I think this may be a Pacific Fritillary, but it doesn’t look completely like the photo in my guide book. Some of the fritillaries I’ve taken photos of in the past look very close to the book, so I’m cautious.
Well, I think it’s a ….
Hike to Heart Lake
One of the most heavily hiked trails in the Olympic National Park is the High Divide trail. The High Divide is a section of the ridge between the Sol Duc and Hoh Rivers. Overnight reservation permits are required and get booked up months in advance.
The first section of the High Divide loop follows the Sol Duc River Trail and then heads up along Bridge Creek (which is not easily accessible at most locations). The image above shows the trail climbing from Sol Duc Park to Heart Lake (shown below). I have hiked the trail to Heart Lake several times without continuing along the rest of the High Divide loop. The reasons to do so usually involve weather … or, early in the season) lots of snow left on the ridgeline.
The trail to Heart Lake climbs up into and through some of the finest samples of mountain meadows in the Olympics. (see above) There are many small streams, keeping the flowers well watered and providing a water source for thirsty hikers.
On the return, it is worth the short side trip to Sol Duc Falls (shown below).
Flowers with a Coincidence
Those of you who have followed this blog (and maybe even read my ramblings) know that I have shared several images of the bouquets that are posted (!) along the Larry Scott Trail outside of Port Townsend. It so, here’s another one. The coincidence referred to in the title, is that last month at the Port Townsend Photo Club meeting a new face offered to let people come and take photos on their property … they have a nice bit of well-tended forest and some horses. When I found out where they lived, I asked if they were who shared the bouquets, and they were the back-up flower tender. A nice person doing nice things. Our world needs more of that!
Avalanche Lilies
This nice little patch of avalanche lilies was growing along the way trail (running to their left and then up the rocks) that ran up to the ridge line in the upper reaches of the Duckabush valley in the Olympic National Park. One of the main reasons I took the photo was because of the lily in the upper left … while lilies typically have 6 petals, this one only had 4. “Huh” I said. I’d better take a photo.
Lupine
Lupine in the high country of the Olympic National Park. One of my favorite locations for shooting photos. and one of my favorite subjects.