Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area - Bitterroot Trail

If you want to take a quick hike near the Renewable Energy Center of the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility (REC), then this is your trail. The trail descends through rigid sage, balsamroot, buckwheat, and bitterroot which thrive in the thin rocky soil on the hillside.

Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva), the star of this trail, appears with a rosette of rounded spike like leaves in early spring. The plant is a succulent, storing water in its leaves to combat drought conditions. The plant uses up much of its stored energy to produce a spray of pink flowers, which appear for only a short time, usually after its leaves have shriveled. The roots were a common Native American food source. They were dug up, peeled, and either cooked or dried for future use or trade.

This route begins on the gravel trail behind the REC. Walk between the solar panels and the blade, following the trail north. It soon takes a sharp left and heads down hill, ending at a pull off along Beacon Ridge Road. Retrace your steps from here, or continue down the Bluebird Trail, which begins across the road. For your safety, please do not walk on or along the roadway.