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Date:  March 12, 2004

Location  Lower Deschutes River Hike

Where:  Deschutes River State Recreation Area

 

I selected this hike along the Deschutes River in the Deschutes River State Recreation Area because we are going to be in the Gorge for three days. We haven't done this hike since 2001 so thought we would enjoy it. Driving up we stopped at the lodge at Multnomah Falls at 8:00 just as they were opening and had breakfast by the stone fireplace ---fantastic!

We arrive at the state park to find bright sunshine with temps in the 60s. We started hiking on the Lower River Trail, which we ended up taking all the way to Gordon Canyon. The grass is green, but the foliage is not out yet. No flowers in site----so I think this is a little early for prime time. However, we start enjoying the birds right away. Lots of Common Mergansers are paired up. See a Great Blue Heron on the other side of the river as well as several American Widgeon and two pair of Mallards. First flower we saw was a Filaree, then Gold Stars, and Prairie Stars. On the way back along the road we see some Balsam Root just blooming. The wind is so fierce we skip the Ferry Springs section and drop down to the Middle Trail. There we spot Yellow Bells, and identify Woolly-pod Milk-vetch. Also get photos of a pair of Bushtits and a White Crowned Sparrow.


Great Blue Heron with Common Merganzers
Wooly-pod Milk-vetch
Bushtits