STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
After weeks of sheltering in place, members of the Wood River Chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society is raring to get out on the trails.
Club members plan to kick off their spring and summer wildflower walks with a trip to Taylor Canyon north of Ketchum on Saturday, May 30.
Proper social distancing will be observed and participants will be encouraged to wear masks. Participants also are asked to drive to the site separately and not share food, wildflower books or hand lenses—just information and awe at the beautiful flowers.
Here’s the lineup:
Saturday, May 30--Taylor Canyon. This canyon in the Boulder Mountains a few miles north of Ketchum boasts a mix of lush streamside habitat with open forest, dry sunny hillside and muddy puddles for butterflies. This hike is rated moderate/difficult (4 miles total with 1300’ elevation gain). Meet at Hailey Park and Ride Lot at 9 a.m. or at the Lake Creek parking lot north of Hulen Meadows at 9:45 a.m. The trip will conclude at about 2 p.m.
Wednesday, June 10—Linda Ries of the Hailey Tree Committee will lead a tour of the Hailey Native Tree and Shrub Arboretum. Meet by 6:30 p.m. at the parking lot where the bike path crosses Fox Acres Road in Hailey.
Saturday, June 20--Hike along the West Fork of the North Fork of the Big Wood River where shaded forest, waterfalls, and avalanche-swept canyon walls create many opportunities for diverse wildflowers here. The hike difficulty: Moderate to difficult with 6 miles of total distance and 1500’ elevation gain plus creek wading. For that, bring wading shoes and poles. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Hailey Park and Ride Lot, or at SNRA Headquarters at 10 a.m. The party will head for home around 2 p.m.
Late June or Early July--Pop Up for Hollyhocks. This trip will take in the hollyhocks up Imperial Gulch. There’ll be loads more to see out Greenhorn Gulch, as well. Difficulty: Moderate plus one really good climb. Distance about 5 miles with 1000’ elevation gain.
Saturday, July 25—The trail to Mill Lake, one of the area’s most accessible alpine lakes, boasts a flower-filled meadow plus the small lake itself. The hike difficulty is moderate to difficult. It’s high elevation, with a total distance of 3.5 miles and a total elevation gain of 1200’ plus a stream crossing. Wading shoes and poles are appropriate. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Hailey Park and Ride Lot or 9:15 a.m. at the Lake Creek parking lot. The hike will end mid-afternoon.
Saturday, Sept. 19—Travel out Fish Creek near Carey to check out gargantuan aspen trees that may just be the biggest in the state. Meet at Hailey Park and ride at 9 a.m. or Silver Creek Store in Picabo at 9:45 a.m. Home by 2 p.m.
The organization also has a group campout planned Aug. 21-23 in the Stanley Basin for members only.
For more information, visit www.idahonativeplants.org/wood-river.
The group consists of professionals, photographers, hikers, birders, butterfly lovers, tree huggers, trackers and folks who just think plants are pretty. Membership is inexpensive and provides funds to rent halls and purchase equipment. To receive the Wood River chapter email newsletter, email lisahortonjewelry@gmail.com. Questions about hikes or programs? Call Kristin Fletcher at 208-721-2583.