After the wettest February and near-wettest March on record, we seized the opportunity to hit the trail when the forecast called for decent conditions. Coyote Wall - located east of Hood River on the Washington side of the Columbia River (and, more importantly, east of the crest of the Cascades to reduce the chance of encountering rain) - was our destination.
Hiking up the Labyrinth Loop overlooking the Columbia River.
After parking at the recently upgraded trailhead area, we hiked along the base of the wall on an old road until we reached the start of the Labyrinth Loop. We took the loop, heading upward on the bucolic trail for several miles past waterfalls, a cave, and purple wildflowers. Eventually we took a fork that ended at a perfect lunch spot at the edge of the wall. During our descent, we encountered mountain bikers slogging upward before blitzing down the hill.
View from the edge of Coyote Wall.
Overall it was a great day and a reminder that spring is coming soon.
Click here for more photos from the hike.