The Memaloose Hills hike is a scenic springtime trail in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, known for its vibrant blooms and mossy oak woodlands. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to plan your hike during peak wildflower season.
Tucked just outside the charming town of Mosier, Oregon, the Memaloose Hills trail is one of the best low-elevation wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge region.
While it may not boast sweeping viewpoints or towering waterfalls, what it does offer—during peak bloom—is a vibrant carpet of springtime color that makes this short hike feel truly magical.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about hiking the Memaloose Hills trail, including when to visit, what to expect on the trail, and why this underrated hike is worth adding to your spring hiking bucket list.
Memaloose Hills Hike Guide
We’ve included some extra info for planning your Memaloose Hills hike. Jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).
- Memaloose Hills trail stats
- Trail map
- Hike overview
- Know before you go
- The route
- Tips for hiking Memaloose Hills
- What to pack
Memaloose Hills trail stats
- Trailhead location: Memoloose State Park, Oregon
- Distance: 2.8-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 600 ft
- Difficulty rating: moderate
- Timing: 1.5 hours
- Pets: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash
- Permits: no
- View the trail notes
Memaloose Hills trail map
Click on the map above to be taken to the Alltrails trails notes for the Memaloose Hills hike.
Memaloose Hills hike overview
The Memaloose Hills trail winds through a forest of moss-draped Oregon White Oak and open hillsides that come alive with color in early spring.
While this one isn’t as dramatic as other hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, it’s a must for wildflower lovers—especially when the arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine, and Indian paintbrush are in full bloom.
It’s an easy-to-moderate loop with gentle inclines, making it a great option for families or a mellow afternoon stroll (we took our toddler and baby out on this trail and they loved it!).
Things to know before you go
There are a few things to consider and a bit of planning to do before heading out on the Memaloose Hills hike. From timing wildflower season just right to parking logistics, a little prep will help make your experience even better.
Best time of year for the Memaloose Hills hike
The absolute best time to hike Memaloose Hills trail is during peak wildflower season, which typically falls in mid to late April, depending on the year’s weather patterns. This low-elevation trail bursts into bloom earlier than high-elevation hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, so timing your visit is key.
Our experience: We hiked this trail over Mother’s Day weekend (May 9th) and the flowers were just past their prime. We could tell the blooms would have been in full effect about a week or so prior.
If you go too early, the flowers may not have popped yet—and if you go too late (as we did!), you’ll find a lot of dried blooms and bare hillsides. Watch wildflower reports or social media tags to get a feel for current conditions, and plan your visit accordingly.
Outside of wildflower season, the trail is still a pleasant walk through mossy oak woodlands, but it’s not as remarkable.
How long does it take to hike Memaloose Hills?
Most hikers can complete the Memaloosa Hills loop in about 1.5 hours, including time to stop for photos and enjoy the scenery. If you’re visiting during wildflower season, you’ll probably want to budget a bit of extra time to soak it all in.
This is a great half-day hike or quick detour if you’re already exploring the Columbia River Gorge.
How difficult is the Memaloose Hills trail?
This is a moderate hike with around 600 feet of elevation gain, spread out gradually across the loop. While the trail isn’t especially steep or technical, it does involve a few steady climbs and some uneven terrain.
Most people with a basic level of fitness should find this trail doable, especially with sturdy shoes and a bit of water. It’s family-friendly too—we even had our toddler hike parts of it on her own!
Tips for hiking the Memaloose Hills trail
- Time your visit with the wildflowers. Mid to late April is usually peak bloom for balsamroot, lupine, and paintbrush at this lower elevation.
- Go early to avoid crowds. The parking area is small and can fill up quickly on weekends during wildflower season.
- Wear sturdy footwear. Parts of the trail can be muddy or uneven, especially in spring.
- Respect the blooms. Stick to the trail to avoid trampling fragile wildflowers, always Leave No Trace.
- Bring sun protection. Many sections of the trail are exposed with little shade.
- Stop in Mosier. Treat yourself to a post-hike coffee at Randonee Coffee—it’s a super cute spot nearby!
What to pack for hiking Memaloose Hills
There are a few things we always bring on a hike, no matter where we go or what time of year we are hiking. See the below recommended items for your Memaloose Hills hike, including the items we collected in our Rockporch Locker for Day Hiking Gear.
- Navigation: we recommend using Alltrails+ to download the offline trail map (Get your first week of using Alltrails+ for FREE when you sign up using our link!)
- Permit*
- Comfortable hiking shoes and a hiking daypack
- Insulated water bottle and/or bladder for your Camelbak
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses
- Hiking layers (here is a great resource if you’re wondering what to wear hiking)
- Plenty of snacks: check out our favorite hiking snacks here!
*Don’t forget to pack your permit!
Be sure to download our FREE hiking packing list before your next trip and never leave another essential behind again!
You may also like…
- Dog Mountain Trail: Best Wildflower Hike in Washington
- Fantastic Columbia River Gorge Hikes
- Rowena Plateau Trail: Oregon Hiking Guide
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We want to hear from you!
Have you done the Memaloose Hills hike? What was your experience like? Do you have more questions about planning your hike? Comment below and let us know!