In mid-June I was unable to reach the trailhead on the north side of Trapper Creek Wilderness due to deep snow and fallen trees. In early July I returned to the nine square-mile designated wilderness in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
It was a beautiful day with crystal blue skies. I was looking forward to spectacular views of five snow-covered Cascade volcanoes.
I hiked to two interesting destinations – – – 4,200-foot Observation Peak and 4,300-foot Sister Rock.
After reaching the summit of Observation Peak, an old fire lookout site, I spent time photographing the colorful wildflowers in bloom. The open, rocky summit is always a dandy spot for wildflowers. And, I admired the snow-covered jewels of the Pacific Northwest Cascade Mountains.
Next I hiked to neighboring Sister Rock. The bright white plumes of beargrass, and many other wildflowers, added colorful variety along the way.
A wonderful hike of only seven miles.
Avalanche Lily
Mt. St. Helens from Sister Rock
Fritillary Butterfly
Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson from Observation Peak
Spotted Coral Root Orchids
Into the Wilderness
Mt. Rainier from Observation Peak
Bead Lily
Mt. Adams from Observation Peak
Observation Peak from Sister Rock
Beargrass (wild Lily)
Wren
Beautiful morning at the trailhead
Beautiful photos, John. I was at that trail head about a year ago and the place was swarming with yellowjackets. We didn’t even get out of our car, they seemed to be attacking our windows
–it was crazy!
I didn’t see any bees, but there were lots of little black flies and mosquitoes. There was just enough of a breeze to keep them down most of the time.
There is nothing on this planet like the Cascade range. Your photos of these majestic beauties were a real pleasure, John. Whenever I am flying from northern Calif. to Seattle, I settle in next to the window to admire all the peaks. Your photos from this observation point relaxed and entertained me. I especially like the shot of Mt. Rainier with the beargrass in foreground. Wonderful to see the wild orchids too. And the one of blown-top Mt. St. Helens with the dappled-effect snow looks like a painting. All so lovely.
Thanks for the kind comments. We are oh so lucky to have so many “pocket” wildernesses close by.
Great post!
Thanks!
Welcome!