The 4.2-mile out-and-back (1,280' gain) to Grassy Knoll is an excellent off-the-beaten-path hike that proceeds through a series of wildflower meadows complemented by expansive views. The trailhead is located about 70 miles (2 hours) east of Portland on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.
The Grassy Knoll Trail #146 begins in a meadow with 40+ species of flowers blooming in July. The track enters the woods and rises through a Douglas-fir/western hemlock forest. Long pants are recommended due to narrow paths with overgrown brush.
A rocky cliff affords views over the Big Lava Bed, Little Huckleberry Mountain and Indian Heaven. Bright pink rock penstemon blooms here in early summer.
The trail drops and climbs through several meadows before reaching the slope of Grassy Knoll.
A short series of switchbacks lead up the open, flowered hill to a grassy expanse with the remains of an old lookout (3,648'). Balsamroot, lupine and paintbrush are the signature blooms. On a clear day, views abound across the gorge, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
Option to continue along ridge top meadows and coniferous forest to Grassy Pass and Big Huckleberry Mountain. I logged just shy of 6 miles in 2.5 hours on Sunday afternoon; 1:00pm-3:30pm RT.
