April 22 - Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook

Happy Earth Day!

Heading up to a hike of Desolation Trail this morning. It was my plan both Wed/Thurs (days in the 70s) but got stuck at work Wed and punted on Thurs.

So I pick the worse day of the 3 to do the hike; today's in the mid-40s with on-off showers. Awesome! But time to drag out the rain coat but I really hoping to miss the showers all together.

This is my first "after" work hike of the season. Boy am I behind. Really hoping I haven't missed the early Spring flowers.

It's not raining and it's a bit bright and in-between clouds/rain when I arrive.

I gear up and start up the trail.

There's no flowers on the bottom so I confident that I haven't missed the flowers.

I get up a little higher and find Avalanche Lilies still in bud. A bit farther, I start finding them in-bloom. Awesome!

I also find Virginia Waterleaf popping up and an Oregon Grape with buds.

There is also Spring Parsley and the Biscuitroot forming buds.

At some point, it does start to rain. But I'm in and out of the trees so I stick with my light winter coat; still hoping it stops.

Still higher, I find Spring Beauties and Buttercups.

Also, what I think is Ragwort (all fuzzy) starting to pop-up. 

Higher still I find Yellow Bells - love that flower!

The trail is mostly clear now. I count 7 spots where I have to walk across packed snow. The longer sections are on the final 3 switchbacks.

I have a few switchbacks left and its still raining and my coat is wet so I stop and switch into my rain coat. Of course, soon after, the rain stops. :)

But along the remaining sections, I find my absolute favorite flower of early Spring. They are not common (accordingly to books) and this is the only trail I have seen it on. You have to look hard to find it but its the pink Steers Head (aptly named). 

I find 2 small sections that have a few of the plants.

When I reach the overlook, there's really not much to see.


But its my first time here this Spring so Yea!

Time to head back down.

It does start to rain and snow pellets for a bit on the way down. The trail on the lower section is noticeably muddier but no slips or slides today.

Awesome hike!

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