Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility was closed by the time we finished our hike yesterday so we returned to visit it on our way home today. We had been there last year after our hike on Whiskey Dick, but had only 10 minutes until closing time. Today we spent over an hour looking at the exhibits and learning about the area and facility. There is a new Trail Guide this year offering a 2.4 mile RT Ridgeline Solar Trail, a 1 mile RT Bitterroot Trail,a 1.7 mile RT Bluebird Canyon Trail, and Whiskey Dick Mountain Backcountry Routes. We each obtained an access permit which enables one to park in designated parking areas along the road and then explore on foot. Time was short and flowers were just beginning to bloom so we did not hike other than near the facility. We drove the Beacon Ridge Road about a mile beyond the gate where the paved road ends. Guided tours are available at 10 and 2 daily. On these you actually enter an operating turbine tower. We plan to return to do this and to hike the trails in 2-3 weeks when more wildflowers should be blooming. We highly recommend spending time at the facility! Flowers are blooming along the road up to the facility.