Wind and wildflowers, oh my! The moment we stepped out of the truck we knew it was true. This would be a windy hike! On the plus side, we left behind a 68% probability of rain and a high of only 62f. Not especially appealing for a day off together. At Columbia Hills State Park we looked forward to sunny and 70. And this we did have.

After a 2+ hour drive to get to the trailhead we were dismayed. The glorious sight of Arrowleaf Balsamroot and Broadleaf Lupine covering the hills were nowhere to be found. We had clearly missed the peak bloom we were hoping for - by at least 2-3 weeks from the looks of things. Given that our reference material had been written in 2004, with climate change progressing all the while, this may not have been entirely surprising.

Washington's Best Wildflower Hikes, by Charles Gurche, has been on our shelf for many years. We've enjoyed many a fine wildflower hike based on the recommendations. As it would turn out, this location was still a satisfying jaunt for finding blooms! Some residents were still in development and some past it, but there were plenty of pretty faces to gaze upon.

We began the hike at the gate to the park proper. Distance was 5 miles, elevation gain 1300+ feet, gravel road, with sweeping views of the Columbia River. And here are the flowers!