Ahtanum State Forest - Whites Ridge — Monday, Jul. 1, 2024

Ethan & I drove up to Eagle's Nest and then hiked east out Whites Ridge.  They have been making improvements to the Eagle's Nest day-use area and viewpoint.  Last year they put in a 3' high wall at the viewpoint and this year they have put in an accessible trail from the parking area to the viewpoint. The day-use area is still closed because they are not done with the work, but the outhouse is open and stocked with TP.  We parked beside the road and walked to the viewpoint and then about 1.5 miles out Whites Ridge to a nice high point with views of Darland Mtn and the whole upper watershed of the North Fork of Ahtanum Creek.  Mt Rainier was hidden in the clouds.  There were lots of wildflowers.  At the beginning the buckwheat was profuse and farther along it was groundsel and then Thompson's paintbrush.  At one point we saw quite a bit of Whitestem frasera (Frasera albicaulis) and then at the top we saw Giant frasera (Frasera speciosa), also known as Monument Plant or Elkweed.  We were followed game/boot trails or just made our way along the crest of the ridge.  Much of the route was rocky, which made for slower going (the minor obstacles).    We didn't see any other hikers and no wildlife except for a few birds.  The day was mostly sunny and warm when it was calm and cool when the wind was blowing.