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Gorge flower conditions?

Discussion

8 replies
Posted by Greg Vaughn on April 12, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Anybody been up to Catherine Creek, Dalles Mountain Road or Rowena in the last few days? Wondering how the flowers are doing.
Posted by Erik Lundh on April 12, 2009 at 11:34 PM
I drove out to the Dalles and Rowena on Saturday. Nothing at Rowena yet. I saw a few patches of balsomroot up on the hills in the Deschutes river canyon. I didn't see any Lupine either. As a matter of fact, I didn't see any of the orchards that were even colse to having blossoms. I would say 1.5 to 2 weeks out at least!!
Posted by Mark Hudon on April 13, 2009 at 12:07 AM
The small flowers are out at the Syncline and on Saturday I did see five or six clumps of Balsamroot. Don't forget, things start lower down on the warmer facing sides of hill, usually the Southwest sides. Things then move all over the hills and then move higher up.
Things seem easily 10 days to 2 weeks off.
Posted by Darren White on April 13, 2009 at 1:46 AM
there are some really nice patches over on the DMR but you have to hop some fence to get there.....I saw 2 photographers doing that this weekend......Rowena is still just budding out....lupine is at least 2 week off and 3 till prime.....if you want updates all you have to do is check flickr. there are so many people that post stuff over there that its like free information!!!! :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast:
Posted by David Cobb on April 13, 2009 at 9:28 AM
Still a lot of glacier lilies in the area and oaks toothwort, a lot of desert parsley in bloom. The road from The Dalles to Mosier fills with balsamroot about a week earlier than Rowena, Catherine Creek, or The Dalles Mountain Ranch. Mid-gorge, the trillium and kittentails are beginning to burn out, but the bleeding heart are starting to bloom.

David M. Cobb
Posted by Greg Vaughn on April 13, 2009 at 9:40 AM
Thanks for all the great info! The weather forecast for end of this week looks favorable, but sounds like I don't need to be in any hurry to get up there.
Posted by Cezar Mart on April 13, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Picture from Rowena. Taken on Saturday 4/4/9:

http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=119184&CGISESSID=09d50a0e0211c1a9b2964d0269246a7e&u=30551

Posted by Laurie Wendt on April 13, 2009 at 4:42 PM
Greg, I have to say thanks for asking about the conditions. I was wondering myself what to expect when I arrive Saturday for a much anticipated vacation. Your book is great! Thanks again for shipping it so quick.
Posted by Steve Cole on April 23, 2009 at 4:03 AM
I'm most interested in the Balsamroot up on Dog Mountain. I'm targeting a visit for about the 3rd week of May. Anyone know if things might be on track for that timeframe?

Thanks-

Steve