Virginia Lilly

This short, sweet loop with spring flowers, old-growth trees and views of the Okanogan Highlands is just waiting to be explored.

Named in memory of an Okanogan Highlands resident and conservationist, this pleasant loop hike features both fantastic old-growth trees and glimpses of the larger surrounding peaks. Starting from the newer trailhead it will save you from driving a bumpy road to the old one.

To get the climbing out of the way early and finish on an easy downhill, begin your hike counterclockwise through groves of giant old-growth firs, larches and ponderosa pines, interspersed with grassy slopes and meadows. In early spring buttercups decorate the trailside, eventually yielding to stunning displays of arrowleaf balsamroot. In places, aspen groves add interest with their contrasting bark and chartreuse new leaves.

Watch for the trail markers to stay on track, as this is rangeland and numerous cattle paths can lead the inattentive hiker astray. Continue climbing to reach a high point at 1.6 miles and take in expansive views of Bodie and Clackamas Mountains to the east and Mount Bonaparte to the west. Also visible is the old mining town of Chesaw. The trail then begins to loop around, traverses a wetland, climbs another hill and returns to its starting point.

Virginia Lilly is a lovely hike in the spring but is also worth a return trip in the fall for the changing colors of both larch and aspen.