<I>(NOTE: This report is for the West Loop. Specific hike information can be found at <a href=`http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Catherine_Creek_West_Loop_Hike`>this page</a>.)</I>
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It`s prime time for grass widows <I>(Sisyrincium douglasii </I>var. <I>douglasii)</I>! These are generally finished by this date, but I estimate that their bloom is three weeks later than normal.
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The following species are also blooming, especially at higher elevations: Western saxifrage <I>(Saxifraga occidentalis)</I>; Piper`s desert parsley <I>(Lomatium piperi)</I>; Pungent Desert Parsley <I>(Lomatium grayii)</I> and Columbia desert parsley <I>(Lomatium columbianum)</I> starting at higher elevations; Smooth prairie star <I>(Lithophragma glabrum)</I>; Gold star <I>(Crocidium multicaule)</I>; Western Buttercup <I>(Ranunculus occidentalis)</I>; and a few remaining Yellow Bells <I>(Fritillaria pudica)</I>.