Wildfire and Wildflowers

A lightning strike had started it. Small at first, on August 11, 2017, it slowly spread through the Norse Peak Wilderness. Through Labor Day weekend, the fire grew, its movements obscured by an enormous volume of smoke. Then the winds shifted to blow from the east, a ‘Chinook Wind’ that pushed the fire towards Crystal Mountain to the west, threatening cabins near the ski resort. The rapid shift to the west had caught firefighters off guard but fortunately the fire finally lost momentum as it came down the valley, turning into a slow burning groundfire. The final toll was staggering, the fire killing most of the hemlock, silver and noble firs in the 55,909-acre conflagration. It was not contained until November 1, 2017. Nearly three years from that time I solo hiked the Norse Peak Trail to view the burn zone. The scorched trees remain as silent sentinels, displaying a tragic beauty. High angle alpine meadows in the burn zone along the trail are resplendent with new wildflowers; lupine, paintbrush, asters, cow parsnip, columbine, arnica, lilies, Beargrass and more, the profusion of which providing a truly mind-blowing show. Mt. Rainier is clearly visible on the horizon to the south west in the upper sections of the trail, with Mt. Adams also distinctly visible due south from the summit. 

    Arriving early on a Thursday, I had the trail entirely to myself as well as the summit where a fire lookout once sat. A low stone wall and rusted cable attached to a metal bracket are the only remnants of the once active lookout. The big flies at the summit were just waking up so they left me alone to explore and absorb the scene. Only on descending did I encounter other hikers, eight parties total, all of whom were courteous with masks and physical distancing. The trail was cool in the morning but hot in the afternoon as there is little shade due to the burned trees. There is a narrow trail section near the summit, only 0.2 miles of a sketchy traverse between miles 4.6 and 4.8 on the way to the top. It is about 12” wide and the slopes are about 45 degrees. If you watch your footing you will have no problems. Overall, the trail was in great shape with a few deadfalls that were easily hiked around. This was my first time and was quite surprised by the intense beauty of the environment, the stark contrast between the burned trees and the profusion of new life. It was so magnificent that I rate it as my finest wildflower hike since the gardens on the Kendall Katwalk trail. It was a banner day with dramatic terrain, bright colors and long views. 

    Hiking in low cut approach shoes, I took no poles to save weight. I did however, lug 2.5 liters of water and my tripod with serious camera gear to take some spherical panoramas They are hosted at 360cities.net For best viewing click on the ‘Toggle Fullscreen’ icon in the panel in the upper right of the onscreen image. Then scroll to experience the immersive image.

Norse Peak, Summit Knoll with Wildflowers, WA State: https://www.360cities.net/image/norse-peak-summit-knoll-with-wildflowers-wa-state

Norse Peak, Upper Burn Zone with Wildflowers, WA State: https://www.360cities.net/image/norse-peak-upper-burn-zone-with-wildflowers-wa-state

Norse Peak, Burn Zone with Mixed Wildflowers, WA State: https://www.360cities.net/image/norse-peak-burn-zone-with-mixed-wildflowers-wa-state

Norse Peak, Burn Zone with Lupine Meadows, WA State: https://www.360cities.net/image/norse-peak-burn-zone-with-lupine-meadows-wa-state