Catherine Creek Trail

Beautiful day for a short hike in the Columbia Gorge. Catherine Creek Trail, in Washington, is near The Dalles, Oregon.
"One of the premier areas for early spring wildflower viewing in the eastern Columbia River Gorge, Catherine Creek Recreation Area is popular each spring before it dries up by mid summer. 
The site was once a ranch before being acquired by the Forest Service in 1987.
Today, preservation of the site has allowed for reemergence of many wildflower species while also protecting the iconic Catherine basalt arch formation and other sensitive archaeological resources. More than 90 native species of wildflowers thrive in both the thin, fragile soils created by the Ice Age-era floods and seasonal wetlands."
There were 8 of the Olson family celebrating Joy's 79th birthday by walking the trail. A fine way to visit. Extras: a group shot with Joy on the right, the arch, and a few of the flowers.