We started at 10 AM from the Quilomene parking lot (the first one past Wild Horse windfarm) and hiked out-and-back along Whiskey Dick Ridge Road to slightly past the junction with Whiskey Dick Creek Road. It was a beautiful day with a slight breeze keeping us cool on a 70 F day.
We saw 6 other hikers during the hike - all during our return to the car. There are lots of flowers in bloom - lupin, balsamroot, biscuitroot, and phlox were most abundant. We were spotted a couple mountain bluebirds within the first mile - near where there is a birdhouse on one of the fenceposts. Two smaller groups of elk (or mule deer) merged on the hillside straight ahead as we dropped into the first small valley.
Once you climb to contour along the hillside at about mile 2, the flowers cover the hillside. The Simpson's hedgehog cactus in bloom can be found here and there from this point until we turned around.
Note that off road vehicles are allowed on these roads beginning on May 1st.
Comments
Bob and Barb on Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area
Very nice photos! I think your deer are elk! Our daughter was here yesterday and took a video of elk! She only saw about 20 in a single group! You are fortunate to have seen so many!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Apr 27, 2025 09:26 PM
TralRnnr on Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area
I've gone back and forth on whether they are mule deer or elk. Without antlers to help with the ID,I'm left with the color of the rump patch (cream vs white) and their gathering in a group. The latter favors them being elk.
Posted by:
TralRnnr on Apr 28, 2025 09:01 AM
Joseph Gonzalez on Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area
Sweet elk and bluebird!
Posted by:
Joseph Gonzalez on Apr 29, 2025 08:31 AM