Note:   This hike, as well as Hikes 81, and 94 are all located within the Yakama Nation. A fee is required by the Yakama Nation to carry on any activities in this area. By the way, be aware that the spelling of Yakama was changed from Yakima in 1994.

The absolutely best time to hike in the Bird Creek Meadows area is when the wildflowers are in full bloom. The challenge is to get there at the exact time. It is a challenge because the peak of floral display varies from year to year. However, you should be in good luck any time from the end of July through the end of August.

The Bird Creek Meadows hike is really a combination of several hikes and loops. I recommend heading straight for the viewpoint overlooking Hell Roaring Canyon first, then do a variety of loops through the meadows afterward.

The climb up to the viewpoint is a bit steep, but not very long, so not very difficult. The views along this route are magnificent. Hike this in the morning and your photo opportunities are endless. Keep an eye on the hillsides on the north side of the canyon for mountain goats.


Once you reach the Overlook, follow the trail that leads back down to the meadows areas. Keep to the right while going and then to the left when returning. However, due to the various loops available, you can select from several options.


To hike over at least as far as the Crooked Creek junction will give you the better views and discover the extraordinary beauty of this magnificent place.

Be sure to respect the guidelines and restrictions that are in place in this hiking area. Remember, we are guests here, and need to be grateful to the Yakama Nation for access to this scenic and floral wonder.

From Portland, OR
From Portland, travel east on Interstate Hwy 84 to Exit 64 at Hood River. Turn left, and pass under the freeway and cross the toll bridge ($1.00) into Washington state. Turn left onto SR14 and drive approximately 1.5 miles to state road 141 Alt. Turn right onto SR141 Alt. and follow it another 2 miles and merge bearing left onto SR141. Then travel north on SR141 for another 19 miles to Trout Lake and the junction to Mt. Adams Road, which heads north to other hike destinations.

from Trout Lake, WA
Bear right and forward onto Mt. Adams Road for about 1.3 miles and you come to the junction with Forest Road 23. Bear right and continue on Mt. Adams Road, which is also Forest Road 82, for another half mile or so, and when you come to Forest Road 80, bear again to the right and stay on FR82. To reach the Bird Creek Meadows area, just stay on FR82 for another 8.3 miles past FR80. At this point, FR82 turns into the Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 285 as well as FR8290.

Continue on BIA285 for another 4.2 miles and you will come to Mirror Lake and the junction of BIA304 which takes you to Bird Lake. For the trailhead to Bird Creek Meadows, just continue another mile and the parking area with trailhead will be on your left.

Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions Vicinity Map To contact the Gifford Pinchot NF for current information: Click Here.