Typical high winds but clear and sunny. We were greeted by a Western Rattler who was very obstinate in leaving the path. We hiked the "middle trail" to the natural arch and returned via Ferry Springs. Still pre-peak bloom. Tall Phlox (Phlox longifoia), Brodeia (Triteleia) howellii, Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Lupine (Lupinus saxosus), Balsamroot (Basamorhiza deltoidea), Deser Parsley(Lomatium nudicale and grayii), Microseris, Prairie Star (Lithophragma parviflorum and globrum), Pucoon (Lithospermum ruderale), Wooly Pod Milk-vetch (Astralagus purshii),Yakima Milk-vetch (Astralagus reventiformis) Plectricris macrocera, Phacelia (Phacelia linearis and hastata), Fiddleneck (Amsinckia), Blepharipappus scaber, Desert Shooting Star (Dodecatheon conjugens), Saxifrage (Saxifraga occidentalis or oregana), Rabbitsfoot Locoweed (Oxytropis lagopus), Heart-leaf Buckwheat (Eriogonum compositum), Thelypodium lacinatum, and others. Probably more on the lower trail next to the river in riparian habitat. Biggest surprise was the tundra-like zone on the south side of the spring.
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