Day Hike - Coyote Wall & Catherine Creek

3/23 update:  Log/plywood crossing over Catherine Creek near Arch Rock.  Trek pole(s)/walking stick helpful for crossing.

Be sure to read leader notes and have completed similar distance/gain hike during prior 6 months, before registering for this naturalist hike.

Enjoy leisurely hikes on Catherine Creek Arch Rock loop and lower loop trails to see early spring wildflowers in open grasslands, vernal pool areas, oak woodlands and sweeping views. We'll look for lomatiums, saxifrages, grass widows, buttercups, shooting stars, yellow bells and more.

WNPS plant list for Catherine Creek: http://science.halleyhosting.com/nature/bloomtime/lists/wa/klickitat/Catherine%20Creek.pdf

Seek and Washington Wildflower are helpful for plant ID, snd also Merlin for bird ID.  

Bring lunch, snacks and water.  Recommend sturdy hiking shoes or light boots and trekking pole(s).

8:30-8:45am Catherine Creek TH parking, via WA-14 East of Bingen and Old Highway 8 turnoff at Rowland Lake, uphill to TH.  Be ready to hike by 9:00am

Be aware of Olympia and Seattle travel times (via I-5 S, I205 and I-84E to Hood River OR): approximately 4 hours drive time and 240 miles from Seattle; 3 hours and 181 miles from Olympia.   

Share OR-WA toll bridge costs (electronic payment $3.50/vehicle or with BreezeBy $1.75/vehicle) at Cascade Locks or Hood River crossings, if carpooling.   See csc.portofhoodriver.com for option to open BreezeBy account online, or to pay toll after invoice received without BreezeBy.  

If traveling from Puget Sound area, consider motel stay near Bingen/White Salmon, WA, Cascade Locks/Hood River OR area, or state park campground at Beacon Rock SP WA 4/1 seasonal opening)or Memaloose SP (OR).  Avoid Viento SP due to close train noise.

Restrooms available at trailhead parking area.