Wildflower Hiking the Weldon Wagon Road (Private Lands and the White Salmon Oaks Natural Resources Conservation Area)

View southeast along the Weldon Wagon Trail across the open slopes of the White Salmon Oaks Natural Resource Conservation Area.........May 4, 2022.

The Weldon Wagon Road trail follows part of an old wagon road constructed in the early 1900s to bring apples downhill to roads near the White Salmon River from farms in the foothills north of White Salmon, WA. This is best hiked in the spring, from early April until early June while there are a succession of wildflowers in bloom. Summertime hikers may find portions of the trail blocked to access as the trail crosses some private land with owners wishing to restrict access there due to heightened fire danger. Consider also hikes along the trail in late September and mid- to late October to view the Oregon white oaks as they begin displaying their fall colors! We also hike here in mid-winter on sunny days, though it is best to wait several days after any rains as the trail can be slippery-muddy in places.

Part of the trail traverses the White Salmon Oak Natural Resource Conservation Area.

The steep open slopes higher along the trail are especially beautiful from mid-April into mid-May as the balsamroots and desert parsleys bloom enmasse!

This out and back hike has an elevation gain of about 1840 feet with total distance of about 5.2 miles. Local NPSO/WNPS members who lead hikes here may add on a loop through the forest that will add another mile or so to the hike. Cross country travel here is difficult (and discouraged) due to the steepness of terrain, dense poison oak understory, and numerous private lots where homeowners don't like hikers suddenly showing up in their backyards!

Drive Washington Highway 14 east (or about a mile and one-half west of the Hood River Bridge) to Washington Highway 141A. Turn right and wind up the east side of the White Salmon River canyon for about 2.2 miles to a junction with SR 141 coming from White Salmon, WA. Turn left onto SR 141 and drive about 3.8 miles to Husum, WA. Watch for river rafters and kayakers crossing the highway oblivious to traffic in downtown Husum! In Husum, turn right onto Indian Creek Road (just past Wet Planet Rafting). Follow Indian Creek Road for about 0.6 miles and then stay left onto Indian Cemetary Road for another 0.4 miles. There will be an unmarked parking area (about 40 meters long) on the left (north) side of the road. A small sign in a tree points to the Weldon Wagon Trail up the metal gated road.

Comprehensive Plant List for the Weldon Wagon Road and the White Salmon Oak Natural Resources Conservation Area (pdf)

Serviceberry and Oregon white oak line the Weldon Wagon Road at left. The photo at right shows an early spring view of the upper slopes along the Weldon Wagon Road (visible as the diagonal route across the photo).

Weldon Wagon Road Hike (OregonHikers.org) - Includes a trail map and numerous other links about this trail.