Natural History Wanderings

Here are excerpts from Washington Trails Association trip reports that mention wildflower bloom over the last few days.  Go to Washington Trails Association to see full trips reports and more.

Little Cranberry Lake–Anacortes Community Forest Lands Apr 01, 2014:
There were huge patches of skunk cabbage everywhere. Look closely at one and you will see pollinators all over the flower stalk. There are no issues with the trail, although it is really nice to have a map, as there are lots of trails. The intersections are numbered to help. There were lots of birds and ducks on the ponds. Blooming salmonberry and a nice patch of blue-eyed Mary by the lake, too.

Anti-Aircraft Peak, Wilderness Peak  Mar 31, 2014: After crossing the road to the Clay Pit I began to find more signs of spring. Salmonberry flowers were blooming along the trail. I found a few yellow violets. Lots of bleeding heart leaves but not a single flower yet in bloom.
More salmonberry blooms and lots of gleaming moss well soaking by the recent rains. Tibbets Creek had more water than I have seen in a long time. At the junction with the trail to Cougar Pass I turned off. I seldom hike this short trail but on a trip a year or so back in the spring I found it had an patch of skunk cabbage.

Goose Rock  Mar 31, 2014: Noticed some wildflowers, and some wildlife, including a Bald Eagle, and several snakes along the drier sections of the trail.

Snow Mountain Ranch Mar 30, 2014:  Lots of pretty little wild flowers,

Green Lake March 30,2014: Nothing much was blooming yet except Skunk cabbage along the Carbon River Trail.

Mount Rose  Mar 30, 2014: Trillium, salal, and yellow violet are blooming with Oregon grape nearly in bloom.

Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area  Mar 29, 2014:  a couple of large herds of elk and the usual early spring wildflowers except for grass widows.

Central Peak, Squak Mountain, Pretzel Tree Trail Mar 29, 2014: Wildlife sighted included a Dark-eyed Junko and a field mouse. A few Pacific banana slugs were out. The undergrowth is just starting to grow green leaves. At the top, salmonberry is just starting to bloom…also saw what I believe was Western trillium in bloom.