Journalist By Nature: Coyote Wall and The Labyrinth

May 22, 2014 hikers

Coyote Wall and Labyrinth Loop March 28, 2013 (repost)

March 28, 2013 hikers

Can you say "ten"? It was that kind of day in the Gorge east of Bingen and White Salmon as we explored a new trail with five eager hikers. It being Spring Break we were joined by two of our own who are teachers but were out of school so able to join us on this spectacular hike. The weather was dry of course, it being Dryday, with temps around 63, a slight breeze, non-noteworthy drops of liquid and plenty of open spaces.

Giant boulders have broken off Coyote Wall and tumbled down on WA Hwy 8, which is why it is not used anymore. The cracks in the stone walls were a bit intimidating as we considered an escape plan should we hear any rumblings overhead. The trail began at ancient wooden fence posts and rose in serpentine fashion across the face of the hill. Divergent trails, mostly established by mountain bikers, crisscrossed the main trail, and without any signage, it was challenging to determine which trail to take. The map in Curious Gorge was our guide as we climbed higher and higher, closer and closer to the edge of Coyote Wall.

Eagles soared above us on the rising currents blowing up the hill, yellow-breasted whistling birds caught our eye and we kept a keen lookout for bouncing, careening mountain biking boys as they kept returning again and again, heedless of and thrilled by the steep slopes. Wild flowers were evident all around, from tiny purple and white varieties to the flamboyant golden balsamroot clumps. Lupine and Yarrow are not far behind.

The panoramic views of the Gorge kept us turning around and gazing down the hill, admiring the vastness of the Columbia River's carvings. We stopped for a lunch break about half way up the hill, marveling at how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world. We lounged amid the grasses and flowers until a tick was noticed in the grass, thus ending our casual respite. The top of a hill is so alluring; we continued to climb, enjoying the eagles' acrobatics and chatting with fellow hikers and bikers with dogs, all claiming this March day as a signal to get out and get going.

Venerable oaks dotted the hills, providing photo ops in their framing of the Gorge or just in their statuesque silhouettes. A very unusual rebar fence post was a curious anomaly as we wondered how it was curled so tightly and better yet, why would someone go to that much trouble? Cairns, tiny waterfalls and basalt cliffs added to our delightful day high above the river. Pictures may suffice where words are inadequate to relate this wondrous day, which initiated our hiking calendar. Join us when you can as we explore the astounding variety and beauty of the Northwest trails!