I hate to report that the flowers in the subalpine meadows around Paradise are quite subpar. For instance, I did not see one lupine plant in bloom on the Golden Gate trail. Photo 4 shows how dry and warm it has been this year compared to average (from the NWS).
Of course, there are still millions of beautiful flowers. Here are the trails that had the best flowers: Along the road by Reflection Lakes, Mazama Ridge, the 1 mile south of Skyline (photo 1, the thickest lupine is here), Paradise Glacier (photo 3), Moraine (these last 2 are always the least crowded by far), Skyline from Myrtle Falls counterclockwise to the creek crossing just beyond the intersection with Paradise Glacier (photo 3), and lower Deadhorse. There are a wide range of phases, some thick areas of avalanche lilies to spots of Cascade asters and everything in between.
There is 1 short, easy patch of snow on the Skyline below the turnoff to the Golden Gate.
Comments
TheGirlWhoHikes on Skyline Trail Loop, Paradise Glacier, Deadhorse Creek, Moraine Trail, Golden Gate, Alta Vista Loop
I've noticed this year there has been less lupine overall. I'm surprised because I thought this year was good amount of snow, but I guess the heat waves affect the post snow melt bloom season too?
Posted by:
TheGirlWhoHikes on Jul 31, 2023 09:02 AM