Strawberry Mountain Wilderness
A view west along the crest of the Strawberry Mts. from the summit of Strawberry Mt. to Baldy Mt. ( the flat table area below B), and Canyon Mt. (C) in the distance.........July 5, 2002.
This Field Trip is now Full!
Leader: Gene Yates (Now the Wallowa-Whitman NF Forest Botanist, worked 11 yrs as botanist for the Malheur NF)
As its name implies, Baldy Mountain is a grassy bald (Idaho fescue and bluebunch
wheatgrass) sitting atop a large outcrop of peridotite in the Strawberry Mountain
Wilderness Area. Peridotite is an ultramafic rock that has a chemistry similar
to serpentine. Consequently, numerous serpentine endemic plants grow here, including
the ferns, Polystichum lemmonii and Aspidotis densa. The somewhat
rare Cymopterus nivalis grows in abundance here. The trail winds through
an upper montane mixed conifer forest of grand fir, Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine,
and western white pine before emerging onto the bald. We should be able to see
quite a variety of plants including Linanthastrum nuttallii, gilia
congesta, Gentiana affinis, Eriogonum flavum - one of the
more beautiful buckwheats - Astragalus whitneyi, Ivesia gordonii,
and Heuchera cylindrica. Other ferns include Adiantum aleuticum
and Polystichum lonchitus. Optional side foray to explore fen habitats
(Swertia perennis!). The ultramafic substrate provides for an unusual
mix of plants not ordinarily seen together. This is the trip leader's favorite
wildflower hike in the area. Length: about 4-5 miles round trip, moderate difficulty.
Elevation gain: 1000 ft (from 6000'-7000'). The climb is mostly on an
old road to a mining claim, then two-track above the claim. Driving Distance:
approx. 15 miles (30-40 minute drive). Passable to passenger cars with better
clearance and decent tires (14") ok; light PU truck or SUV preferable.
Bring food, water, sun protection. Group Limit: 12 (wilderness restriction.)
Paul Slichter