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Date:  April 26, 2003

Location  Swale Canyon Hike

Where:  Klickitat Trail

 

 Our intended hiking destination for the day was Wygant Peak near Hood River, but after leaving Salem in the pouring rain, which continued through Portland and most of the Gorge, we decided to try farther east in hopes of some sunshine. We had not hiked the upper part of the Klickitat Trail yet so felt that might be a good gamble and it was one that paid off well. From Lyle we took the Centerville Highway to Harms Road where we intersected the Klickitat Trail. The bright sunshine was welcomed although tempered by a chilly wind that seem to be blowing over the Columbia Hills from the snow dusted Stacker Butte.

a Swale Creek trestle with Stacker Butte in the background

Hiking the old railroad bed along Swale Creek we were immediately impressed with wildflowers. Pungent Desert Parsley was the prevailing flora and carpeted most of the area. However, Showy Phlox made a good showing for itself in both white and a pale pink. We also spotted Dagger Pod in a lovely lavender bloom. Canyon Wrens entertained us from the rocky walls, Swallows scouted for bugs along Swale Creek, and Turkey Vultures get on eye on us from above. Red Tail Hawks and Northern Harries swooped along the ridges. All in all we were able to identify close to a dozen birds, and well over a dozen wildflowers.

Klickitat Trail descending into Swale Canyon

As we descended into Swale Canyon the vegetation changed with the addition of oak trees, then pine and finally fir. Side streams continued to add to the volume of Swale Creek, and high up the canyon walls we were able to count 21 deer. Occasionally the narrow canyon gave-way to broad flats that piqued our imagination for backpacking camping sites.



Jeanette standing in a carpet of Pungent Desert Parsley