Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,055.00 ft (321.56 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.76 mi (7.66 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

This lesser-known and unmarked trail leads visitors through scrub oak forests, sweeping wildflower meadows, and along picturesque ridges with expansive views down the Columbia River Gorge. This 515-acre property was donated in 2009 to “Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust” by the organization's founder, Nancy Russell. The parcel runs east from the town of Lyle to a high ridge and plateau that overlooks the Columbia River. The land was originally established as a cherry orchard, and several trees still remain.

The trailhead leads through several dense thickets before the area opens up and begins to climb along several switchbacks to another ridge of scrub oaks and grassy meadows that leads to the orchard and grassy summit. The final stretch of the trail passes through dense scrub forest and finally to a large meadow that was once the orchard, and it finishes with an incredible gorge view. The few remaining cherry trees can be viewed toward the eastern edge of this field. Be cautious of the poison oak that is scattered along the entire trail, as well as the occasional rattlesnake (one unlucky hiker was airlifted out after a bite on the day of this adventure). It would also be a good idea to check for ticks once you finish.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Excellent Columbia Gorge views. Spring wildflowers. Diverse scenery.

Cons

Poison oak. Rattlesnakes. Ticks.

Trailhead Elevation

110.00 ft (33.53 m)

Features

Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

02/26/2018
Nice late Winter hike!
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