Eastern Sierra Wildflowers

[Sandy S]

McGee Creek Trail and Rock Creek Road

Today we hiked the McGee Creek trail as far as the second stream crossing, which is about two to two and half miles each way. Although past peak, there were still many flowers in bloom. The best area is the half-mile or so before the stream crossings, which had large displays of yellow buckwheat and red paintbrush. Look up and down the streams and check the moist shaded areas for flowers that you won’t find in the dry open areas.

If you go to McGee Creek the second stream crossing is considered challenging and the bridge at the three-mile mark is down. The trail was easy up to the second crossing. It is hot so bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. There is also one patch of stinging nettle next to the trail.

We drove up Rock Creek Road from 395 and found the flowers along the road very good starting around a drainage at 5.5 miles and at elevation 8750 feet. There is an excellent wildflower spot with many species on the left both on the road and in the woods along the drainage. At 7.2 miles and 9200 feet elevation there is a good wildflower spot on the right. The flowers continue all the way up to the Rock Creek trailhead. The trailhead was mobbed. Even though it was a weekday, no parking was to be found within a mile of the trailhead.

To see plant lists and photos for today go to http://naturalhistorywanderings.com/...-reports-8311/