Chiwaukum Creek
May 29, 2012
by
terpene
—
last modified
May 30, 2012 09:04 PM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Chiwaukum Creek
- Region: Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
- Agency: Okanogan-Wenatchee Natiomal Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District, Leavenworth
- Trails: Chiwaukum Creek (#1571)
- Avg Rating: 1.50
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
Tweedy's Lewisia
The Chiwaukum Creek trail is similar to the Ingalls Creek trail, which is not surprising as they are very close physically. Both feature easy drive-up access, creekside hiking, little elevation gain, and an amazing variety of wildflower species.
What distinguishes them in a big way is the presence of the Tweedy's Lewisia, arguably the most beautiful of all Cascade wildflowers, along Chiwaukum Creek. Not only is it a beauty, it's also one of the few endemic Washington species, and there is no better place to see them.
I visited here a couple of weeks ago only to find I was two weeks early for the Tweedy's bloom peak. But today I was not disappointed - the Tweedy's are in full glorious bloom.
I followed the trail out to the junction with trail 1591, about 6 miles from the trailhead. It's very pleasant the whole way, but all the Tweedy's are in the first couple of miles from the Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary sign. The trail gets a bit brushy further out, and there are a few blowdowns, but mostly the trail is in very good condition.
If you're a wildflower hunter, this trail is a must-see, and now is the time to see it. The Tweedys will be in bloom for the next week or two.
What distinguishes them in a big way is the presence of the Tweedy's Lewisia, arguably the most beautiful of all Cascade wildflowers, along Chiwaukum Creek. Not only is it a beauty, it's also one of the few endemic Washington species, and there is no better place to see them.
I visited here a couple of weeks ago only to find I was two weeks early for the Tweedy's bloom peak. But today I was not disappointed - the Tweedy's are in full glorious bloom.
I followed the trail out to the junction with trail 1591, about 6 miles from the trailhead. It's very pleasant the whole way, but all the Tweedy's are in the first couple of miles from the Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary sign. The trail gets a bit brushy further out, and there are a few blowdowns, but mostly the trail is in very good condition.
If you're a wildflower hunter, this trail is a must-see, and now is the time to see it. The Tweedys will be in bloom for the next week or two.
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Tweedy's Lewisia in its favorite rocky habitat
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Chiwaukum Creek running high
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Western Meadowrue (male flowers)
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