As I head over I'm expecting to have drive up the canyon to the upper lot since sometimes it takes them a while to open the gate at the lower lot but surprise! The lower lot's open -- I get to hike the entire trail!!!
I'm hoping to see a few butterflies today but it's mostly cloudy so that can put a damper on things.
As I start up the trail, I see many small white flowers in bloom.
And further along, I find Waterleaf plants with buds.
And the Oregon-grape with buds as well.
After about one mile, the falls comes into view. (Still relatively low water flow for now.)
Crossing the bridge, I continue up the trail (starting to see some snow along the trail now in spots), crossing one footbridge and then another before arriving at the water wheel where I stop to look at the creek.
Continuing up, I finally see a flash of orange flying above the trail. It's a Satyr Comma! (First of the season!)
Hoping to see more as below the upper parking is a pretty good spot for butterflies but nothing. So I continue up to the end of the trail and the old brick building.
Time to head down.
When I'm about a 1/2 mile away from the parking lot, the sun is out for good. And yea, I kick up a Rocky Mt Duskywing!
And a bit more down the trail, two more! They are just not being cooperative today.
Good day!
