[Hikingqueen]

Black Canyon 5-15-09 Had to clear my head today and this is just what I needed. I read reports on this area and wanted to add it to my list of Eastern WA hikes. I got to TH @ 9:45. The road is definitely for off road vehicles and not cars. I was the only one who parked in front of the TH today. It’s a total flower show, so get up here now!

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Stopped at the old cabin, then went to the right at the Y. Went through the Ponderosa trees and to a couple of big meadows of fantastic purple flowers, shooting stars mostly. I have NEVER seen so many shooting stars in my life! God, they are gorgeous and Rainer in the back drop. I don’t think it could have been more perfect. There was a slight breeze, sunny skies, no one in sight. I had the trail all to myself until I reached the ridge and saw two others. Views of Mt. Stuart & and Rainer.

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I took it all in for an hour and then headed back down. Took tons of butterfly pics.

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I was about 200 feet from the car and was bend down taking more butterfly photos and I heard the dreaded rattle sound.. I screamed and my legs shook with fear and I looked to my left and 5 feet from me was a rattle snake slithering into the rocks away from me. I tried to take a photo but I was kind of frozen with fear. I really don’t like snakes and was just thinking 5 mins earlier, another trip w/o a sighting and how lucky that was and put my guard down. From what I read they won’t purposely bite but it just freaks me out none the less. Oh, and with the flower show comes bugs, they are out, so bring bug juice.

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Oh, and saw this animal on the way out.. not sure what it was?

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Another fantastic hike.

[Yana]

You're not kidding when you say "another!" Just kidding. Nice pics. ETA: that was funnier when there were two of them.

[stevefromdodge]

Great report and great photos! Sorry for my naivete, but where exactly is Black Canyon?

[Hikingqueen]

[Highwalker's Daughter]

You do the BEST flower pictures. Glad you were out.

[Gabigabs]

Great report and beautiful pics. Glad to hear the rattler encounter had happy ending. I'm the same way, got goose bumps just reading your story.