alpine wildflower season! [Archive] - Mount Washington Observatory Forums

forestgnome

05-27-2009, 09:29 PM

Let's talk alpine flowers. When do things happen in the White Mtns.? Favorite areas? Are there any areas that bloom earlier than others?

I plan to visit the Alpine Garden and surrounding areas on the weekend of June 6th -7th.

happy trails :)

Lizz

06-02-2009, 10:34 AM

I have found that mid to late June is when the flowers are around peak.

I also have found larger displays of diapensia, azaleas and rosebay near the top of the Hnutington Trail. I have found Mountain Avens and False Hellebore along the trail, too. I'm planning my trip for the weekend of the 20-21. Let us know what you find this weekend.

Cheers!
Lizz

forestgnome

06-03-2009, 07:24 AM

At Views From The Top, reports are coming in of diapensia and rosebay already in bloom. In fact, there lots of blooms 10 days ago.

I hope you don't miss out if the blooms are a main attraction for your hike. June 20-21 seems a bit late to me. Check around to confirm.

happy trails :)

Lizz

06-08-2009, 09:10 PM

forestgnome

06-10-2009, 07:22 AM

It was beautiful! Diapensia is not fully bloomed...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/039aaa.jpg

lapland rosebay is only starting, only a few blooms around...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/140aaa.jpg

same with alpine azalea...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/057aaa-1.jpg

bearberry willow is well bloomed...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/161aaa.jpg

I'll be up there again this weekend and I'll report then.

happy trails :)

mtruman

06-10-2009, 10:56 AM

Wow - simply spectacular Patrick. Getting the wildflower closeups with the backdrop of mountains makes them truly stunning...

forestgnome

06-12-2009, 09:40 PM

Thanks! Looking forward to tomorrow, maybe Glenn Boulder and Boot Spur.

Rod (NH)

06-17-2009, 07:03 PM

Diapensia is in full bloom at the Alpine Garden today. Alpine Azalea and Lapland Rosebay very spotty there. Beautiful day weatherwise.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/8282/diapensia2.jpg

Diapensia in the "Cow Pasture":

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6316/cowpasture2.jpg

mtruman

06-18-2009, 05:07 PM

Beautiful shots Rod - thanks for sharing. Looks like now is optimal time for the Alpine Garden.

Steve M

06-18-2009, 09:32 PM

I need to get up there in June one year. Those are beautiful.

Brad

06-23-2009, 09:01 AM

I have been hoping to get up there this week - but the only things moving up there are rain drops and wind. I think I have missed everything out on the Alpine Garden.

CHRIS

06-23-2009, 10:19 AM

This rain stinks. I was hoping to get up M/W for the sunrise drive this Sunday but I don't think it is going to happen. My wife and I had a plan to hike over to the Alpine garden to get some photos but nope the rain does not want to leave :mad:.

Brad

06-23-2009, 10:27 AM

I do think we need more hot air up on the summit. I am sure that would help. Scot, when are you going back up? :cool:

KD Talbot

06-23-2009, 01:48 PM

I think I have missed everything out on the Alpine Garden.

I don't think anyone's missed anything yet. I think the rain has delayed the season a little. Check out this report from a week ago:

http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30751

I was on the Southern Presidentials last Wednesday and the flowers were excellent. TR forthcoming.

KDT

MountainMan

06-23-2009, 03:23 PM

Seems a lot of flowers were not in bloom, but it was still a great trip.

CHRIS

06-23-2009, 06:37 PM

Nice pictures Mountainman and welcome to the forum I noticed this was your second post. There is a few people from this area. Myself from south Dartmouth and know there is a few more that will probably chime in.

Tim&Val

06-23-2009, 07:41 PM

Great Pics! I especially like the bug!!!

Welcome to the forum!
Valerie

Bretton Woods Brat

06-24-2009, 06:37 AM

Welcome MountainMan! Welcome brother!:p

MountainMan

06-24-2009, 07:21 AM

Thanks everyone :D I've been reading here for a few years, but never joined. I enjoy reading all the posts and seeing all the great pictures too...I look forward to posting some more :)

Brad

06-24-2009, 08:41 AM

Thanks everyone :D I've been reading here for a few years, but never joined. I enjoy reading all the posts and seeing all the great pictures too...I look forward to posting some more :)
Welcome - It is great to have more pictures. We love them. Did you go up the Auto Road - or hike up?

MountainMan

06-24-2009, 08:53 AM

We hiked up...Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Lion Head to Alpine Garden Trail and then up the Nelson Crag Trail to the summit...needless to say..a long day!

CHRIS

06-30-2009, 08:31 PM

Well I did not get to hike over to the Alpine Garden on Sunday's sunrise drive but I shot these at the begining of the auto road behind the gas station.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb96/CRIVERHD12/odd%20balls/080308046.jpg

This one here you can see the begining of the Auto Road.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb96/CRIVERHD12/odd%20balls/080308047.jpg

This one is my favorite with the White Birches in the back.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb96/CRIVERHD12/odd%20balls/080308048-1.jpg

Steve M

07-01-2009, 07:06 AM

Very nice. That stand of Birches are one of my favorites.

mtruman

07-01-2009, 08:12 AM

Just love the Lupines. The backdrop of birches makes them even more beautiful.

FisherCat

07-06-2009, 07:33 PM

Here's a few pics from Waumbek:

http://fishercat.smugmug.com/photos/580443280_ddB6Z-M.jpg

Bunchberry

http://fishercat.smugmug.com/photos/583931877_Pi6rs-M.jpg

Wood Sorrel

http://fishercat.smugmug.com/photos/583932013_Go8dc-M.jpg

This Bunchberry was a bit higher up and getting past prime

Beautiful boreal forest between Starr King and Waumbek. Best visited on rainy day!

forestgnome

07-07-2009, 06:52 AM

FisherCat

07-07-2009, 08:55 AM

Nice stuff,everyone.

Fishercat, what did you use for a filter on that hike. Is that a softening filter or is it natural fog on the lens? It worked very nicely, giving a natural feel of wet forest. ;)

It was all natural fog/mist on the lens, nothing to do with filters. I would have had a lot more shots too as we hiked Fallsway and Brookside out of Appalachia on Friday but by then it was hard to keep things dry, or even moist!