The Oregon Wildflowers are out and about this Spring so you might be wondering, “Where are the best Wildflower Hikes?” Well, not to worry. We’ve compiled a few of the best places to see the wildflowers so you don’t miss out this Spring!
Related: Check out our Interactive wildflower map of Oregon, Washington and California to see where they are currently in bloom!
1. Rowena Crest Viewpoint & Rowena Plateau Hike
Rowena Crest Viewpoint is one of the most famous places to see the Oregon wildflowers, and for a good reason. The viewpoint is located on a cliff that gives you a sweeping view of the Colombia River Gorge. Not far from the parking area you can find the wildflowers and some very picture-worthy viewpoints.
People also enjoy hiking here due to its proximity to Portland, Oregon. It’s located in Mosier, Oregon about 75 miles from downtown Portland or roughly 1 hour and 16 minutes in driving time. Unfortunately, the Rowena Plateau Hike & Tom McCall preserve is not dog friendly.
If you are feeling adventurous you can hike the Tom McCall Point trail where you will see even more of the yellow, red, and blue native wildflowers in the McCall preserve.
2. Tom McCall Point Trail
This hike also starts near Rowena Crest however you go in the opposite direction (south) and ascend upward toward McCall Point. Rowena Crest Viewpoint is open year-round but the Tom McCall preserve, where is located, is open from March 1 to October 31.
If you decide to hike the trail it’s about a 3.6-miles (round trip) there-and-back hike. You’ll also get a spectacular view of Mount Hood & Mount Adams on a clear day.
Related: Check out our Interactive wildflower map of Oregon, Washington and California to see where they are currently in bloom!
There’s also plenty of other wildlife to see along the Tom McCall Point trail and at the highest point of the hike (McCall Point). It’s common to various species of birds, deer, and other wildlife. Beware that can include some less savory ones like rattlesnakes so keep on the trail.
3. Eagle Creek Hike to Punch Falls
The Eagle Creek Hike to Punch Falls (aka Punch Bowl Falls) trail is an easy hike that’s quite well known for its waterfalls as well as its wildflowers. The gorge trail is a there-and-back that’s about 3.8 miles. The area does have a Parking lot, restrooms, and a picnic area you can stop at as well.
The elevation gain is about 600 feet here. Note that you can bring dogs on this trail but be mindful that there are some steep drops so they should be kept on a leash. If you bring kids on this hike I would be careful for the same reason.
4. Powell Butte Nature Park
This park is just outside of Portland about 13 miles or 23 minutes driving time. It features meadows and old growth forests as well as sweeping vistas. The wildflowers in Powell Butte Nature Park can be found on its 608-acres and over 9 miles of trails.
The Powell Butte Loop Trail in Powell Butte Nature Park is a moderate loop hike that’s 6.2 miles long. It’s also dog friendly.
If you are looking for a more casual stroll then you can try Orchard and Cedar Grove Loop Trail. This is an easy 3.6-mile loop trail that’s also dog friendly.
5. Camassia Nature Preserve
This one is likely the easiest of the bunch. It’s only 1.4 miles and rated as “Easy” with little elevation gain. It’s also a stone’s throw from Portland in West Linn, OR at 13.4 miles or 23 minutes of driving time. It features great views of Mt. Hood and the wildflowers as well as various types of birds. Unfortunately, this one is not dog friendly.
Related: Check out our Interactive wildflower map of Oregon, Washington and California to see where they are currently in bloom!
6. Bonus Wildflower Hike: Dog Mountain
This is kind of cheating I know, these are not really, “Oregon wildflowers”. I left this wildflower hike as a bonus because it’s not technically a hike in Oregon. The Dog Mountain hike is in the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington State side of the gorge. That said, it’s not too far from some of the others and a very popular place to see the yellow balsamroot wildflowers that live in Oregon too.
Dog Mountain is also the hardest compared to the other Oregon wildflower hikes. Its 6.2 miles and ascends to 2,850 feet. That said, it does give the stellar views you might expect with that elevation gain and it is also dog friendly.
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