Little Whaleback Ridge Off-Trail hike on 22-May-2026

We had a beautiful day on the Little Whaleback Ridge - warm, little wind and sunny. Well, until the late afternoon when some lightning and a bit of rain developed.

On the way north, all the spring flowers were out. The Balsamroot was still fresh.

The trees along the ridge are impressive with many Douglas Fir and Limber Pine. Many skeletons of past Limber Pines still stand, with Jo declaring one to be her favorite.

We found the early Townsendia (Hooker's), and also the more common (Parry's).

Later, Jane managed to find a completely white Crocus.

We stopped for lunch on one high point, before moving on to a more northerly ridge.

As we returned south, it blackened in the west and lightning developed. We stayed low on the east side of the ridge, finally travelling through light rain.

Not a large number of birds, but chipping Sparrows, a vesper sparrow, juncos and one bluebird were seen. Keeping an eye on the powerline on the way in, kestrels can generally be seen.

Thanks to Sim, Alda, Shirley, Sonja, Jane, Jo for joining me on this early spring walk.