Nature on Trail

Nature on Trail: Pikas

Weighing in at around six ounces,with a 6-8 inch long body, this tannish grey member of the rabbit family has large ears and a very short tail. Pikas, also known as “coneys” or rock rabbits, live in alpine and subalpine territory throughout the western states.

Nature on Trail: Pacific Rhododendron

Rhododendrons, affectionately called “rhodies” by their many admirers, are so ubiquitous in our yards and gardens that many people may be surprised to learn that they are also Northwest natives. At no time is it more spectacular than late spring, when it bursts into bloom, lending splashes of vibrant pink and red to dark green woods.

Nature on Trail: Madronas

If you’re overlooking Puget Sound, or on a sunny, rocky outcrop in the eastern Olympics, you may see a tropical-looking tree that seems out of place in the Pacific Northwest. Its broad, waxy green leaves remain on the tree throughout the winter, and its papery bark sheds to reveal smooth, supple trunks.The tree is the madrona.

Nature On Trail: Woodpeckers

Nature On Trail: Jeffrey's Shooting Star

Nature on Trail: Devil's Club

They're tall, sharp, and when they hit you it hurts. Luckily it's not usually right next to the trail, but you should know how to identify it. It's Devil's Club!

Nature on Trail: Elk

Learn a bit about the life cycle of elk, and where you might be able to spy a herd of them.

Nature on Trail: Frogs

Nature on Trail: Forest Floor Plants

Nature on Trail: Forest Ecosystems

Nature on Trail: Ethnobotany

Nature on Trail: Ferns

As we trudge miles through the woods on our way to summits, we often overlook the beauties of the understory. Common ferns (polypodiaceae) are an important and ancient part of the lush greenery that abounds in our forests.

Nature on Trail: Ptarmigan

The smallest grouse in North America, the white-tailed ptarmigan is found in remote, rocky alpine areas at around 7,000 feet in Washington.

Nature on Trail: "Other" Berries

Nature on Trail: Steller's Jay

The Steller’s jay is a bird of beauty, with striking deep blue and black plumage and a long, shaggy crest. But with this beauty also comes a very harsh, noisy vocalization that will grab your attention, like someone scratching their nails down a chalkboard.

Nature on Trail: Lynx & Bobcat

Nature On Trail: Marmots

Marmota caligata, commonly known as the hoary marmot, lives in some pretty scenic neighborhoods. The namesake silvery grey fur on their shoulders and backs helps them blend in with the talus slopes or rocky outcroppings near treeline.