Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of spring wildflowers in the Gorge!
Rowena Plateau is 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 main parking circle at Rowena Crest is a fabulous place to enjoy the sweeping views of the Columbia River. Barbara Robinson, a renowned native plants expert will lead a Wildflower Walk along the Plateau Trail, which features fantastic views of the Columbia River Gorge and the Lyle Sandbar at the mouth of the Klickitat River across the Columbia. Spring may be the best time of year to walk this easy trail as it meanders atop Rowena Plateau across grasslands full of arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine, bachelor’s button, other spectacular wildflowers..
Rowena Gap to the east was a significant choke point along the path of the Ice Age Floods which overtopped this 700-foot-high cliff by about 200 feet above the parking circle. The trail crosses an enigmatic mound-and-swale topography shaped by ancient lava flows, catastrophic floods and volcanic ash deposits. Earthquake sorting, freezing and thawing, erosion, soil accumulations by plants and wildlife burrowing activities have all been suggested as having caused the mounds. The trail also encounters two kolk ponds, depressions in the basalt created by the churning action of the Ice Age Floods. The depressions harbor moisture, and are the most vegetated places atop this arid bluff. Scrub oak groves interspersed along the way provide some welcome shade and protection from the prevailing seasonal wind. Notice how the oaks are almost reduced to krummholz (trees stunted by wind) near the top of the trail from the incessant winds.
You might also enjoy watching the “Wildflower Woman” tribute to Barbara Robinson.
Important Notes:
-
- This area can be quite windy, so dress appropriately and hold onto your hat.
- Poison oak is one of the plants that thrive here.
- There is no potable water available.
- Please stay on marked trails.
- Dogs are not allowed.
- The group size will be limited to ensure an engaging experience for all. If there is sufficient waitlist interest the guided walk may be offered again on Sunday, May 4.
