Natural History Wanderings

Washington Trails Association has a number of early season wildflower reports from the last few days. Here the wildflower excerpts:

Umtanum Creek Canyon — Apr 18, 2013 — Eastern Washington — Yakima
The wildflowers were especially abundant on this side of the creek: Balsamroot, Lupine, Larkspur, Phlox, stunning displays of Oregon Grape, Red Oisier Dogwood, Sticky Currant, and tons of a flowering brush that I think was Mock Orange (native). I also saw several lily-like plants almost in full bloom that I think may have been Death Camas.

Umtanum Ridge Crest — Apr 16, 2013 — Eastern Washington — Yakima
Wild flowers in abundance as usual for this area in April. They flowers have not peaked yet so there are still many getting ready for their show.

Rattlesnake Ledge — Apr 15, 2013 — Snoqualmie Pass — North Bend Area
It was also great to see little signs of spring sprouting along the trail. I spotted a few trillium and several clumps of yellow evergreen violets. Sun made a sporadic appearance, illuminating the forest and showcasing just how beautiful this trail is. And the view from the to…is one of the very best in the Cascade foothills.

Lena Lake — Apr 15, 2013 —Olympics — East
Not long after beginnig the hike, I saw white trilliums in bloom and many more ready to. There was also small yellow violets along the trail and some kind of really pretty pink flowering shrub.

Rattlesnake Mountain — Apr 15, 2013 —Snoqualmie Pass — North Bend Area
Flowers along the early portion of the trail include a couple trillium, lots of salmonberry blossoms, and quite a few yellow mountain violets. Also in abundance early on are red-flowering current bushes in bloom.

Lower Gray Wolf River — Apr 15, 2013 — Olympics — East
I saw trillium, salmonberry blossoms, a lily(avalanche?), asters and something that looked like mother-of-pearl but was too spiky to be that.

Snow Mountain Ranch — Apr 15, 2013 — Eastern Washington — Yakima
I walked part way up the Wildflower Trail. The flowers are starting to get quite nice: lots of balsamroot, lupine, phlox, and big-headed clover. It should be good for flowers over here for the next 3 or 4 weeks. The cottonwoods & aspens are also starting to leaf out and are a beautiful lime green.

Lake Serene – Bridal Veil Falls — Apr 14, 2013 — Central Cascades — Stevens Pass – West
Salmonberry plants have started to bloom, but otherwise wildflowers are not yet in season.

To see full reports plus older postings go to: Trip Reports — Washington Trails Association