FOUR WILD FLOWER WALKS
by Melynda Harrison

Every summer we are rewarded for tolerating a wet, gray spring by a bounty of wildflowers. We deserve it.
Dainty pink fairy slipper orchids hide in the shade of towering conifers, blatant yellow arrowleaf balsamroot fill sunny hillsides and bluebells dance in the meadows. The trails around Bozeman are decorated in flowers. Whether you prefer to photograph them, identify them with your field guide or just appreciate them, the time is now to start wildflower watching.

Check out these four hikes to get out and enjoy the blooms. Quick! Before it snows again.

DRINKING HORSE MOUNTAIN TRAIL
This is one of Bozeman’s newer hiking venues. Two trails, a “steeper” and an “easier” trail lead to the 5,522-foot summit where you’ll get views of the Absaroka and Gallatin ranges. The two trails make about a 3.5-mile loop.

Look for: Lots of species of wildflowers including pasqueflower, larkspur (delphinium), iris, prairie smoke and bluebells.

Getting there: From Main Street drive north on Rouse, which becomes Bridger Canyon Drive (Highway 86). At 3 miles turn right (S) into the Fish Technology Center–just before the “M” Trail turnoff.


SYPES CANYON TRAIL
Located at the southern end of the Bridger Range, Sypes Canyon Trail follows a creek up a canyon. You’ll reach a small saddle and overlook at 2 miles with views of the Gallatin Valley and Madison, Gallatin and Tobacco Root ranges.

Look for: Arrowleaf balsamroot on the sunny slopes. Larkspur, woodland stars, Oregon grape and prairie smoke light up the trail. In the shady woods along the switchbacks find glacier lilies, fairy slippers, leopard lilies and striped coral root

Getting there: From the 7th Avenue overpass, drive 2 miles north to Springhill Road. Turn right. Drive 1.5 miles to Sypes Canyon Road. Turn right and drive 3.2 miles to Churn Road. Turn right and park 50 yards ahead at the signed trailhead.


PASSAGE CREEK FALLS
This trail is easy and flat as it crosses Mill Creek and Passage Creek, then skirts the edge of a scree field. Follow Passage Creek through meadows and woods. Then it’s up and over a short, steep hill to the thunderous waterfall at 2.1 miles.

Look for: Thimbleberry, raspberry and wild rose thrive in the sunny areas near the creek. In the meadow, buttercups, shooting stars, sticky geranium and yarrow bloom.

Getting there: From Livingston, drive 15.7 miles south on Highway 89. Turn left at Mill Creek Road. Drive 14 miles to the Wallace Creek trailhead on the right.

TROUT LAKE
Even though this trail is steep, it’s only 0.6 miles to Trout Lake. The lake sits in a huge meadow filled with wildflowers. In June, cutthroat trout spawn up the inlet on the east end of the lake, while otters eat from the buffet.

Look for: The meadow is home to a huge variety of wildflowers including, arrowleaf balsamroot, sticky geranium, shooting star, lupine, phlox, paintbrush and silky phacelia. Monkey flowers nod their heads near the stream.

Getting there: Drive 18.6 miles east of Tower Junction through the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park. There is a signed trailhead and pullout on the left (north) side of the road.

Melynda Harrison lives and writes from Livingston. She always has a great idea for a new adventure. Go to www.yourwildchild.com.