It's Still Wildflower Season

A week ago today, I visited one of my favorite photography destinations, the Gold Creek trail near Snoqualmie Pass. This time, the trail was in relatively good condition due to recent maintenance work, and water levels were quite low at creek crossings. I therefore hiked all the way to the end of the maintained trail (the Alaska/Joe lakes junction), which is farther than I usually venture, in search of late-season wildflowers like aster and fireweed.

First, a stand of fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) at the edge of the large avalanche clearing inside the wilderness boundary. As suggested by the image, fireweed is often an early species to colonize an area cleared by disturbances like avalanches and fires. F/18.

Next, the fruits of what I believe to be California black currant or stink currant (Ribes bracteosum), with an out-of-focus dry creek bed in the background. F/8.

Finally, two aster-filled clearings, the first from the end of the maintained trail and the second near the large avalanche clearing. I don't think these images are as striking as the two above, as the aster flowers ended up rather small in the compositions. F/18 and F/16, respectively.