Chelan Butte — Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

Sooo many flowers blooming, with more to come in the next couple weeks! Areas of profusely blooming lupine and balsamroot, other areas where the bloom has barely started. Also plenty of smaller flowers, like shootingstars, buttercups, woodland stars, etc.

The trail is in good shape. Steep with nearly continuous views of Lake Chelan. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water, the hike is very dry and exposed the whole time. This is the first hike I’ve done this year where I was actually feeling HOT. I guess I finally believe it’s spring. 🙂

There were some flying bugs around, but nothing bitey. This is definitely prime real estate for ticks but I treated my clothes with permethrin and sprayed my shoes with deet and that seemed to have done the trick. Also watch out for snakes as the weather heats up, especially if you bring dogs!

I could see smoke in the distance, but I hope it’s a controlled burn. I’m so not ready for fire season already 😬