I saw a recent Trip Report which revealed the presence of Candystick on the trail. (Thank you AlpsDayTripper!) Ever since 2018, when I sought out saprophytes on the Elbo Creek Trail, but did not find Candystick, it has been a goal of mine. Could there really be Candystick in August? AlpsDayTripper provided photographic proof!
So I hiked this trail just to find Candystick. They weren’t plentiful, but I found enough of them to make my day. There were a good number of Pinedrops also. All were past their prime; those at higher altitudes were in better shape. At 2.6 miles, I found a nice cluster of six Candysticks. I walked another quarter mile, and then decided to turn back.
The trail was in great shape, with plenty of shade. I didn’t even need my hat. The tread was a pleasant carpet of needles, with few rocks.
My new goal? To return to this trail next year, in June or July, depending on snowmelt, to see these curious plants in their prime.
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