Though we truly love something about every season in the Columbia River Gorge, summer is nothing short of magical. Wildflowers are in bloom everywhere, markets are bustling, and the sun is shining. With the warmer weather come the stunningly vibrant and fragrant purple blooms at Hood River Lavender Farm – our favorite among Hood River Lavender Farms.
Few people likely associate the often rainy, cloudy Pacific Northwest with the fragrant purple blossoms of France’s Provence region. But the summertime conditions here are actually perfect for this finicky plant – and the folks at Hood River Lavender Farms have certainly perfected the skill of growing it!
Summer in the Columbia River Gorge is about far more than lavender, though. From hiking to stunning Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls to basking in the glory of wildflower meadows on the top wildflower hikes in the area, we’d love to be your guide to enjoying the best things to do in the Columbia River Gorge this year. For the perfect home away from home, turn to the luxurious amenities and welcoming hospitality of our romantic cabins in Washington.
Whatever you do during the day, after a few days at our cabins, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever lies ahead this summer. Book one of our romantic cabins in Washington today!
Lavender & More at Hood River Lavender Farm
Though there are several great lavender farms in the area – not to mention other orchards and farms worth visiting – our favorite place to visit and admire the glorious purple blooms of the season is Hood River Lavender Farm. With stunning fields of purple everywhere you turn and an impressive view of Mount Hood, it’s hard to beat a sunny July day at the Hood River Lavender Farm!
Hood River Lavender Farm has been farming these delightful purple shrubs organically since 2003. There is no charge to walk through their lavender fields, which typically reach peak bloom in July. They do have U-pick opportunities available from late June through September, though, not to mention a great gift shop onsite that you can visit for all your lavender needs, including essential oil that is 100% pure and steam-distilled from their farm.
While you’re visiting Hood River Lavender Farm, don’t miss the opportunity to wander next door to Stave & Stone Wine Estates. Where else can you enjoy the fragrant blossoms of lavender and the gorgeous views of Mount Hood, all while sipping on award-winning wines? It’s truly a winning combination!
Other great Hood River Lavender Farms worth visiting include Hope Ranch Lavender Farm and Lavender Valley Farms.
The Best Wildflower Hikes in the Gorge
If you’re looking forward to admiring the fragrant stalks of lavender at Hood River Lavender Farm this summer, you might also be interested in taking one of the fabulous wildflower hikes while you’re visiting us in the Columbia River Gorge. Late spring and summer are the perfect time to hike in the Columbia River Gorge and see the abundant wildflower blooms, though what you see will change throughout the season.
Traditionally, the higher in elevation you hike the later the wildflower blooms will be. Popular summer wildflowers that you’ll see on various wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge include the following:
- Lupine, which blooms from late May through early August
- Monkeyflower, which blooms from June through August
- Penstemon, which blooms in early to mid-summer
- Columbines, which bloom from June through August
- Yarrow, which blooms from May through September
- Camas Lily, which blooms from May through June
- Paintbrush, which blooms from spring through summer
Earlier this year we wrote about one of our favorite spring wildflower hikes, the Dog Mountain Trail. It’s a wonderful place to bask in the sunny blossoms of Arrowleaf Balsamroot, which makes its appearance each spring. In that same blog, we also listed some of the best wildflower hikes in the area, which included the six following wildflower hikes.
- Rowena Plateau Loop
- Catherine Creek Natural Arch
- Coyote Wall Loop Trail
- Mosier Plateau Trail
- Memaloose Hills Trail
- Cape Horn
Of course, after all of these great hikes and grand adventures in the Columbia River Gorge, there’s no better place to turn in for a relaxing weekend than our romantic cabins in Washington. Each of our generous and well-appointed cabins is a luxurious place of respite, complete with soaking tubs and dead-sea-derived mineral bath salts for the ultimate experience of relaxation and renewal.
If you’re ready for the ultimate couple’s getaway, there’s never been a better time to book a trip to the Columbia River Gorge. Book now at our luxury cabins in Washington.
