Although it is still early in the season, there is already plenty to see at Horse Rock Ridge. Beautiful tiny Fairyslipper <I>(Calypso bulbosa)</I> begins next to the parking area and continues in the forest beyond the fence. Other flowers blooming in the forest include: Snow Queen <I>(Synthyris reniformis)</I>, Western Starflower <I>(Trientalis latifolia)</I>, and Western Trillium <I>(Trillium ovatum)</I>, with copious Oregon Wood Sorrel <I>(Oxalis oregana)</I> starting to open.<P>The meadows and hillsides are tinged yellow by <B>profuse</B> amounts of Yellow Monkeyflower <I>(Mimulus guttatus)</I>, with intermittent white thanks to Oregon Fawn Lily <I>(Erythronium oregonum)</I> and Western Saxifrage <I>(Saxifrage occidentalis)</I>. Other profuse bloomers include Rosy Plectritis <I>(Plectritis congesta)</I> and small-flowered blue-eyed Mary <I>(Collinsia parviflora)</I> which covers many rocky areas with a tinge of blue. Also blooming are plentiful Henderson`s Shooting Star <I>(Dodecatheon hendersonii)</I>, Spring Gold <I>(Lomatium utriculatum)</I>, Midget Phlox <I>(Phlox gracilis)</I>, Early Saxifrage <I>(Saxifraga integrifolia)</I>, Harsh Paintbrush <I>(Castilleja hispida)</I>, Cut-leaf Daisy <I>(Erigeron compositus)</I>, Western Serviceberry <I>(Amelanchier alnifolia)</I>, and a few Menzies` Larkspur <I>(Delphinium menziesii)</I>. Look for some Chocolate Lily <I>(Fritillaria affinis)</I> to the right (north) of the trail as you descend past the first set of rock outcrops. Be careful not to step on tiny Chickweed Monkeyflower <I>(Mimulus alsinoides)</I>, which grows along the trail and in seeps.
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