Explore Science, Scenery, and Stories During the First Weekend of the White Salmon Wildflower Festival

The first weekend of the White Salmon Wildflower Festival is bursting with more than just spring blooms—it’s packed with opportunities to connect with the awe-inspiring geology, culture, and natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge. Whether you’re a rockhound, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good story paired with a stunning view, here are two standout events you won’t want to miss:

Celebrate 30 Years of Discovery with the Ice Age Floods Institute (May 2–4)

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Ice Age Floods Institute (IAFI), and they’re celebrating big—with a public gathering in the Columbia Gorge that brings together scientists, adventurers, and curious minds alike. The annual IAFI Membership Meeting lands in the Gorge from May 2–4, and while some field trips have already filled, there’s still time to join fascinating geology tours and a one-of-a-kind evening presentation.

Don’t Miss: Nick Zentner Live – May 2 at 6:30 PM
You’ve probably seen him on YouTube—now catch Nick Zentner in person as he takes the stage with “Bretz, Pardee, and the Ice Age Floods.” His high-energy storytelling brings to life the scientific rebels who unlocked the story of the colossal floods that shaped the region. You’ll laugh, learn, and come away with a whole new appreciation for the dramatic landscape around you.

  • Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
  • $10 members/guests | $25 general public
  • Register here

Unveiling the Gorge: A Field Trip Through Time – May 4
If you’d rather learn while exploring the land itself, jump on the “Unveiling the Gorge” field trip, a 50-mile geology adventure through some of the Gorge’s most jaw-dropping viewpoints. You’ll explore maars, lahars, pillow basalts, petroglyphs, and other geological wonders that tell stories millions of years in the making.

  • Sunday, May 4
  •  6–7 hours | Frequent stops + short walks
  •  Optional boxed lunch available
  • Only 33 spots per trip for an up-close, engaging experience
  • Dress for variable weather and bring comfortable walking shoes
  • Register here

Whether you spend your day hiking among the wildflowers or riding a bus through eons of Earth’s history, these events make the White Salmon Wildflower Festival’s opening weekend one for the books.

So pack your curiosity—and maybe a notebook—and join us in celebrating the land, the science, and the stories that make the Gorge so unforgettable.