hiking trails
Take Windsurfing and Kiteboarding lessons or just watch the action
Enjoy fine dining, artisan wineries, breweries, museums and shops throughout the Gorge.
There’s so much more to see and do that we can’t even begin to list it all.
We’ve compiled an extensive list of local lodging (hotels, motels and campgrounds) in the Gorge.
Please note: the Approx Rates for Lodging were internet listed rates when the list was compiled. Rates when you book may be much different.
Due to the diversity of lodging options and room blocking constraints, we have not blocked rooms at any hotel.
For better rates check the online booking sites like Travelocity, Expedia, Trivago, Kayak, Hotels.com, Agoda, Priceline, etc.
Camping Note: frequent trains on both sides of the river noisily ‘flex’ their horns at every unprotected crossing, day and night.
Ice Age Floods Institute is a registered non-profit educational organization devoted to publicly sharing the ice age floods story.
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