While recently exploring along the slopes of Ahtanum Ridge, we encountered a patch of bright, waxy, yellow buttercups. The vision of wildflower blooms immediately sparks memories of outstanding spring hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. And, once again, a great opportunity for viewing the spring blossoms appears in the shape of a series of spring hikes scheduled by the Friends of the Columbia Gorge.

Over the years we have attempted to join this series of 13 hikes scheduled on Saturdays during March, April, May and June. Every time we participated in such a hike, the beauty of the Columbia Gorge revealed itself further. With this backdrop, we offer the following details on the upcoming series of hikes for March and April.

No sign-up is necessary for the hikes, and there is no fee. Hikes proceed rain or shine. Participants are expected to be in good physical condition. They should bring a pack with water and lunch and wear sturdy shoes or boots.

The hike series kicks off this Saturday in Oregon's Memaloose Hills. Grass widows are one featured flower along the five- to six-mile loop with about 800 feet of elevation gain. Other highlights of the trip include scenes of the Columbia River and, given clear weather, the snowy slopes of Mount Hood. Hikers will meet at the Memaloose Rest Area (Interstate-84 eastbound only) at 9:30 a.m.

Shifting to the Washington side of the Gorge on March 30, a hike near Catherine Creek showcases volcanic rock formations as well as wildflower meadows. The route also offers views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood. The hiking route covers nearly seven miles with about 1,300 feet elevation gain. Meet at Rowland Lake off Washington's Highway 14, turning right on Road 1230 for four-tenths of a mile to the meeting site. Start time is 9:15 a.m.

Another hike on the Washington side of the Columbia begins on March 30. This more strenuous outing leads up a series of benches and then across an oak woodland plateau to an abandoned cherry orchard. Fantastic views of the gorge appear along much of the route. The outing covers about six miles with 1,400 feet of elevation gain. The hike starts at 9:45 a.m. at an unmarked trailhead parking area along Highway 14. The location is about milepost 77.4 just before entering Lyle.

April finds another hike in the Catherine Creek vicinity. The April 6 trip follows a loop north of Rowland Lake with such features as waterfalls, historic wagon roads, and panoramic gorge views. The seven-mile hike involves an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet. The meeting point is the same as for the previous Catherine Creek hike on March 23. Start time is 9:30 a.m.

Then it's back to the Memaloose Hills on April 13. Wildflower experts Russ Jolley and Nancy Russell will lead the trip to spectacular wildflower meadows in the hills above Memaloose Overlook. Distance and elevation gain are the same as for the earlier trip to Memaloose Hills, as is the 9:30 a.m. starting time.

Oregon is the destination for the April 20 hike on Seven Mile Hill. Wildflowers and views are attractions of the five-mile route with 1,200 feet elevation gain. Meet at 9:30 a.m. where the I-84 off-ramp at Exit 82 meets the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway 30.

The last April hike follows the Deschutes River Trail in Oregon. The loop route covers about eight miles with 800 feet elevation gain. Sweeping views of two states and three counties, along with many desert wildflowers, are highlights of the hike. The hike starts at 9:45 a.m. at Deschutes Crossing State Park. To reach the park take Highway 30 west from Biggs about four miles to the park entrance.

For those who may wonder if these outings might be worth the somewhat long drives, we say, "Try it, you'll like it." The hikes generally take a slower pace, since the main focus is on the wildflowers. At this time of year, few places in the region offer better hiking than the Columbia River Gorge.

Details about the May and June hikes can be obtained by contacting the Friends of the Gorge by phone at (503) 241-3762 or via the group's Web site, www.gorgefriends.org.

Ron Graham, an elementary school teacher and native of the Yakima Valley, is an avid outdoorsman who has hiked throughout the Pacific Northwest.