Natural History Wanderings

Mount Rainier National Park   has its first report of the season

Currently Blooming – May 25, 2017
Welcome to spring at Mount Rainier! We’re still a long way from the subalpine meadows being free of snow, but early spring flowers are starting to appear at lower elevations. In Longmire, tiny yellow violets are popping up everywhere! There are several different species of yellow violets in the park. Two common species currently blooming are roundleaf violet (Viola orbiculata) and stream violet (Viola glabella). Roundleaf violet favors moss-covered forest floors, while stream violets prefer – you guessed it – streambanks.
Wildflower Reports

• Longmire (5/25) – roundleaf violet, stream violet, alaska violet, trillium, calypso orchid, holly-leafed oregon grape, wild strawberry, coltsfoot (late)

Wildflower Photos are available on Mount Rainier’s Flickr page.

Plan Your Visit
Paradise andSunrise are two of the main visitor center areas at Mount Rainier National Park. Both areas are well known for their impressive wildflower meadows. The park also maintains dozens of trails perfect for wildflower viewing.