There are many types of monkeyflowers here in the Northwest. All tend to live in moist areas, often right at the edge of a stream, or sometimes in the stream itself. The most commonly found type is this, the seep or common monkeyflower. I have found them on the banks of Catherine Creek, in a swale at Tom McCall Preserve, along Camp Creek in Zumwalt Prairie and even in Paradise Park at timberline on Mt Hood, as well as along a snowmelt stream on the Skyline Trail on Mt Rainier. Look for these bright yellow wildflowers as you hike in the spring. The best way to differentiate between the different species is to look at the red pattern on the lower lobe of the flower. Other species may have larger red spots, or none at all. There are some red monkeyflowers also.
Horse Rock Ridge trail, May 30, 2022
Photo taken on Patti's trail, Zumwalt Prairie, July2, 2025
Umbrella Falls trail, August 11, 2016
Tomales Point trail, Point Reyes National Seashore, April 2, 2016
Along the trail to Paradise Park, Mt Hood, August 14, 2023
Photo taken on Horse Rock Ridge trail, June 6, 2025. Click on this photo to return to the Yellow/Orange Wildflower page