Hike - Catherine Creek, Columbia River Gorge, Washington

Trailhead

The Catherine Creek Arch loop trail is one of my all-time favorite springtime Columbia River Gorge hikes. It’s a relatively easy hike with beautiful views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood in the distance on clear days.

Buddy

On this day (May 7, 2024), it was partly cloudy and clouds hid Mt. Hood but the views were still spectacular. We saw lots of wildflowers including bitterroot, arrowleaf balsamroot, triteleia, lupine, lomatium and others.

Looking south

Things seemed a bit drier than the last time I hiked here (May 3, 2017), which may have limited the number of wildflowers this time. I also think there were more ticks last time. The trail was in good shape, and we had no problems crossing the creek on a make-shift plank. 

Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva)

Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Catherine Creek Arch