This trip was scheduled for August 2 but was rained out. I previewed the trip the week before, on Friday July 26th, and was treated to beautiful butterfly weather and a relatively uncrowded trail, just a smattering of friendly curious hikers.

Of course going so slowly, checking out butterflies, wildflowers, birds, and mushrooms, to say nothing of the views, people passed me on their way up and then again on their way down while I was still going up, even though I only went half way up. One such group on their way down asked me what I was doing while I was stopped looking at puddling butterflies and when I told them, they said, ‘Oh we’re from Yakima, we’re Cowiche Canyon Conservancy members, do you know David James?’ Yes I do. Small world!

I took no net with me so was limited in what I could identify, but this is the list: Mtn. Parnassian, Hydaspe Fritillary, Field Crescent, Boisduval’s Blues, Milbert’s Tortoiseshell, Julia Orangetip, Snowberry/Colon Checkerspot, Painted Lady (surprise!), Vidler’s Alpine, Hoary Comma and Anise Swallowtail. I topped out at 4800 ft elevation, there would have been more species continuing above that. Views were great and the wildflowers were spectacular.

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