Mill Creek Ridge Preserve

Area	Columbia Gorge (east - OR)
Best time to visit	April
Blooming Now	YES
Elevation	1050-1500 feet
Trail Info	1-3 miles with 300-500 feet elevation gain depending upon how far you want to walk.
	WILDFLOWER SEARCH
Dogs	Allowed, but must be kept on leash AT ALL TIMES.

NOTE: The blue marker indicates the trailhead.

Description

Owned/protected by Columbia Land Trust, Mill Creek Ridge Preserve is located several miles southwest of The Dalles. In April the hillsides turn yellow with carpets of balsamroot, along with patches of paintbrush, lupine, and other wildflowers. The open grassy meadows on the ridge are interspersed with patches of Oregon white oak woodland. In addition to the wildflowers, expect fine views of Mount Hood on a clear day. It can get very windy here, so plan accordingly.

Motorized vehicles, horses, bikes, camping, hunting, and shooting are prohibited at Mill Creek Ridge. Picking flowers, collecting rocks, plants, or other natural materials are also prohibited, and Columbia Land Trust requests that groups be smaller than eight people. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash.

Directions

From Portland, drive on I-84 to The Dalles. Take Exit 83 and turn left onto West 6th Street. Proceed 0.5 mile and turn right onto Cherry Heights Road. Drive app. 5.9 miles, and watch for a turnoff on your left to a small grassy parking area. There is room for 4-5 vehicles. Your hike begins on the old road beyond the locked gate.

Trip Reports

Date	Submitted by
Reports from previous years
05/07/2024	Greg Lief
04/24/2024	Greg Lief

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'Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.' -- Theodore Roethke