Columbia River Gorge

[gary payne]

<p>My wife and I are beginning planning a trip to the Columbia River Gorge, Mt St Helen, Mt Hood, and surrounds in April or May 2011. Recognizing that weather is totally unpredictable, I would appreciate any insights from those familiar with the area as to the "best" time to visit. We are obviously looking for the waterfalls, but also for the landscape around the mountains and the area in general. This will be our first visit to the northwest, so your help will be appreciated.</p>

[john_demott]

<p>"Recognizing that weather is totally unpredictable"...<br>

April and May are likely to bring:</p>

<ul>

<li>Beautiful wildflowers, particularly on the southern facing slopes on the Washington side of the Gorge (Dog Mountain, Catherine Creek).</li>

<li>High stream flows => dramatic waterfalls and cascades</li>

<li>Very changeable weather with dramatic clouds, showers, sunshine, hail, rainbows, etc.</li>

<li>Muddy trails.</li>

<li>Snow in the higher country (I was hiking in deep snow drifts in late July at elevations around 6000').</li>

</ul>

<p>It can be a great time for photography and a great time to enjoy the Columbia Gorge, but you need to be prepared for rain showers and accept that you likely won't be able to get to much of the high country on Mount Hood and Mount St Helens. Later in the summer will bring a greater likelihood of dry trails, access to the high country, etc. but not so many wildflowers and very little chance of dramatic skies. </p>

<p>Spring can be the very best time in the Gorge, but you can also be disappointed if you hit a stretch of bad weather. It is also a great time on the Oregon coast (a couple hours away). Not so likely to be a good time for hiking, etc., in the high country. Overall, I think I would prefer May over April, but of course the weather changes from week to week.</p>

 

[rick_wong]

<p>May would also be my choice. The wildflowers will be out in the gorge and the trees should have their leaves by then. I have been to mt hood in May and the ski lifts were still running with plenty of snow. If you plan on visiting Mt Hood take a look at the Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument,<br>

<img src="http://riwong.smugmug.com/Travel/Oregon/DSC1056/1109724334_DjB3W-M.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>May is a great time to photograph the painted hills. yellow flowers grow in cracks in the late spring they only last for a few weeks and then they are gone.<br>

<img src="http://riwong.smugmug.com/Travel/Oregon/DSC1980/1109722938_ZttQD-M.jpg" alt="" /><br>

if you are flying into the area I am guessing you are starting from Portland. If the mountains will not work for you the ocean is about the same distance from Portland. here is a link to my Oregon gallery <a href="http://riwong.smugmug.com/Travel/Oregon/10231873_CiPZL#1109722938_ZttQD">http://riwong.smugmug.com/Travel/Oregon/10231873_CiPZL#1109722938_ZttQD</a></p>

[gary payne]

<p>John and Rick - thanks for your input. We just booked May 9-13. </p>