Old growth or canyon?

Today, I go for a walk in Kokanee Creek Park.

I had been asked by a member of a local camera club to assess the suitability of the walk through the Old Growth Forest for a group excursion. Normally at this time of year, that trail is open and verdant. This year, however, it is not—or at least, not yet. There is snow on the road to the trailhead, a tree across the road, and considerable snow on the trail itself. Equally to the point, the wildflowers are not much in evidence at this altitude as yet. In a couple of weeks it will be much better, but for today, the trail through the Old Growth Forest would be a good deal of work for few photographic rewards.

So, my suggestion is to substitute it with the trail to the canyon in Kokanee Creek Park. I explored this low-altitude alternative yesterday. It is much better for photographic purposes. I saw five species of wildflower in bloom (false solomon seal, Oregon grape, arnica, wild strawberry, and a fairy slipper) and the views along the creek just call to the photographer. So, the walk up the canyon is my recommendation to this group.

Below are two pictures taken yesterday on a recce of the canyon walk. These are followed by one picture of a trillium taken two thirds of the way along the road to the Old Growth Forest the day before. Clearly, that trip was not without its pleasures.