Monday, May 25, 2015

Derby Canyon


Derby Canyon lies just east of Peshastin, Washington, and is one of many such canyons in the foothills on the east slopes of the Cascades.  It is a favorite spot of ours for wildflowers and orchids, though we did not see any orchids on this trip.  We drove part way up one of the roads in the canyon and hiked one of the sandstone ridges found in the canyon.

The canyon itself is scenic and provides views of the Cascades to the west.

the canyon














sandstone formations




the Cascades


The wildflowers, especially in the spring, are spectacular.

Modoc Hawksbeard


Mountain Rose









Arrowleaf Balsamroot




Goat's Beard


Wild Rose


Chokecherry


Lyall's Mariposa Lily


We saw a lot of butterflies and moths, but were not able to get photos of all of them.

unidentified moths


 Silvery Blues and Acmon Blues





Propetius' Dusky Wing Skipper


My wife takes even more photos than I do and some of these are hers.

Nancy


And as always there are many other things to photograph.

Lupine leaves


Lichens


Milkweed



dead Balsamroot flowers

6 comments:

Fizgig said...

Wonderful series! So many beautiful wildflowers -- besides the great scenery. Especially luv the Lewesias! What gorgeous colors =)

Ron said...

That Lewisia grows only in the Wentatchee area and is one of our most beautiful wildflowers. Thanks for looking, Fizzie.

Unknown said...

Hey Ron! I was wondering if you might be able share in more detail where exactly some of these pictures were taken in Derby Canyon? I am hoping to explore the area soon and am particularly interested in seeing the rock formation shown here: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jL5CTJEhTiQ/VWPLgKzNJDI/AAAAAAAA9t4/HaZyR4qPeWs/s1600/IMG_8581.JPG

Thanks in advance!

-Nathan (Seattle)

Ron said...

Hi Nathan,
Take the Derby Canyon Road until you come to a fork and then go right and follow the road up past the ridge on the left into a more open are and the formation you wanted to see is up on the hill to your left.

Unknown said...

Thanks Ron, I appreciate it! Happy exploring!

Ron said...

No problem. Happy exploring in the canyon, but you should also go in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming.