The Columbia River Gorge is not a terribly birdy place. You can hear some of the common species, and see a bird or two on any given hike, but there are better places to see the birds of the western Cascades. Occasionally, however, I remind myself that there is more to life than birds. Recently I left my binocular at home and took a couple of hikes in the gorge. Here are some highlights, minus the shortness of breath and sore calves.
This is a view from the rocky outcrop known as Angel’s Rest. From here you can see the Columbia River, forests in various stages of regrowth, and rimrock.
A view of the river with blooming Ocean Spray.
Red Columbine
Tiger Lily
This young Brush Rabbit was sitting right by the trail. So cute.
Thimbleberry
Lorquin’s Admiral drinking near a stream
We passed this stream in the Wahkeena Falls area.
Western Tanager. I have to include at least one bird per post.
Ethical Birder 