Wild for flowers

Planning a hike this weekend?  Recent trip reports tell of yellow glacier lilies along the trail on Mount Baldy, calypso orchids on Iron Peak, and wild ginger at Church Mountain. Wildflower season has begun in Washington's Cascades and Olympics! 

Sure, most hikers can tell a trillium from a columbine, but have you marveled at the subtle beauty of yellow bells, laughed out loud at the goofy muppet heads of western pasqueflower, or noticed that paintbrush come in a full spectrum of colors? You don't have to be an expert to appreciate the beauty of wildflowers, but a little knowledge can go a long way towards enjoying the dozens of species of wildflowers that grace the landscapes we hike through.

Come to  TrailsFest on July 22, and get a one-hour tutorial on wildflowers from experts with the Washington Native Plant Society -- 10 a.m. at the Hilleberg Outdoor Classroom.

Photo of Yellow Fawn Lily near Ingalls Lake By Julien Chomette