At times I’m truly amazed at the diversity of beauty in the Portland area. In mid April my destination was the eastern foothills of the Coastal Mountains. A 14-mile trail (1,450 feet of cumulative elevation gain) travels around Henry Hagg Lake, the impoundment behind Scoggins Valley Dam.

There are five creeks flowing into the 2 1/2 mile long reservoir, providing outstanding habitat for song birds, wildflowers and butterflies.

Early wildflowers were in bloom, including fawn lilies, fairy slippers (wild orchids) and an Oregon flag. And, to remind me it was springtime, rain showers interspersed with some sunbreaks kept me on my toes.

What a pleasant way to spend a sunny six hours of exercise and fun.

Colorful spring blossoms

Great Hound’s Tongue

Sunshine and rain showers

Oregon Flag

Trillium

Spring blossoms and unsettled skies – – – It must be springtime

Fawn Lily

Bleeding Heart

Fairy Slipper (Calypso Orchid)