I was looking for an easy hike to do with my puppy, who seemed worn out from doggy day care the day before. We had also done a solid hike in the Chelan Gorge recently, so Beebe Springs felt like a good choice while my Discover Pass was still valid. I was hoping to spot some wildflowers, though there were far fewer than I’d seen in the gorge. It had been a while since I’d explored this lower section of the wildlife area, so I took the Discovery Loop trail instead of revisiting the LaChappelle and Grasslands routes. The wide gravel path made for an easy walk. Near the start, I noticed what I first thought was arrowleaf balsamroot, but later realized was likely Carey’s balsamroot. Interestingly, I didn’t see any more of either species along the rest of the hike. As we continued, my puppy Summit happily sniffed his way along until we reached the North Spur Trail, where a worker was watering a recently burned patch. I saw a few more burned areas later and assumed they might be part of invasive species management. Following the spur, we found a short path down to the riverbank so Summit could get a drink, and at the loop’s end, I spotted blooming golden currant, which I later learned is actually a shrub.
After looping back, I rejoined the Discovery Loop and came across Oregon grape just beginning to flower, its yellow blooms caught me by surprise, and I didn’t recognize it until afterward. When I realized I’d walked less than a mile, I decided to extend the outing along the LaChappelle Trail, which had been partially flooded and closed on my last visit but was fully accessible this time. Most of the trail was gravel, though a short stretch of dirt cut through a marshy section. Along the way, I crossed a bridge over one of several streams feeding into the Columbia River and noticed a sizable fish moving through shallow pooled water beside the trail—unexpected given the depth. Eventually, I connected with the Grasslands Trail and made my way back to the car. While the wildflower display was underwhelming, it was still a pleasant outing and a good chance to get outside and stretch our legs.
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