Paulina Lake, Wychus Canyon, waterfalls and beargrass

I have really enjoyed our delightful Oregon weather. The spring rainfall has led to rushing rivers and prolific wildflowers. So I am sharing photos from the past weeks hikes.

Hanne, Pat and I hiked the Little Crater trail from Paulina Lake ( in the Newberry Crater National monument).

View of the Cascade Mountains from the road up to the monument



The trail started at Paulina Lake. Paulina lake is named for Chief Paulina, a Native American leader who led a rebellion against the settlers.

Pat and Hanne. Paulina Peak is in the background



Me



Views from the trail





My friends are looking across to the big obsidian flow, obsidian from this flow was traded all across the US and into Mexico.







We stopped for lunch when we were back at the lake,



And we visited Paulina Falls (a double waterfall within the monument) on our way home.



My long-term friends BethandBruce visited me this past week. Bruce and I hiked Wychus Canyon nature preserve. It was a hot hike, but very beautiful. Wildflowers were still blooming despite the heat.







Phacelia





Grass widow



Dwarf monkey flower is tiny but intensely colored. It made a fuchsia colored carpet.



Arrow-leaf balsam root and Lupine



Scarlet gilia



Flax



Today I returned it to the waterfall Trail. A week or so ago, I helped a friend back to the trailhead when she was having trouble on the trail. And today my friend Hanne, her husband Don, and I returned so that I could complete the loop. It was an amazing experience. I’ll share a few photos from the final section of the trail.

Koosah falls



Wild rhododendrons



Unnamed waterfall



Blue pools





Rock penstemon



Iris



Wild rose



End of the trail





On our drive home, we stopped at the summit of Santiam Pass to photograph the bear grass. This plant blooms only once every two or three years. I have never seen as many blooms as there were today.









Three-Fingered Jack



I had a great time hiking with my friends. Luckily, they all love wild flowers and beautiful scenery.