Douglas Creek Canyon - North — Tuesday, Jun. 12, 2012

Central Washington > Wenatchee

Currently Douglas Creek is still green and blooming and the temperatures mild- with wild buckwheat, purple sage and mock orange in abundance along the trail. I only made it part of the way up, the second stream crossing about a mile in, though you can cross if you're prepared to get a little wet or have waterproof high leather boots. I also had my dogs with me and at one point I looked down and my border collie had 4 ticks right on his head. Though beautiful this time of year, be prepared for ticks- perhaps not the place you would want to bring Fido on an adventure and watch out for yourself. Though I only found 3 on me, I've pulled more than 20 off my dogs who were leashed the entire time. So beware. This year seems particularly ticky, though Douglas Creek always seems to have a few. There was also a trail crew working up from where I turned back at that day- and I could definitely see improvements already in the brush along the trail. Hopefully they do more. And yep- if you're looking for this road to access this trail it is Road H- east of Douglas on Highway 2. There is no marker and the street sign barely legible- but remember to look for a farm on the left with a big red barn which is across the street from Road H. Of course there are lots of big red barns in rural country- but it is the second one if you are coming from the west out of Douglas. Other than finding the darn road off Highway 2 the dirt road to this trailhead is surprisingly good (least this time of year) and can be accessed by any kind of vehicle. The earlier wildflowers have bloomed, but later ones are in full swing. Gooseberry (Ribes cereum and Ribes aureum) fruit were also just about ripe.