#avalanche lily

Numerous wildflowers are beginning to bloom in the park! Early season subalpine wildflowers in full swing include avalanche and glacier lilies. Avalanche lilies (Erythronium montanum) can form abundant colonies that fill the meadows with white and yellow blooms. This patch was photographed along the Paradise Valley Road, where avalanche lilies are covering the west-facing slopes. It can take several years for each plant to start blooming, and they are easily damaged when trampled. Please stay on trails, even if it means crossing patches of snow, to help protect the subalpine wildflower meadows! What early wildflowers are you observing in the park?

For updates on what’s blooming where visit https://go.nps.gov/RainierWildflower

Unfamiliar with Mount Rainier’s wildflower species? Check out the wildflower guide at https://go.nps.gov/RainierWildflowerGuide

Avalanche Lily (Erythronium montanum) 1925 by Mary Vaux Walcott.

Watercolour on paper.

“Every flower created by Him is beautiful.  The brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. If all the lowly flowers wished to be roses, nature would no longer be enameled with such lovely hues. And so it is in the world of souls, which is Our Lord’s living garden.”

~St. Thérèse de Lisieux

Avalanche lilies (Erythronium montanum) are an early-season wildflower. Their flowers have white petals with yellow at the center, distinguishing them from the entirely-yellow flowers of glacier lilies. These avalanche lilies were filmed blooming along Stevens Canyon Road near Reflection Lakes in 2019, but they are common in many subalpine areas in the park.

Snow is finally melting away from the subalpine meadows on Mount Rainier! While this week’s heat wave has done quick work, there may still  be patches of snow on the trails. Always stay on trail, even if it means crossing snow, to avoid trampling the emerging wildflowers!

Many areas at Paradise are starting to bloom with early season wildflowers. Nisqually Vista Trail at Paradise has a good showing of avalanche lilies. The huckleberry bushes are also blooming – looks like it will be a good year for berries later in the season!

Around Myrtle Falls, look for pasqueflower and marsh marigold. The Paradise Valley Road is bordered with blooming Sitka valerian and rosy spirea among others. What wildflowers are you discovering in the park?

For updates on what’s blooming where check out https://go.nps.gov/RainierWildflower

Not familiar with Mount Rainier’s wildflowers? Explore the Wildflower Guide at https://go.nps.gov/RainierWildflowerGuide

Mountain Moment: Lilies in Paradise

Paradise is famous for its subalpine meadows filled with a wide variety of wildflowers. However, by being one of the first wildflowers to bloom in spring, avalanche lilies are able to put on a solo show. Listen closely and you may hear the fluting whistle of another spring performer, the varied thrush.

It may be officially summer, but mountain weather operates on its own schedule and subalpine areas like Paradise got fresh snow this week. Last week Avalanche lilies (Erythronium montanum) were featured. One reason this flower is among the first to bloom is because it is tough enough to withstand snow and cold temperatures. Snow in June? No problem for the avalanche lily, while other wildflowers have yet to emerge.

For updates on what’s blooming where check out https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wildflower-status.htm