July 26, 2025

by David James, Trip Leader

Six WBA members and a reporter from the Yakima Herald had a spectacular day in the flowery meadows below Bear Creek Mountain in late July. The flowers had only just started blooming but were putting on a great show along with 23 species of butterflies. There is something about this mountain meadow location that soothes the soul and makes time stand still. I speak from experience having been to Bear Creek Mountain almost annually since 2002. This is one of the places that Coronis Fritillaries spend their summer vacation and who can blame them? Coronis was the reason that Questen from the Yakima Herald joined us because he is planning to write a story on this butterfly and wanted to see where it spent the summer. Along with Coronis we saw four other Fritillary species including the Arctic Fritillary which is always a treat to see. The Clodius Parnassian was the butterfly of the day with more than 50 seen. Checkerspots, Tortoiseshells and blues were also common and Melanie even found a Hydaspe Fritillary caterpillar walking across the trail. I am positive I will be visiting Bear Creek Mountain again, and if you enjoy wildflowers, wild butterflies and ambience beyond compare, I recommend you join us next time we offer a WBA field trip there!

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