Around 25 WBA members went to the North Cascades to visit Slate Peak under the guidance of Dave Nunnallee and Jim Reed. Three participants camped at Hart’s Pass for the weekend, where the Meadows campground was alive with Vidler’s Alpines. Those who stayed in Winthrop began the weekend with a Mexican dinner generously hosted by Joyce Bergen and Larry Lund at the their beautiful home high above the town.

On Saturday we all headed up to Slate Peak, at 7,488 ft. above sea level. Slate Peak was originally leveled by the Air Force to use as a radar site, which was never built. A fire lookout now sits at the location. The road to Slate Peak is the highest maintained road in our state and it, along with the Hart’s Pass road which accesses it, is listed on a “dangerous roads of the world” website. Most of the group was relieved at the journey’s end!

But the view was worth it! There are several butterflies that are biennial, rare to our state and known to fly primarily in this remote area. One of our group netted the Astarte Fritillary, which was one of the target species we had hoped to see and was a new species for many of us. We spent time in a lush meadow a bit below the peak that had dozens of Vidler’s Alpines, along with many other species, and kept us busy for the rest of the afternoon.

Scholarship winner Morghan Livingstone brought a young cousin, who caught many butterflies with a tiny toy butterfly net. On Sunday those staying in Winthrop went to Whistler’s Meadows near Washington Pass. The scenery was stunning with craggy peaks above, a waterfall at the head of the meadow and, of course, flowers and butterflies.

The Sonora Skipper and Arctic Skipper were highlights for many members. We owe special thanks to Cheryl Bellin and Jim Rauh for the scouting work they did prior to our arrival which helped guarantee that the weekend would be a success. This was our fourth overnight trip for the season! Forty six species for the weekend, between Slate Peak Saturday, Whistler’s Meadow Sunday, and a Sheridan’s Hairstreak at Slate Peak on Sunday for the campers.

Jim Reeds species List for this Trip

G’num2018Vol19No4