Memaloose Hills Hike

Overview

PLEASE NOTE: ODOT has posted signs at the Memaloose Rest Area on Interstate 84 that hikers are no longer allowed to park there. You will need to start your hike instead at the Memaloose Overlook. Also, the Memaloose Hills are a very popular and crowded destination in April and May. While this hike is on public land (Mt. Hood National Forest), the trail is unofficial. In addition, the overlook is not an official trailhead and was not designed to accommodate dozens of vehicles. Too many cars parked at this spots causes safety issues. Consider doing this hike on a weekday, and always park legally without blocking traffic. If you cannot find legal parking, consider visiting other nearby trails instead: Mosier Twin Tunnels, Mosier Plateau, McCall Point, or Rowena Plateau. The Memaloose Hills have long been a popular destination for wildflower enthusiasts, and the user trails here are easy to access and follow although they are unsigned. Public and private property interlace rather closely in this area, so pay strict attention to all No Trespassing signs. The two hilltops accessible to the public are Chatfield Hill and Marsh Hill and both they and the intervening oak woodlands, savanna, and wetlands provide a brilliant wildflower show in the spring. In addition, the views from the tops of the hills are expansive and the rattlesnake population between here and Rowena Dell is rather dense, so there's always the delightful chance of one of those reptilian encounters. You can also extend your walk cross-country on public lands if you have a good topo map. Before starting your hike, go out to the overlook get a stunning view of the Rowena Gap and Memaloose Island. Memaloose is Chinook jargon for 'death' or 'corpse' and the island was an Indian mausoleum for centuries. Corpses were brought out here and placed in wooden structures to protect them from the vultures. A sign tells about the grave of Victor Trevitt, a settler and friend of the local tribes whose last resting place is marked by an obelisk on the island. The N

Trail Stats

Photos

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