Alpine Wildflower Photography Tour: Timberline Lodge

Back when I was a peak bagger in the Colorado Rockies, scaling 14,000' mountains on my day off (God, I was young), I looked forward each year to the first sighting of alpine Forget-me-nots.

The tundra above tree line is a soothing spa of sunshine and silence and cold air clear as glass, the sky is above AND below you. Looking for wildflowers in crevices and depressions is like mining for precious gems. There are amethyst penstemons and ruby red paintbrushes and topaz lichens but my favorite is the alpine Forget-me-nots in a sapphire blue so deep it makes the sky jealous.

We'll meet at the base of the steps to the main entrance of the historic Timberline Lodge and very slowly walk the little maze of paved and gravel trails above it for about 2 miles total. We'll wander wherever the flowers, birds, and butterflies are good, taking whatever route looks promising. If we're feelin' it, we'll find some rocks to sit on and bask for a few minutes. Afterwards, those who want a workout can continue west on Timberline Trail to explore further.

Photographers will get stunning views of Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Illumination Rock, and Palmer glacier as well as Trillium Lake in the rolling green valleys below. We'll also be doing a lot of macros of wildflowers, so bring ALL the lenses.

WARNING: We will be at altitude, about 6000', so the air will be thinner and you will be working harder than usual. Drink extra water, it helps. If you are on blood thinning medication or diuretics, clear this hike with your physician. I'll put extra high altitude tips that climbers use down in the comments. Sections of the trail are on the steep side but we will be going very slowly and stopping often for wildflower and bird photography and ID. Bring the trekking poles.

Bring $5 cash, EXTRA water, snacks, binoculars, camera equipment, trekking poles, and WEATHER appropriate clothing (it will be chilly to start). Full exposure to sun and wind. Restrooms at the day lodge (the newer concrete building just SE of Timberline Lodge). Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.