We went to a desert location on Saturday because it was cloudy in the foothills and then with a bright sunny day we returned to the foothills on Sunday. We started in the desert on Saturday hiking through pristine sagebrush steppe and ended up in a beautiful wetlands that we didn't know was there. Sunday we hiked up a road we accidentally stumbled on in the foothills and ended up in beautiful, healthy and naturally diverse forest. Both were wonderful surprises.
Bentley finds the wetlands a tasty surprise
Beaver evidence..always a healthy sign
The wetlands were full of life, and there was scat from deer or elk that had crossed our trail at some point when we returned. Amazingly not one mosquito was encountered. I am guessing that will change.
Sundays jaunt into the foothills was a success too with a small barely accessible road that is closed during the winter according to signs we encountered. Lots of beautiful wildflowers and birds. This would be a good place to find bear or cougar as well, so shelly brought the bear spray.
The Blue Mountain Foothills and winter wheat in the foreground
In this small canyon we have encountered grand fir, subalpine fir, douglas fir, ponderosa pine, western larch (aka tamarack). We have yet to figure out what the white blooming trees are. It appears to be a native of some sort.
