Nature Walk, 1.1 mi 127 ft elevation gain 6/20/25

An easy stroll to the source of the mighty Columbia River. Having spent a lot of time working on the other end of this 2,143 mi river, this was a must stop for me. May be good for birding, with fire lilies growing along the sides, it’s an enjoyable walk with minimal features. For hydro/geology nerds.

View into the marsh and spring area from the bridge along with a sign depicting the marshland and its confluence of waters. Information section reads:

Source to the Sea

Rising from this hummocky marsh, small streams merge and flow under this bridge to Columbia Lake. From here, the Columbia River flows 2000 km and tumbles over 14 dams to empty into the sea.

As the spring water seeps through the wetland it is cleaned and filtered by plants and soil organisms. So while the lower reaches of the Columbia are quite polluted, here the water is still pure and full of life.

Pedestrian bridge spanning the water in the marshlands.

Water flows from the marshland towards Columbia Lake, this is the furthest point on the loop and has a couple benches out of frame.