Always eager to explore new trails, six of us traveled to the Columbia Gorge to just beyond the Washington town of Lyle to seek out the Cherry Orchard Trail. Exiting the car we were all instantly energized with dry weather and warm sunshine. The trail, although without signage at the parking area, was easy to spot and took us up through scrub oaks along an old road and up through a picturesque valley, which we dubbed 'Death Valley' because of all the Death Camas, is bloom. Switch backing up the steep gorge walls took gave us stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Near the top the trail leveled off and wound it's way through scrub oaks. Having read in one hiking guide that the author was unable to find an orchard, we began to wonder if the name, 'Lyle Cherry Orchard' was just a spoof, and that the Lyle Orchard was actually make up of these many uniform oak trees. Eventually we came to an old road and choose to turn left on up the hill. This was a mistake and it was not until we topped out on the next hill did we spot our cherry orchard down below and realize we should have turned to the right. We quickly scrambled down the hill with out a problem except for ticking of a turkey hunter who was paranoid enough to think that we were out protesting turkey hunting on this the opening day of the season. Having escaped his wrath unscathed we plopped down among the blooming cherries trees to enjoy lunch and the view. Statistics for the day: cumulative climb - 1670 ft, time - 4 hours