What’s Happening
Lo que está sucediendo
Help out, learn, build community and have fun!
¡Ayuda, aprende, construye una comunidad y diviértete!
Southwest Washington has so many opportunities to connect with nature. See the event calendar for a wide range of opportunities with our regional partners.
Looking for something special with a group? Contact the partner directly. Some information on this page may be out of date, so connect with the Partner for the most up to date information. Let’s get outside!
El suroeste de Washington ofrece muchísimas oportunidades para conectar con la naturaleza. Consulta el calendario de eventos para conocer la amplia gama de oportunidades con nuestros socios regionales.
¿Buscas algo especial para un grupo? Contacta directamente con el socio. Es posible que parte de la información de esta página no esté actualizada, así que contacta con el socio para obtener la información más actualizada. ¡Salgamos!
June is coming up and that means celebrating Get Outdoors Day!
Communities and partners across southwest Washington are getting ready to host you, your family and friends with a variety of outdoor activities to celebrate the beautiful Pacific Northwest region we know and love. Join us!
Sort Event List by:
Adventure Sport | Agriculture | Art in Nature | Community Event | Elders | Healing | Hiking | Park Updates | Plants | Pollinators | Recreation | Road Trips | Virtual Events | Volunteering | Water Fun | Wildlife | Workshops | Youth |
LCNN is excited to share our Partner’s events, click each event for more detailed information - check with event host for most up to date information (LCNN does not lead these events).
NEW! For events that sound super fun but are just outside southwest Washington are listed as ROAD TRIPs.
Vancouver’s Forever Young Hikers / Weldon Wagon Road
Join the Forever Young Hikers for a trip to the scenic White Salmon Weldon Wagon Road hike!
This hike is rated Moderate, 5 miles with 1200ft. elevation gain.
How to Join:
Check the City of Vancouver's Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services website for upcoming orientations.
Get your customer account barcode to unlock registration for other hikes.
Registration required HERE
The "Forever Young Hikers" in Vancouver, WA, is a popular City of Vancouver program for adults 50 and better, offering guided hikes of varying difficulty (easy to difficult) led by volunteers to keep seniors active and exploring local trails; participants need to complete a mandatory orientation and qualifier hike before joining. It's part of the city's broader "50 and Better" recreation activities, featuring trailheads throughout the region for outdoor adventure.
Adults aged 50 and over.
Hikes are rated by difficulty (miles, elevation gain) and led by trained volunteers.
Orientation Required: New members must attend an orientation and pass a qualifier hike (easy pace, specific distance/time) to prove readiness and get registered.
Logistics: Hikes typically meet at trailheads, and transportation isn't provided for most, though older Monday hikes might have van service from the Luepke Center.
Volunteer-Led: Relies on volunteer guides and drivers for its success.
Read about the program: Hikers take to trails to help stay 'Forever Young' - The Columbian
ROAD TRIP - 2026 Washington Coast Cleanup
Join other volunteers at the annual Washington Coast Cleanup on April 25!
As a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, Washington State Parks teams up with Washington CoastSavers to put on three beach cleanups a year – and the Washington Coast Cleanup is coming up on April 25, 2026. REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER HERE
Many other collaborating partners like Grassroots Garbage Gang, Port Townsend Marine Science Center and Surfrider Foundation help clean coastal beaches alongside State Parks. Volunteers come out yearly to remove several tons of marine debris from Washington’s Pacific Coast and Salish Sea. Beach cleanups allow family and friends to have fun and participate in a meaningful activity.
Last year, volunteers picked up 13,203 pounds of trash during the Washington Coast Cleanup. Join us again this year on April 25, 2026 (time dependent on location and tidal differences). Registration info is available on the Washington CoastSavers website.
The cleanup takes place at various locations along Washington’s Pacific Coast and Salish Sea, including eleven state parks: Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Griffiths-Priday, Mystery Bay, Ocean City, Pacific Beach, Shine Tidelands and Twin Harbors.
Please note that a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state-managed lands on April 25.
ROAD TRIP - Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve Hike
Join the Washington Native Plant Society Suksdorfia Chapter (SW WA) for a road trip to view A profusion of native plants awaits at the top of Stacker Butte.
Walk a primitive road climbing to the top of the butte ridge-crest with stunning views of Mt. Adams to the north, Mt. Hood to the south, and the eastern Columbia River Gorge. Douglas’ buckwheat and many desert parsleys, Bitterroot, Sticky Penstemon, Frasera, and more.
Moderate walking route 4.8 miles with 1200’ of elevation gain.
Meet at The Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailhead at Columbia Hills State Park at 9 a.m.
A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking.
Hike is limited to 12 people.
To sign up for the hike or for more information contact Kim Gilmer at gilmerno.1@gmail.com.
Please join us in visiting French’s farms in Lyle after the hike to check out their wonderful selection of native plants and homemade ice cream!
ROAD TRIP - Wildcrafting as stewardship: Harvesting edible & medicinal non-native, invasive plants
Join Kristin Currin and Missy Rohs on a morning plant walk at Sam’s Walker Day Use Area near Skamania, WA to learn about the wide variety of non-native invasive plants and their uses for foods and medicine.
The surge of interest in foraging and wildcrafting has brought people closer to nature, but has also had a negative impact on native plant populations in the Columbia Gorge. Increasing demand has led to unsustainable extraction of some of our region’s most important native species that were once protected by their obscurity. However, many local non-native plant species introduced to North America offer wonderful alternatives and their harvesting can help control the spread of invasive plants.
This is a WA Native Plant Society sponsored event
Easy 1.2 mile gravel walking trail with very little elevation gain.
Meet at the Sam’s Walker Day Use Area Parking lot at 8:45 a.m.
A National Forest Pass is required for parking, or pay $5/day/vehicle at the trailhead.
Walk is limited to 12 people.
Registration is required: to sign up, or for more information contact Kim Gilmer at gilmerno.1@gmail.com.
ABOUT THE TOUR:
Kristin Currin is the coauthor of The Pacific Northwest Native Plant Primer (Timber Press, 2023) and cofounder of Humble Roots Nursery in Mosier, Oregon. Missy Rohs is a community herbalist and educator in Portland, Oregon and owner of the Arctos School of Herbal Studies, focusing on sustainable plant medicine, pragmatic skill-building, and community care.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking, or pay $5/day/vehicle at the trailhead.
ROAD TRIP - Cape Disappointment - Coastal Forest Loop Volunteer Vacation with WTA
Join this crew to spend a week doing beachside trailwork in Cape Disappointment State Park while staying in historic lodging in nearby Fort Columbia State Park.
This crew will build on the work of other day work parties to construct stairs on the Coastal Forest Loop trail. Volunteers will stay in the historic Scarborough and Steward houses in the nearby Fort Columbia State Park where they will make meals together.
About the Area: There are a plethora of small trails at Cape Disappointment, but this one may be the least well-known. Tucked off of Spur Road 100, the opposite direction from the camping area, the Coastal Forest Loop offers a chance to experience the signature environment of this area in either a half mile or mile and a half loop. Be sure to snag the brochure offered at the park office with interpretive information corresponding to posts along the way.
Project Description: This crew will continue construction work on stairs on the far side of the loop. This will require a lot of hauling gravel using heavy equipment like motorized wheelbarrows (toters) and plenty of manual hauling using buckets and straps.
Construction will use electric and gas powered drills and saws. It's a slow process to get everything level and properly set. There is also lots of dirt work to be done to prepare soil for stairs.
The crew may also do general annual maintenance on the trail including: pruning back overgrown vegetation, digging draingage channels, and repairing the walking surface.
Camping and Hiking Information:
Location: Fort Columbia State Park: Scarborough House and Steward's House
The houses have a total of 6 bedrooms with a combination of queen/twin size beds. Volunteers may be required to share rooms.
Due to State Park regulations, camping in vehicles or tents outside of the houses is not permitted.
Bathroom/Shower available
Coastal Loop Trail is 1.4 miles total
The project is on the far side of the loop and may require several trips to haul materials
Schedule:
Day 1 (Thurs): Meet the crew rain or shine, and then set up camp. Scout the project and possibly start some work.
Day 2-3 (Fri-Sat): Trail work day. Gather for breakfast (7:00 AM) then hike or drive to the project site (8:00 AM). Work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks and enjoy lunch on the trail. By 3:00 PM, hike back to camp to enjoy snacks and unwind before dinner (6:00 PM). Help with a different camp chore each day including meal preparation and cleanup.
Day 4 (Sun): Day off to relax and explore your beautiful surroundings
Day 5-6 (Mon-Tue): Trail work day
Day 7 (Wed): Break down camp, head out and say goodbye
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.
Planning Information:
Get ready for a great vacation!
What it Takes to Do This Work Party
A great attitude for working with a team
Camping gear and trail work gear; WTA provides training, tools and great food
Good physical condition to be physically active for about 7 hours daily on uneven terrain
Day work party experience recommended
Flexibility to adapt to changes due to unpredictable weather or land manager requests
Minimum age: 18
What to Bring - Required:
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Work gloves
Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)
Long pants
Recommended:
Sturdy work or hiking boots
Long sleeved shirt
A hard hat will be provided by WTA if you do not already have a WTA provided hart hat. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.
In addition to the items listed above, bring the following personal gear:
WTA hard hat
Work gloves
At least two 1-liter water bottles and a coffee mug
Rain jacket and rain pants
Extra warm clothing
Camp clothing such as shorts, shirt and sandals
Sun and bug protection
Headlamp and extra batteries
Personal items such as medication, hand sanitizer and toiletries
First aid kit
Day pack recommended
A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
State Park Lodging will provide bed linens, pillows, and towels. You are welcome to bring additional towels and blankets if you see fit. All cooking equipment will be provided by WTA to cook inside the house.
A hard hat will be provided by WTA if you do not already have a WTA provided hart hat. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own.
More Information:
WTA's Trail Work Guide introduces the type of work you may do
Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367
From the Hiking Guide
See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.
A My Backpack account is required. You will be asked to register or log in before you can join.
ROAD TRIP - Conboy Lake NWR hike with WNPS
The Willard Springs Foot Trail is a 3.8-mile loop along the edge of the open marsh and into the pines. Beginning at the refuge headquarters, it parallels the west shore of Conboy Lake, with views across the lakebed and north to Mount Adams.
The trail is mostly flat with a couple gentle grades on the return, but is not considered ADA accessible. The different habitats along the trail provide a diverse variety of wildflower species. In addition to the wildflowers, we may possibly see sandhill cranes, which nest in the refuge.
This is a joint hike with the Suksdorf Chapter of the WA Native Plant Society (WNPS) and the Portland Chapter (NPSO).
To sign up for the hike or for more info contact Ron Klump at klumpron@gmail.com
From Recreation.gov: The refuge is a haven for plants and animals, supporting Washington's largest and healthiest populations of Oregon coyote-thistle, rosy owl-clover, Kellogg's rush, dwarf rush and long-bearded sego lily. A blend of oak, pine and aspen forests, wetlands, grassy prairies and streams supports a diverse and plentiful wildlife community. The rich habitat diversity sustains thriving populations of migrating waterfowl and songbirds. The rare Oregon spotted frog breeds in wetlands throughout the refuge. Elk are plentiful and frequently seen along refuge roads. And Conboy Lake supports the only breeding population of greater Sandhill cranes in Washington, around 25 pairs.
While the scenery and the plentiful, charismatic wildlife are what draw people in, visitors soon discover that Conboy Lake NWR offers hidden treats, esoteric gems that will keep them returning for years. Elk and deer may be the stars, but visitors soon learn about—and come to appreciate—Oregon spotted frogs, nesting greater Sandhill cranes and the variety of rare plants found on the refuge. A quiet place outside of hunting seasons, solitude is an easily found commodity and greatly appreciated by those coming from bustling metropolitan areas. As a national wildlife refuge, this living system will satisfy your longing for splendor and serenity, just as it did for the indigenous peoples, explorers, loggers and ranchers who were first drawn to the valley’s plentiful resources.
And history is an important part of Conboy Lake. Native Americans once depended on the area's plentiful resources; in fact, they still do, collecting plants for food and religious purposes. These same resources drew settlers to the area, arriving in the 1870s. One of the early homes, the Whitcomb-Cole Hewn Log House, still stands and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You are invited to stroll through the house and imagine the struggles these early settlers faced.
ROAD TRIP - PCT Trail Days at Cascade Locks
Don’t miss the 19th annual Pacific Crest Trail Days on August 14th & 15th, 2026 at the Marine Park of Cascade Locks, Oregon!
PCT DAYS celebrates and promotes hiking, camping, backpacking & outdoor stewardship and offers a bit of something for everyone, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or new to outdoor recreation.
Over 100 exhibiting sponsors will be offering the latest outdoor products at the Gear Expo & Marketplace. Attendees can participate in activities, games, presentations, gear raffles, and meet with old and new friends in an amazing setting. Rain or shine, it’s going to be a great time!
Learn more and see the event schedule at the website HERE.
Vendors will be offering great food, coffee, beer, cider and non-alcoholic beverages.
No drone cameras, non-service dogs, glass or alcohol may enter the fenced in festival area.
Daily attendance is free, with a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item or monetary contribution to the Columbia Gorge Food Bank.
Camping is available on Thunder Island for a fee.
Connect with us on Instagram & Facebook for the latest festival news!
ROAD TRIP - Outdoor Cooking with Dutch Ovens
Relying on simple recipes, fresh ingredients, easy techniques, and the most basic equipment, you can create wonderful hearty camp meals that will become lifelong favorites.
Outdoor cooking doesn’t need to be elaborate to be fantastic, nor does it have to rely on processed, canned, or freeze-dried ingredients. A few good ingredients, simply prepared, can always make a delicious meal—even with only one main cooking vessel: the Dutch oven. Made of cast iron, a Dutch oven is incredibly durable, conducts heat beautifully, and is versatile enough to cook just about everything.
Join Washington Outdoor Women for this spring workshop at the Camp River Ranch, 33300 NE 32nd St., Carnation, WA
REGISTRANTS: 18yrs and older
REGISTRATION FEE: $95
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 5th
This one-day workshop will cover the following:
The history of cooking with Dutch ovens, types, and why it is great for camping,
How to use a Dutch oven in various ways: to bake, stew, use as a fryer, smoker, etc…
How to prep a fire and start coals,
Dishwashing at camp, storing and transporting,
Other essential equipment, how to set up a camp kitchen and make a camp cooking kit,
How to adapt recipes and various heat sources,
Safety, seasoning and care,
Camping hacks and more…..
Learn more and registration HERE.
ROAD TRIP - Spring Break Day Camp - Living Traditions of the Yakama Nation
Confluence is excited to host a one-day cultural camp for Native youth ages 13–17 at the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation’s Center for Native Arts and Cultures.
This single-day, immersive educational experience camp is structured to introduce participants to the history, arts along with environmental stewardship, central to the Yakama peoples.
This event will be held at the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation – Center for Native Arts and Cultures and will be limited to 25 participants, allowing for an intensive, but thoughtful learning space.
This camp will offer the following:
Basic Weaving Workshop: A hands-on session where youth complete a tangible weaving project to introduce fundamental techniques and material history.
Lunch & Storytelling Circle: A shared meal followed by a traditional narrative emphasizing the importance of oral traditions.
The Salmon: An interactive discussion focusing on the cultural and ecological significance of local rivers, salmon, and traditional fishing practices, teaching responsible environmental stewardship.
There will be ample activities at this camp to foster creativity and culture sharing.
The camp is free and open to Native-identifying youth ages 13–17, with space for 25 participants. Registration is now open - apply HERE!
On The Road Tour with Master Gardeners: Spring Fever
Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program for an On the Road Tour and leave the driving to us.
Join the Clark County Master Gardeners for our first tour of 2026. Sit back and enjoy visits to three nurseries or farms.
“Spring Fever”. “Fiebre de primavera.” “Varfeber”. ” Fievre du printemps.” Noun – A feeling of restlessness and excitement felt at the beginning of spring. Are you restless on those rainy days you’re stuck in the house perusing seed catalogs? Excited at the prospect of planting new things and getting your hands dirty in your garden?
Meet in the parking lot of the 78th Street Heritage Farm at 8:15am to board our vans for a tour of some Portland locations to help ease the transition into our next gardening season.
Our first stop will be Garden Fever where we will be treated to talk on what’s new and what’s tried and true for 2026.
Our next stop will be a Portland staple – Portland Nursery – to get more info on great things for our gardens. There will be ample time at both locations to pick out your new favorite plant.
Next, we will break for lunch at McMenamins Cedar Hills Pub. They have a menu featuring sandwiches, salads and burgers. Lunch is on your own.
At our final stop of the day, Deby Barnhart of Cornell Farm will speak to the group about plant diversity. There will be time for shopping.
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat and wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress for weather. Bring a walking stick if necessary.
LOCATION: Hazel Dell Neighborhood, address at registration. No admission without registration.
COST: $35 plus tax and fees
REGISTRATION REQUIRED by March 17th: Click here
FOR MORE INFORMATION: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu.
Read about all Master Gardener upcoming events
ROAD TRIP - Habitat plantings at St. Cloud Day Use Area
Join the Friends of Columbia Gorge for a much needed trash pick-up and stream clean day at St. Cloud!
We will be walking the site on and off trail, fill trash bags and give this area extra care as spring sets in. Read more about St. Cloud Trail HERE
Site notes: There is a USFS vault toilet in the parking area.
Before you register, please: Click HERE to read our Liability Waiver - You will be asked to check a box acknowledging you read waiver during registration.
Registration is required HERE.
Accessibility & Physical description: We will be using trash pickers and our gloved hands to remove litter. Expect walking off trail in flat, lumpy terrain, bending, kneeling, possibly crossing a shallow stream. Have accessibility questions? Reply to your registration email to confirm your requirements or request more information.
Learn more about this and other upcoming events at:
Phone: 503-241-3762
Email: info@gorgefriends.org
Friends of the Columbia Gorge: Friends led the effort to create the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area over 40 years ago. We’ve been working ever since to safeguard the Gorge and ensure its natural wonders will be preserved for future generations.
ROAD TRIP - Gray Whale Migration at Depoe Bay, OR
🐋 Spring Whale Watch Week is March 21–29, 2026! 🌊
The gray whales are making their incredible journey north from Baja California — their winter birthing grounds — and passing right by Depoe Bay, Oregon… the Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast!
Depoe Bay is also a popular feeding ground for these gentle gray whales, which means sightings here are often close, active, and unforgettable.
Witness one of nature’s greatest migrations in Depoe Bay. 🐳✨
Learn more about the Whale Watching Center at Depoe Bay State Park in Oregon HERE
More information: Perched on a seawall with expansive ocean views and a large viewing deck, the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay is the perfect spot to see whales. Park staff and volunteers are ready to answer your questions and help you spot whales and other marine life. The center is equipped with binoculars for visitors, and displays feature facts about whales and information on what swimming patterns you might see.
ROAD TRIP - Wild Coast Film Festival & Nature Outings in Astoria, OR
Join us for the 3rd annual Wild Coast Film Festival, exploring nature and our role in it.
Four days of conservation and wildlife films, guided nature walks, and pop-up events! With films spanning wildlife, adventure, and science, there is something for everyone at Wild Coast Film Festival in Astoria, OR.
The festival features films by renowned regional and international storytellers and filmmakers. Among its highlights are stories of untamed wildness and the indomitable human spirit.
Most screenings take place at the historic Columbian Theater. There are seven film blocks, each approximately two hours long.
There will also be local pop-up events in Astoria. These informal gatherings are open to the public and feature special panel discussions. Attendees can eat, drink, and nerd-out on conservation topics.
Guided Photo Walk: Guided Photo Adventure
Friday, March 13th | 9:00AM–12:00PM
We will be bringing back the very popular photo walk again this year! Join Morgan Heim (National Geographic Explorer & member of the International League of Conservation Photographers), Gretchen Kay Stuart ( also with the International League of Conservation Photographers) for a morning of photo adventure in the Astoria area. More details to come.
Passholder Events:
Guided Tour of Wildlife Center of the North Coast
Friday, March 13th | 2:00PM
Join the Wildlife Center of the North Coast for a special tour of their property and wildlife rehabilitation clinic, plus an introduction to the center’s ambassador birds. Supporting WCNC is at the heart of the Wild Coast Film Festival, and we’re excited to offer passholders the chance to visit the center and see their important work in action.
This event is open to Weekend All-Access Pass holders. To reserve a ticket, please purchase one of these passes. Capacity for this event is limited.
Guided Warrenton High Hatchery Tour
Saturday, March 14th | 9:30AM
Join students from Warrenton High School for a tour of their salmon hatchery, featured in the student film From Beginning to End.
This event is open to Saturday Day Pass and Weekend All-Access Pass holders. To reserve a ticket, please purchase one of these passes. Capacity for this event is limited.
Festival Party at the Maritime Museum
Saturday, March 14th | 7:30PM
Celebrate the 2026 Wild Coast Film Festival with our event sponsors at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. The museum’s stunning event space, offering breathtaking views of the river, will host the festivities.
Additional details to come.
This event is open to Weekend All-Access Pass holders. To reserve a ticket, please purchase one of these passes. Capacity for this event is limited.
Guided Nature Walk
ntsayka iliʔi pi tilixam: Our Lands and People
Sunday, March 15th | 9:00AM
Join the Chinook Indian Nation on a walk through History, from pre-colonial existence to the signing of the Tansy Point Treaties of 1851 to the modern resilience of the Chinook people. Tribal staff will lead a small group on an ~3-mile roundtrip walk along the Warrenton Dike Trail culminating at Tansy Point, where the Tribe’s ancestral leadership signed the Tansy Point Treaties of 1851 and solidified an identity of resistance against colonial pressure by reiterating one main point: the Tribe had no interest in being forced to leave the bones of our Ancestors. In addition to the historical relevance of the place, the Warrenton Dike Trail and estuary system remain one of the North Coast’s most productive bird watching sites and a place where the resident elk are often in action. Bring your cameras and open hearts.
This event is open to Sunday Day Pass and Weekend All-Access Pass holders. To reserve a ticket, please purchase one of these passes. Capacity for this event is limited.
Pop-Up Events:
Wildlife Rehabilitation on Oregon's North Coast
Saturday, March 14th | 11:30AM
Fort George Brewery, Lovell Showroom
Join staff from the Wildlife Center of the North Coast for an engaging look at wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education on the North Coast. Learn about the vital work of WCNC’s wildlife rehabilitators, ask questions, and connect with representatives from local conservation organizations, who will be on hand with informational tables and resources.
Filmmaker Discussion Panel
Saturday, March 14th | 3:30PM
Fort George Brewery, Lovell Showroom
Join filmmakers whose work is featured in the festival for a discussion about their films, conservation filmmaking, and more!
Bringing Otters to Oregon
Sunday, March 15th | 2:00PM
Obelisk Brewing
Join Chanel Hason of the Elakha Alliance, along with conservation photographer Gretchen Kaye Stuart and biologist Brittany Blades from the Oregon Coast Aquarium for a discussion on the efforts to reintroduce sea otters to Oregon’s coastal waters.
ROAD TRIP - White Salmon Tree Fest
A New Tree Walk Map is Taking Root in White Salmon
White Salmon’s landscape is defined by dramatic views, vibrant neighborhoods, and an delightful diversity of trees. Now, a new community project is inviting residents and visitors to experience those trees in a whole new way.
The White Salmon Tree Board is developing a Tree Walk Map, a self-guided route highlighting notable trees throughout town. A first draft of the map will be available for public input at TreeFest on March 21, 2026 at Rheingarten Park in downtown White Salmon.
Spring in the Gorge means wildflowers, longer days, and TreeFest.
Hosted by the Underwood Conservation District (UCD), TreeFest is the lively, in-person celebration that culminates the annual Native Plant Sale. It’s part plant pickup, part community gathering, and entirely rooted in conservation.
TreeFest takes place March 21, 2026 at Rheingarten Park in downtown White Salmon.
For those new to UCD, TreeFest offers a welcoming introduction to the organization’s mission and impact.
“The native plant sale brings the community together to celebrate the beauty and importance of native plants,” says Corrie Podolak of Underwood Conservation District. “Native plants help with water quality, soil stability, support wildlife, and are adapted to our ecoregion. Some native plants in our area are also adapted to periodic fire.”
Why Native Plants Matter in the Columbia Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the Pacific Northwest. Its dramatic shifts in elevation, rainfall, and microclimates create a mosaic of plant communities found almost nowhere else.
“The Columbia Gorge is rich with native plant varieties that are ecologically unique,” Podolak explains. “Many species exist nowhere else or in very limited ranges. When we plant native plants we are matching species to the microclimates that shaped them over thousands of years.”
By choosing native plants, residents aren’t just landscaping — they’re participating in long-term ecosystem stewardship.
What to Expect at TreeFest
TreeFest is where online Native Plant Sale customers pick up their pre-ordered seedlings — but it’s much more than a pickup day.
Attendees can expect:
Inexpensive bare-root native plants
The opportunity to purchase single plants (even without an online order)
Informational partner booths with valuable resources
Music and a food cart
Family-friendly activities
A welcoming community of native plant lovers
“TreeFest brings UCD staff and partners all together in one friendly place,” says Podolak. “We believe conservation thrives in community—when we gather, share ideas, and inspire one another to take action.”
Even if you didn’t place an online order, you’re encouraged to attend. Everyone is welcome — and you can still shop the walk-up plant selection.
A Festival for the Whole Family
TreeFest is designed to be accessible and engaging for all ages. With music, food, partner organizations, games, and hands-on learning opportunities, it’s as much about community connection as it is about conservation.
The in-person gathering is intentional.
“It’s so much fun to see a tree grow year after year from a tiny seedling,” Podolak shares. “Planting trees is a rewarding experience that fosters hope for a greener future.”
That sense of hope — and shared action — is what makes TreeFest special each year.
Curious About Native Plants? Start Here.
If you’ve been thinking about incorporating native plants into your yard or property but haven’t taken the first step, TreeFest is the perfect place to begin.
“There are so many resources available,” Podolak says. “Start with our website and order native plants!”
UCD staff will be available to answer questions, provide guidance, and connect residents with additional educational resources and technical assistance. To stay connected after the event, community members are encouraged to sign up for the Underwood Conservation District newsletter.
TreeFest is more than a plant sale — it’s a celebration of stewardship, resilience, and the shared landscapes that define life in the Columbia Gorge.
Mark your calendar for March 21, 2026 at Rheingarten Park and come plant something that will grow for years to come.
ROAD TRIP - Habitat plantings at Sam Walker Natural Area
Join the Friends of Columbia Gorge for monthly stewardship Saturdays at Sams Walker!
At our March event we will be planting small woodland strawberries and then switch to removing English ivy and herb Robert in the restoration areas! As we hike to the project area we'll tour the oak and pollinator meadow restoration efforts from the past five years, talk about successes and challenges and look for the first wildflowers of the season! If you haven't stewarded at Sams Walker, this is a must do!
Join us Learn more about the mosaic of habitats at Sams Walker Day Use Area HERE.
This event is family friendly and appropriate for ages 6 and up. To help with staff capacity, we kindly ask that parents help engage their child in the project.
Before you register, please: Click HERE to read our Liability Waiver - You will be asked to check a box acknowledging you read waiver during registration.
This project is in partnership with Center for Ecodynamic Restoration, Clark College Native Plant Center and U.S. Forest Service.
Physical description: expect walking along a flat packed gravel path and in flat grassy fields, bending, digging, planting. The planting site is about a 0.25 mile walk from the parking area. Mainly flat ground.
Have accessibility questions? Reply to your registration email to confirm your requirements or request more information.
Amenities: There is a USFS vault toilet in the parking area.
Registration required HERE
Learn more about this and other upcoming events at:
Phone: 503-241-3762
Email: info@gorgefriends.org
Friends of the Columbia Gorge: Friends led the effort to create the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area over 40 years ago. We’ve been working ever since to safeguard the Gorge and ensure its natural wonders will be preserved for future generations.
