Whitehorse Trail - Swede Heaven to Darrington — Saturday, Apr. 9, 2016

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

We actually started from Darrington and walked toward the fairgrounds. I had some restrictions after my knee surgery, so I could only go about 4 miles. We walked to the river, just before the trail hits the fairgrounds.There is a sign for the TH just before you turn onto the Mtn Loop. Pick up the trail right next to the IGA in Darrington, follow the dirt road past the store to the TH, there is parking for about 6 cars, but no loo, so plan accordingly. The trail walks thru mostly woods of alder, maple and other deciduous trees with occasional clumps of evergreens. There are glimpses of Whitehorse thru the trees, but the best views of the mtns are when you reach the powerline road and clearcut. After the clearcut, follow a road just a little ways down and you can reach the river. Unfortuneately, some 4 wheelers had made a pretty big mess along the riverbank. Still, there is a nice log for sitting and watching the river. Back on the trail, there is a washed out section of bank and orange plastic barrier, just stay on the trail and don't climb past the barrier or the bank may give way. We saw few people for such a nice day, only a group of mtn bikers and a lady and her dog. I have a flower I could not ID with certainty. It was about 6" tall and growing in large patches along a section of trail. I am posting it in hopes that someone will know it. I think it is spring draba (Draba verna).