Mosier Plateau Trail

The Mosier Plateau Trail might really be the trail that has it all, 3.5 miles, it’s easy to get to and find, has ample parking, beautiful wildflowers in the spring and beautiful views anytime. And there’s a waterfall along with a historic cemetery!

This is a relatively recent addition to the Columbia Gorge, completed in 2013, it’s at least too new for my 20 year hiking book. The trailhead is right in Mosier, just off I-84 and a little over an hour drive from Portland. It’s well signed and there is parking on the other side of the bridge near the railroad tracks.

Immediately starting up the hill, the trail passes a cemetery, just a few minutes from the trailhead. And then not long after that, it goes by a waterfall, rushing down the canyon in the spring.

After passing Mosier Falls, the trail turns uphill a bit and then starts winding its way to the top of the plateau. It is up (isn’t every trail in the The Gorge?) and a bit steep in a few places, but it’s doesn’t last too long. It is a bit narrow, so there are spots where it is challenging to pass another hiker if that is necessary.

The uphill part eventually flattens out and reaches the top of the plateau.

In late April, the Yellow Balsamroot were in full bloom and looking beautiful.

The trail is out and back.

It winds its way around a small loop, before it’s time to turn around and go back down the hill to Mosier.