Paradise Valley Conservation Area — Tuesday, May. 26, 2026

The hiking grandmas Tuesday trip was an old local standby, good for a wet day. I could practically hike this one in my sleep, but today I was amazed at the things I hadn't seen here before. Nothing big and exciting like the mystical bear, but just some flowers including a new one to me. The usual sword ferns have grown huge and had new fresh green foliage. The boardwalk has been repaired, blowdowns cleared and trails were in great shape. One stand of bright orange native honeysuckle, western starflower, bog wintergreen (Pyrola) and new to me Pacific waterleaf. I've seen both Fendlers and ball headed, but not this one. Stamens and pistols extend well beyond the petals and are quite noticeable, lowland grower in moist shade. Loo was disgusting today, in line for the unofficial Golden Turd award for nastiest loo. After the long weekend it needs some attention.