Leavenworth Ski Hill Loop

I drove to Leavenworth early this morning to hike at Leavenworth Ski Hill and made a loop by going up the Ski-Hill Freund Uphill Connector Trail, crossing Rosa Boa Trail and down 4 the Boys Trail, about 5.5 miles with 1,050 ft of overall gain. Although this trail is in the forest, there were lots of wildflowers in bloom.

The balsamroot were scattered in large clusters throughout the loop.

Paintbrush and phlox mixed in with balsamroot

The pine trees let in enough sunlight for the balsamroot

Balsamroot and views across Leavenworth to Wedge Mtn and Icicle Ridge

More balsamroot heading down the other side of the loop

Such a beautiful day, not many people as I finished the trail by 10:30.

some of the other wildflowers seen along the trail today:

  

 

  

  

  

   

  

 

  

 

 

Cashmere Canyon

We drove to Cashmere to hike the Cashmere Canyon Trails. We hiked up to the ridge and hiked both the loops for a 12 mile hike with 2,650 ft of overall elevation gain. Fabulous views and lots of wildflowers today.

The trail gains 1,3000 ft up to the ridge in 2 miles.

We saw lots of lupine in bloom, view towards the east.

Lots of parsley in bloom

View towards the southeast, Tronsen Ridge area in the far distance.

So many wildflowers in bloom, all along the hillsides.

Lupine, parsley and balsamroot were the main blooms today.

We hiked clockwise along the Spring Canyon Loop

So beautiful!

A pair of butterflies created a lovely reflection of each other.

Love the view of the Enchanment Peaks as seen on our way going up to Little Bear Peak.

Panoramic view from Little Bear Peak, where we took a lunch break.

View of the Enchantment Peaks to the southwest from Sunrise Peak.

so much balsamroot in bloom!

On the Ridge Road heading towards the Lower Loop, there were so many lupine in bloom, their fragrance filled the air

Looking back along the Ridge Road towards Sunrise Peak, Little Bear Peak and Navaho Peak in the far distance.

Beautiful blooms along the Lower Loop trail.

These hills are so green in the spring!

some of the wildflowers we saw in bloom along the trail today: