Umbrella Falls trail, July 24 and July 30, 2026

Another couple of short hikes for me, over two days. The first day I hiked uphill towards Mitchell Creek and the second downhill to Umbrella Falls. I am still unable to hike very far, though I am progressing in my abilities; so each hike was less than I did in previous years. Hobbling around with trekking poles and a spongy left foot is not the easiest way to hike, but I manage. And it is so good for my psyche that even though I pay the price afterwards, it is well worth the effort.

Many of the wildflowers have gone past their peak blooming times, but there were still many to see and photograph. The first day, uphill, was gloriously warm and sunny.

Subalpine Mariposa Lily, one of the few that were still in flower. The forest had lots of One-Sided Wintergreen (in the photo below on the left) and also Liverleaf Wintergreen (on the right) in bloom.

These are both plants that grow in the shady forests, but in the more open areas on the hike were lots of Green False Hellebores, some in flower, some already turning brown with age.

And, unfortunately, on the way down the hill, smoke shown over the hills, towards the fires burning.

Sad, sad!!

The second day I hiked the downhill direction, towards Umbrella Falls. Less plants in bloom here as we were a little lower in elevation.

Hiking on after crossing the bridge I came upon lots of Canada Goldenrod, Fireweed and Dwarf Bramble.

Another of the last holdovers were two blue wildflowers: Tall Lungwort and Jacob’s Ladder.

And finally, there were many groups of Western Asters, complimenting the yellow of the Goldenrod and the pink of the Fireweed.