Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 1000 ft
Trailhead directions and more on WTA.
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted on this blog and even longer since I’ve done a trip report! With so many hikes in the summer and raw images that require extra processing, it feels like I barely got through any photosets last year. Will have to do better this year.
red-flowering currant, of the gooseberry family
About a year ago, I started doing weekday hikes. Nope, I didn’t quit my job or suddenly get super flexible hours. Instead, I used mornings and evenings (when there was adequate sunlight) to do some of those shorter, closer hikes that are usually mobbed on weekends. It’s been a great way to start off a day with a dose of lovely scenery and take advantage of the rare good weather winter days.
Viewpoint on the way to Stan’s Overlook
Most people access the Rattlesnake Ledge side of Rattlesnake Mountain for its lovely view down towards Rattlesnake Lake. However, the other side is nice and quiet, with some pretty views of its own. Though the signs of mankind are not far away – the trail passes power lines and constantly intersects with a road – they aren’t intrusive.
Left: arctic sweet coltsfoot
Center: salmonberry
Right: trillium
The weather was gloomier than I’d hoped for this day, though we were fortunate to be able to get some mountain views instead of a whiteout. I was happiest about all of the flowers, though! Spring is here. At first, it was lots of salmonberry flowers, which transitioned into a good amount of red-flowering currant, flowers I don’t remember seeing much of before.
I’m not fantastic with names, whether they’re flowers, mountains, people, etc. After posting enough photos with captions like “pretty pink flower” and having friends inform me of the flower’s real name, I decided that I should make an effort to learn some names. The Washington Wildflowers app is probably the most expensive app on my phone, but I’ve found it incredibly useful in helping me identify flowers during hikes. Now I get to say things like, “This is a red-flowering currant, of the gooseberry family! It turns into a blue-black berry that is tasteless!”
Stan’s Overlook
The last time I was at Stan’s Overlook, a few months back, there was snow up to the benches. Now there are flowers. Looking forward to the upcoming summer!
