Mill Creek Ridge Natural Area Hike and Wildflowers
We recently had an opportunity hike the Mill Creek Ridge trail to see the Spring wildflowers and Oh My Goodness…
…it was SPECTACULAR!
The hike was organized by the Columbia Land Trust . Their organization was instrumental in conserving the area for nature. The trail is located outside The Dalles in Oregon and is open to the public.
Castilleja
The trail has a gradual elevation rise from the trail head to the ridge. It leads you through an oak forest along the way.
Lupine and Balsamroot
The oak trees are 100-200 years old and provide an amazing amount of ecological benefits to the area.
Oak
When you reach the ridge you will be rewarded with a views of…
Mt. Hood…
…and Mt. Adams. Further along the trail you will also have a view of the Columbia River.
Columbia Desert Parsley after bloom
Our hiking party included many land trust staff and enthusiasts who are experts in botany, bee, and bird species. They identified many of the flowers and plants that we found along the trail.
Shaggy Hawkweed
Largehead Clover
Burr Chervil