Horse Lake Reserve — Thursday, May. 4, 2023

I have been to this area several times, and today was one of the best for wildflower blooms!  We arrived around 11 after a long drive from S Snohomish County, but there was plenty of space at the parking lot, as well as some TP in the restroom and brochures showing the many hikes available!  Temp got up to 81 by the afternoon but looks to cool down for the next few days, which will help keep the flowers blooming.  Some areas are beginning to lose their blooms but others in more shaded areas and higher elevation were in top condition.  We saw two lizards, a snake and many insects especially bees and other pollinators.  Birdsong was loud and clear but we saw few of them.  Our trail stuck to view areas so we stayed high for most of the hike before coming down for trek to parking lot. More bicyclists than hikers today.  My friend had never seen the wildflowers so it was a special trip and worth the drive!