OregonWildflowers Locations Marys Peak |
Area | Coast Range |
Best time to visit | Early June through early July |
Blooming Now | No |
Elevation | 3600-4097 feet |
Trail Info | 1.5 miles round-trip, 400 feet elevation gain |
PLANT LIST AVAILABLE | |
WILDFLOWER SEARCH | |
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS | |
Hike information - Oregon Hikers Field Guide | |
Dogs | Allowed, but must be kept on leash AT ALL TIMES. |
Northwest Forest Pass required! |
Marys Peak supports an unusual range of flora, particularly in the meadows near the summit. Accordingly, it has been designated as a Botanical Special Interest Area. Some of the species that you can expect to see include: Douglas's catchfly (Silene douglasii var. douglasii), blue dwarf lupine (Lupinus lepidus), spreading phlox (Phlox diffusa), sulfur flower buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum var. umbellatum), Olympic onion (Allium crenulatum), several varieties of penstemon, Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata), Spring Gold (Lomatium utriculatum), Glacier Lily (Erythronium grandiflorum), and many Tiger Lily (Lilium columbianum) in the meadows at the summit.
A more complete plant list can be found at the Sierra Club web site. I also recommend the book "Wildflowers of Marys Peak Meadows" by Steven E. Carpenter.
The easiest way to reach the summit is by walking up the old road adjacent to the parking area. However, if you have more time I recommend the Meadow's Edge Trail, which starts at the Marys Peak Campground shortly before the parking lot. This trail leads to the summit but includes a loop through an old-growth Noble fir forest and allows you to avoid most of the crowds. The total length is approximately 2 miles round-trip, with 450 feet elevation gain.
If you have plenty of time and energy, I recommend the East Ridge Trail, which starts at the Connor's Camp parking area 5.5 miles from Highway 34. This trail passes through beautiful Douglas fir and Noble fir forest. This trail adds approximately 5.5 miles round-trip and 1200 feet elevation gain to the summit hike.
Date | Submitted by |
---|---|
05/27/2024 | Greg Lief |
Reports from previous years | |
06/07/2018 | Charlie Russell |
06/05/2017 | Greg Lief |
05/23/2017 | Greg Lief |
06/04/2016 | Greg Lief |
05/08/2016 | Greg Lief |
05/10/2015 | Greg Lief |
07/04/2014 | David Olsen |
06/22/2014 | Greg Lief |
07/20/2013 | Greg Lief |
07/05/2012 | Greg Lief |
07/10/2011 | Greg Lief |
06/25/2011 | Greg Lief |
07/04/2010 | Greg Lief |
06/13/2010 | Greg Lief |
07/06/2008 | Greg Lief |
07/04/2007 | Greg Lief |
06/14/2007 | Greg Lief |
06/03/2007 | Greg Lief |
05/24/2007 | Greg Lief |
Switch to historical view of wildflower reports
Lupine and Tiger Lilies at Mary's Peak | Penstemon and Paintbrush at Mary's Peak | Lupine and Paintbrush at Mary's Peak | Cascades view from Marys Peak |
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'Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.' -- Theodore Roethke