This is a long drive from Seattle and a long hike. It is open to bicycles and motorcycles. It also provides quite a bit of solitude. The trailhead is about 10 miles south of Cashmere. I had done the full loop twice before. At 17 miles with 3800' of elevation gain and loss it is a long day, at least for me. There are three crossings of Mission Creek and several other side creeks that can be very challenging in the spring. This day they were two rock hops and one easy ford.
There can be a very good wildflower show in the spring. Early season flowers like trillium and balsamroot were finished down low. Tiger lilies and columbine were going strong. Higher up the flower show kept getting better and better. Tweedy lewisia and bitterroot put on a good show. Lupine and paintbrush were seen in many places.
For the day I saw exactly zero hikers. a couple groups of motorcycles, and three groups of mountain bikers. Not bad for 8 hours on the trail. Soon it will be way too hot in the gulch for me but this day proved to be just about right.
My full report with 62 annotated photos is at: Devil's Gulch - Mission Ridge Report & Photos
Here area a few of the photos:
Nice Jim! Looks like a great triop. I've wanted to join you on this over the last several years; perhaps next year...!
"..living on the east side of the Sierra world be ideal - except for harsher winters and the chance of apocalyptic fires burning the whole area."
Bosterson, NWHiker's marketing expert
0
"..living on the east side of the Sierra world be ideal - except for harsher winters and the chance of apocalyptic fires burning the whole area."
Bosterson, NWHiker's marketing expert
Excellent TR, thanks.
Yours is the fourth image of Cypripedium montanum (Mountain Lady Slipper Orchid) posted this season. It has no doubt been posted before on NWHikers but I cannot recall seeing it here. As someone else wrote, it is a big year!
This behavior is actually common in orchids, affecting both coral root and Calypso Orchid as well. Most years there are a few here and there, and then one year they explode. Cypripedium montanum is considered rare but may not be as rare as thought.
Between every two pines is a doorway to the new world. - John Muir
0
Between every two pines is a doorway to the new world. - John Muir
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our link(s).
Nice loop and pics this would be the perfect weekend for that trip. 
A warm one for sure !
