Local Chapter Field Trips

Central Puget Sound

Guidelines for compensation for drivers of carpools: $0.25 per mile per car, to be divided among the passengers. Tolls and ferry fares are additional and are to be divided among all those in the car.

Robert Y. Pratt Preserve at Ebeys' Landing, Whidbey Island, led by Brenda Clifton.

Meet at 12 pm, at the Robert Y. Pratt Preserve at Ebey’s Landing.

Carpool from 3rd Ave NE & NE 103rd St (just east of Northgate Transit Center)   Northgate Transit Center East P&R, meet at 9:30.  

Directions:  From the Mukilteo ferry terminal, proceed north on SR 525 about 28 miles to Coupeville. Ebey’s Landing can be reached from state Highway 20 (on Whidbey Island) by turning west on Main Street in Coupeville. This road turns into Engles Road as you head out of town. Turn right on Hill Road.   Follow this road through trees and then down a hill where you see a view of Ebey’s bluff in front of you. Park in the lot at the bottom of the hill or along the flat road shoulder close by.

Douglasia at McCord Creek, Columbia River Gorge, led by Louise Kulzer.

Two of the showiest endemics in the Columbia River Gorge—Douglasia laevigata, smooth-leaf Douglasia and Synthrys stellata(Columbia kittentails) can be seen in mid-April.  Douglasia grows high on the basalt cliffs near the falls (bring binoculars for a good look). Kittentails grow right along the trail, and although lower plants will be past prime, the higher ones should still be fresh. We'll also see Cliff paintbrush (Castellja rupicola) adding splashes of red to the elegant salmon-colored Douglasia. If time allows, we'll look for Dicentra cucullaria, Dutchman's breeches, at near-by Starvation Creek falls.  Carpooling encouraged, but you can meet us at the trailhead as well (spend the weekend, perhaps?).  From Seattle, the round trip mileage cost will be about $85/car, to be shared by passengers & driver ($5/car suggested to purchase carbon credits to offset the carbon footprint of the trip). Come prepared with lunch & water. Hiking boots recommended, dress for the weather. Limit of 12 participants.

Echo Mountain and Spring Lake Bog, led by Caren Adams.

Caren will guide us through lowland forest along an easy trail, gaining a few hundred feet in elevation to the top of Echo mountain where chocolate lily (Frittilaria lanceolata) and fawn lily (Erythronium sp.) should be in bloom.  Historically fire was probably used by Native Americans to manage the site -and last year there was an unplanned fire!  It should prove interesting to see how the plant community has responded.

And if lake levels allow, Caren will also take the group to the fringing bog along the shore of Spring Lake. Ledum groendlandicum (laborador tea) and Kalmia microphylla occur there. Bring boots or shoes that can get saturated if you plan to visit the bog. Otherwise walking shoes should be sufficient. Bring food and water and dress for the weather.

Seward Park, led by Paul Talbert.

Seward Park is best known for having the largest old growth Douglas-fir forest in the city.  However, in the 1850s, the area from the Park south to Pritchard's Island was an oak ecosystem know as Clark's prairie.  Though now mostly in housing, a few oaks survive, and a Stewardship grant helped to replant new understory oaks.  Other plants that are relatively uncommon in Seattle that we'll see include Pacific yew, Pacific dogwood, poison oak, snowbrush, red-stem ceanothus, creeping snowberry, wintercress and others. We hope to see blooming camas and other prairie plants, and will discuss native American fire management practices.  We'll also be able to see an earthquake fault scarp! Easy, level walking for 1-2 miles. Trip over by noon.  Bring binoculars for eagle watching!

Lawton Park, Magnolia, led by Barbara Downward.

Join Barbara, a WNPS steward, for a walk in Lawton Park on Magnolia's east side.  We will begin at the SE corner of the park and walk uphill near a stream.  There is a boardwalk allowing easy viewing of wetland plants.  2000 plants have been installed in the last 2 years throughout the park through a SPU grant, the Green Seattle Partnership and Seattle Parks.  Near the 26th Pl W entrance see the results of a 2 year project in lawn replacement with sheet mulching.  Live staking and bare root planting are other techniques we have used in the reforestation effort.  Enjoy the panoramic view to the Ship Canal before continuing up the second ravine to 29th Ave W.

Sagebrush Steppe of Eastern Washington, led by Ray Goslin.

Celebrate Native Plant Appreciation Week by spending a day exploring the beauty of the sagebrush steppe. Brush up on your Eriogonum (buckwheats), Lomatium (desert parsleys), Erigeron (daisies), and other early bloomers.  We’ll visit two or three locations including the Quilomene Wildlife Refuge Area and the vicinity around Wanapum State Park along the Columbia River.  Hiking will be minimal, weather unpredictable.  Bring a lunch and water. 

University of Washington Herbarium, led by Maria Yousoufian.

You've heard about it, now's your chance to see it.  The University of Washington Herbarium stores over 600,000 pressed and dried plant specimens from around the world, with an emphasis on Pacific Northwest native plants. The Herbarium is open to the public and is an incredible resource for studying the distribution, diversity, and ecology of vascular plants, lichen, fungi, mosses, and algae. In addition to viewing the collections, learn about the Herbarium’s online resources including specimen databases, image galleries, checklists and interactive maps.

Kraft Island, North Fork Skagit River, led by Howard Coleman.

Kraft Island is in the delta of the Skagit River on Fir Island outside the dikes at the road end of the North Fork Access. It’s accessible on all but the highest tides, and on May 2 we’ll have a mid-day low tide. In the spring it and a companion outcrop are covered with camas, field chickweed, Allium geyeri and many other interesting plants. As we explore this pristine outcrop we’ll want to confirm its ultramafic nature by looking for serpentine endemics and indicator plants. We’ll also explore the mud flats and brackish marsh surrounding the island observing where the Skagit River changing course, noting the WSU monitoring stations and checking the progress of restoration efforts. This is a beautiful spot only about an hour from Seattle and still in good condition.

Meet at Ravenna Park & Ride at 8 AM, or

meet at the end of Rawlins Road off Fir Island Road outside Conway, exit 221, at 9:15 AM

Mount Townsend, Buckhorn Wilderness, Olympic National Forest, led by Richard Ramsden.    

A day trip for a chance to see the endemic Synthryis, first of the mountain flowers to blossom. Other species may include Draba, Smelowskia, and Douglasia.  The hike is strenuous (8 miles RT, 3000ft elev gain) and may cross areas of packed snow.

Carpool will leave Seattle Ravenna Park & Ride at 7:00 am, catch Edmonds ferry at 7:50 am, arrive at second assembly point, Quilcene Ranger Station, at 9:00 am, arrive trailhead 9:45am.

May 21-23: Study Weekend! Camp Waskowitz, North Bend

Take advantage of this veritable cornucopia of field trips and events highlighting lowland Puget Sound flora! And don't miss the marshmallow roast! See the WNPS website and Douglasia for details.

Chumstick Mountain, Wenatchee National Forest, led by Richard Ramsden.  

Drive obscure mountain roads north of Leavenworth to see the region's most beautiful wildflower, Lewisia tweedyi. Suitable for all ages and abilities. 

Meet in Leavenworth Safeway parking lot 10am or  carpool from the Issaquah/Tibbets Valley P&R 8am. 

Central Washington

Unless otherwise stated, these will be full day field trips. Bring a lunch and water, and wear sturdy shoes.

Snow Mountain Ranch, led by Ed Lisowski.

The trip will start in WDFW property about two miles west of Snow Mountain Ranch where there is a south-facing lithosol area, then return to Snow Mountain Ranch where magenta-flowered Lomatium columbianum should be in bloom.

Lower Umtanum, led by Noel Knoke.

The plan is to cross the footbridge and hike up the first draw to the left and follow an old wagon road around the rim of the canyon, then drop to the railroad for the return hike. 

Old Vantage Highway, led by Don Knoke.

The WNPS State board meeting is being held in Ellensburg on April 17, and this trip is planned to accommodate those attending the meeting who wish to stay over for a field trip.  We will stop at WDFW property along the highway and hike up the south-facing slope where we should find Pediocactus nigrispinus in bloom before proceeding to Vantage. 

Oak Creek Canyon, led by Ed Lisowski.

The hike will probably be up Hoover Canyon, a side branch of Oak Creek Canyon, for about two miles. There is no trail or road, so be prepared for hiking over rough terrain. Oak Creek Canyon is known to have a big variety of plant species. 

Cowiche Canyon walk for families with toddlers, led by Katrina Strathmann.

Enjoy getting out and admiring the season’s wild flowers, and want to do it with young children? Join us for a non-linear hike down Cowiche Canyon to view native plants, Cowiche Creek, and the Canyon’s geology. We will be walking at a toddler’s pace! Meet at 9:30 AM at the Weikel Road parking lot (west end of Cowiche Canyon). 

Roslyn Urban Forest, led by Don Knoke.

This is an area of nearly 400 acres within the Roslyn city limits that is being preserved in its natural state. We will walk on trails through it under the guidance of Ellie Belew of Roslyn, and make a list of the vascular plants found there, searching for rare species and noting the noxious weeds.

Manastash Ridge, led by Don Knoke.

This will be a joint trip with people attending the State Audubon Campout in the Wenas. We will drive up the Observatory Road from the Umtanum/Wenas road, stop at a lithosol area and a riparian area before proceeding to the observatory for a hike along Manastash Ridge.

DNR Sect. 12, Bickleton, led by Ed Lisowski.

We will roam around in a 750-acre DNR parcel looking for flowers in shrub-steppe and oak/pine woodlands with minimum elevation gain. We will be finding unfamiliar species; bring a hand lens, Hitchcock and a camera.

Thorp Lake/Knox Creek, led by Thembi Borras.

This moderately difficult hike will  require leaving a car or cars at the Knox Creek trailhead before starting the hike from the end of FS Road 4312 along Thorp Creek. A short side trail leads to Thorp Lake, and the trail continues to Kachess Ridge, where an optional half-mile round trip to Thorp Mountain lookout is available. The hike will proceed south along Kachess Ridge to the Knox Creek Trail, then down to the waiting cars, about 4 1/2 miles. There are great views along the way, and five species of Penstemon should be blooming along the trail.

Nasty Creek Flats, led by Ed Lisowski.

This will be a 7-mile round-trip hike along the Nasty Creek Flats Green Dot Road, with an elevation gain of about 1100 feet. The road follows a ridge line, passing through groves of ponderosa pine and extensive lithosol areas. One option is to make a loop hike, crossing Nasty Creek, and adding a little distance and elevation gain/loss. 

Bean Creek, led by Thembi Borras.

The hike starts at the Beverly Creek trailhead, then up the Bean Creek Trail, but continuing along a hiker’s trail that follows Bean Creek. The aim is to reach the high bench, where the brown, rocky serpentine soil is covered with ferns, chiefly Shasta fern (Polysticum lemmonii) and maidenhair fern (Adiantum aleuticum).  

Glacier Basin (Mt. Rainier Nat’l Park), led by Ed Lisowski.

The trail climbs 1700’ in about 3.5 miles from the White River Campground to subalpine meadows at Glacier Basin, passing through dense forest, then follows the Inter-Glacier fork of the White River, repeatedly crossing the stream lush with wetland plants. The high meadows provide great views of Mt. Rainier as well as a variety of colorful flowers. 

Quartz Mountain, led by Noel Knoke.

The road goes to the top of 6200-foot Quartz Mountain, where flowers should still be blooming on this date. A hike to Taneum Lake, along about a mile one way of nearly level trail along a north-facing slope, should produce several different species of flowers, including Columbia virgins-bower (Clematis occidentalis). 

Columbia Basin

Columbia Basin Hikes

Koma Kulshan

Earliest Flowers at Deception Pass, led by Mark Turner.

Pass Island at Deception Pass State Park is one of the earliest places where the wildflowers start blooming in our region. It's a sunny site and one of the best for seeing masses of grass widows (Olsynium douglasii). In other years we've also found first blossoms of Ranunculus occidentalis, Cerastium arvense, and Ribes sanguineum. The madrones are majestic, the sedums fantastic, and the meadows above the swirling tides divine. If we have time and interest we may also wander along West Beach. Bring your lunch and dress for the weather.

Northeast Washington

Okanogan

Olympic Peninsula

Duckabush River Trail, led by Fred Weinmann.

Duckabush River Trail offers a wide variety of habitats with interesting native plants. We will botanize about 3 miles along the trail which gradually climbs over Little Hump, elevation 700 feet, drops down to and follows the river about a mile before starting up Big Hump. The lunch spot and turn around point is part way up Big Hump. Bring lunch, your hand lens and field guides; be prepared for any kind of weather.

Cross Quimper Peninsula Exploration: From the Straits of Juan de Fuca to Port Townsend Bay, led by Dixie Llewellin.

We will traverse Port Townsend City limits from North Beach Park to Port Townsend Bay. This entire walk is around 5 miles and will traverse diverse native plant habitats. We will travel through Cappy’s Trails and use several of the public trails to Kah Tai Lagoon and end up in town (for lunch/tea?)  We can arrange a car shuttle back to North Beach Park. 

Quimper Peninsula Wildflower Hot Spots, led by Dixie Llewellin and Ann Weinmann.

Begin at the Kah Tai Prairie (at the Port Townsend Golf Course) at 9:30 am. The trip will continue from there to Fort Townsend State Park and then to Kala Point. At Kah Tai Prairie we will tour the oldest garden of Port Townsend to see the spring display of native flowers that once filled Happy Valley. Learn the history of the preserve and see projects taking place at this small relict prairie. Some of the highlights will be spring gold, biscuit root, common camas and death camas. At Fort Townsend State Park we will hike among old growth trees. The Calypso orchids will be flowering, and we will see several species of parasitic plants (Hooker’s ground cone and spotted coralroot, for example) that are signature plants for the park. We will finish at the most floriferous of the dune/beach, strand communities on the Quimper Peninsula. The paintbrush, delphiniums, chocolate lilies, and several other species will be in flower.

Salal

Field trips will be scheduled as snow melt and weather permit. If you would like to know about the trips as they are scheduled (generally at short notice), please send me your phone number if you want to be called, or your e-mail address.  Susan Alaynick, 360-333-7437 or s_alaynick@hotmail.com

Washington Park, Anacortes. An Anacortes Parks and Recreation Plant Walk. This park is a botanical treasure and is especially glorious in the spring. Easy.

Rosario Head at Deception Pass State Park. An Anacortes Parks and Recreation Plant Walk. Rocky headland and sheltered woods. Little elevation gain. Easy.

Whistle Lake. This will be a very gentle hike on wide road in to Whistle Lake. Salmonberry’s magenta blossom and skunk cabbage yellow lanterns will light the way. A restroom is available at the lake.

Pine Ridge Meadow is a unique low hill supporting a mature community of shore pine hidden within deep woods south of Heart Lake. This is a gentle hike with a lovely array of woodland wildflowers along the path. Rare territorial views east to Sugarloaf are an added treat. This is an all ages hike.

Anacortes Community Forest Lands. An Anacortes Parks and Recreation Plant Walk. Woods and open meadows, maybe some pond edges. Some hill. Moderate.

Bowman's Bay at Deception Pass State Park. An Anacortes Parks and Recreation Plant Walk. Beach, woods and rocky headland. Some hill. Celebrate Earth Day in the woods. Moderate.

Goose Rock in Deception Pass State Park. An Anacortes Parks and Recreation Plant Walk. Woods and open bluffs full of spring flowers. Some hill. Moderate.

Sugarloaf Wildflowers. This is the ultimate wildflower hike of the year. We will savor the climb through alternating forest and rocky bald meadow. The views from the summit are not to be missed. The trip up and back is one mile, and quite steep in places.

Sharpe County Park. An Anacortes Parks and Recreation Plant Walk. Pond, woods rich with mosses and lichens and open bluffs. Easy. Moderate if we go to the bluffs.

Washington Park, Anacortes. An Anacortes Parks and Recreation Plant Walk. A return visit. The park should be in full bloom. This park is a botanical treasure and is especially glorious in the spring. Easy.

South Heart Old Growth. Come and feel the history of our island through its most ancient living beings. The slow language of our old growth grove on the Southern Shore of Heart Lake takes time to hear, what do the trees have to tell you?

Kettleholes on Whidbey Island and Fort Ebey Bluff. An Anacortes Parks and Recreation Plant Walk. Spectacular show of native rhododendrons. Limited parking. Easy. Bring lunch to enjoy on the bluff.

Northwest Whistle Lake. Lush Spring growth will be at peak as we hike in to Whistle Lake surrounded by blooming native berry bushes. Do you know thimbleberry, huckleberry, salmonberry, elderberry, Oregon grape, salal? The glimmer of the clearest lake on Fidalgo will be your lesson’s reward. Bring a friend or the whole family!

Cranberry Lake in Deception Pass State Park. An Anacortes Parks and Recreation Plant Walk. Backshore, dunes and other habitat. Easy. Bring a lunch to enjoy later on the beach.

Big Beaver Pond. Immerse in the rich world of this yellow pond lily filled swamp. Learn about the community of beaver that created and maintain our network of wetlands in the Little Cranberry Lake watershed.

North Heart Lake. Swainson’s thrush are singing their salmonberry song in the Ace of Hearts Creek area of the woods. Join this easy exploration of varied and beautiful terrain.

San Juan Islands

No field trips are scheduled at this time.

South Sound

South Sound Field Trips

Suksdorfia

No field trips are scheduled at this time.

Wenatchee Valley

Earth Day at Jacobson Preserve. Co-sponsored with Chelan-Douglas Land Trust. This event, organized by the Land Trust, will feature a variety of family-friendly, naturalist led activities with creative opportunities to learn about local birds, butterflies, wildlife, and local history. There will be analog birding with the Audubon Society, plus NCW Museum and school district ecology boxes, along with participation by Barn Beach Reserve and Washington Native Plant Society. This is a free, family event! No dogs, please.

Sunday, April 18, 2010, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Pediocactus at Babcock Bench. Co-sponsored with Chelan-Douglas Land Trust. Ted Alway will lead a hike to view the spring wildflowers of the shrub-steppe, including the colorful Pediocactus, the rare local hedgehog cactus. This hike is limited to Native Plant Society and Land Trust members. No dogs, please. Limited to 20 participants.

Saturday, April 24, 2010, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Icicle Ridge Trail Species List Project, led by Don Schaechtel. Join WNPS member Don in his 4th year of developing a species list for the popular Leavenworth Icicle Ridge hiking trail. Don's goal is to refine and confirm his extensive species list. Bring your copy of Hitchcock and a hand lens to do group botany. The trail is 4.5 miles round trip with 1,600 ft of elevation gain, but this isn't an exercise hike.  Instead it is a chance to get up-close and key out plants (you will still get some exercise). You can join any or all of the trips as they follow spring to summer blooms. 

Friday, April 30, 5-9 p.m. 

Saturday, May 22, 8-2 p.m.

Friday, June 11, 5-9 p.m.                                      

Friday, July 2, 5-9 p.m.

Wildflower Walk at Horse Lake. The Native Plant Society and the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust invite you to see the spring flowers of the Wenatchee Foothills. Botantists Pam Camp and Terry Lillybridge will lead this early evening hike traversing sagebrush hills and riparian draws. This hike is limited to Native Plant Society and Land Trust members. Limited to 20 participants. To reserve a place, call CDLT at 509-667-9708. No dogs, please.

Thursday, May 6, 2010, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

First Creek, near Lake Chelan, led by Liz Tanke.  See what's blooming and dozens of other native plants in ponderosa pine and bitterbrush habitat. Witness the results of restoration with native plants/seed after weed-control and construction of Liz's home 11 years ago. Join in discussion about living in wildland/urban interface and maintaining habitat. Easy meandering on trail and road.

Saturday, May 8, 2010 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.             

Tronson Ridge, led by Lauri Malmquist and Brigitte Ranne.  Join two U.S. Forest Service botanists to explore the varied flora along the Tronson Ridge, near Blewett Pass. The views are spectacular and several Lewisia species should be blooming. 

Saturday, June 12, 2010. Time and meeting place to be announced.              

Wedge Mountain. The Native Plant Society and the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust partner on a moderately difficult hike led by Ted Alway, to Wedge Mountain, looking over into the Snow Lakes and Enchantments. There will be many wonderful plants, including Wenatchee Mountain endemics, as the hike passes through forest, serpentine and alpine habitats. Curious mountain goats may be a bonus!  Bring food and water. This hike is limited to Native Plant Society and Land Trust members. No dogs, please.  Limited to 12 participants.

Saturday, June 12, 2010, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Lake Clara, near Mission Ridge Ski Area, led by Julie Sanderson.  Julie will lead her annual forest wildflower walk to Clara Lake. Species we hope to see include Lewisia tweedyi, Clematis columbiana, Penstemon confertus and several species of Ribes.

Sunday, June 13, 2010, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.