Natural History Wanderings

Updated 6/25/10

Lots of snow has been the theme throughout the Sierra Nevada this past year.  Combined with cooler weather this results in later snow melts and a later wildflower season.  The upside may be that lots of water could mean lots of flowers.  Here are reports I have collected to date.  Locations are listed starting in the south and moving north.

The Inyo BLM office  in Bishop  reported that the Eastern Sierra had substantial snow and that some areas are not yet open and that wildflowers would probably be best mid to late July at the highest elevations.  They report that there is a now a lot to see at the 7,500 to 9000 level. (6/25/10)

The BLM office also said flowers were starting to bloom on White Mountain (less snow there).  The road to the Patriarch’s Grove is blocked by snow, but the Schulman Grove is accessible. the Schulman Grove visitor center is now open daily.  For updates call on the Eastern Sierra and White Mountain call the BLM office: 760-872-5000.

Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park also reports also is reporting wildflowers are later than usual due to snow.

Robert Dayton (RobertDayton Photography) reports:

“Yesterday, June 17, I photographed in Yosemite NP along Foresta Road off HWY120.  Because of a fire the wildflowers are good there now, particularly the Lupine. There  are some occasional clumps of Harlequin Lupine and some yellow flowers that I couldn’t identify. The charred Manzanita bushes and blackened trees–some standing, some down provided strong graphic lines. In the early morning hours the scenics polarized quite well owing to the angle of the sun. I think that it will be good for another several days.”

Yosemite  wildflower bloom report was just updated:  http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/bloom.htm
Tioga Pass opened June 6 and there are still deep snows in the Yosemite high country.

The Carson Pass Information Center Highway 88 at Kit Carson Pass is now open weekends. No prediction on snow melt or wildflower bloom. Call for current report (209) 258-8606.

The Plumas County Visitor Center and local rangers predict Lakes Basin wildflowers will probably be best in mid-July due to the high snow levels.  At lower elevations many flowers are blooming in Plumas County.  Joe Willis on his Black Oak Naturalist blog  http://blackoaknaturalist.blogspot.com and the Bloom Blog http://www.plumascounty.org/Things%20to%20See%20and%20Do/wildflower%20viewing.htm reports over 75 species along Spanish Creek and the Oakland Feather River Camp including Lady Slipper Orchids and red Columbines. Check both blog for  photos and locations.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is predicting that the best time for wildflowers will be  August, which is a month later than usual.

At the Trinity Divide flowers are blooming at the 3000 to 6000 foot level .  See Tom Stienstra’s recent article in S. F. Chronicle: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/24/SPDM1E3J1T.DTL&feed=rss.outdoors

RELATED POSTS:

• Best Sierra Nevada Wildflower Hikes
• Best of Two Worlds Eastern Sierra Nevada and White Mountain: hikes, drives and wildflowers
• Spring in Yosemite: Wildflowers and Waterfalls
• The Best Wildflower Spot in the Sierra? (Carson Pass)
• Plumas County: Lakes Basin Wildflower and Fall Foliage Hotspots
• Lassen: The Forgotten National Park

Feel free to add to or update this post in the comments section.