IRON PEAK
Contributed by David Sellars
FACTS
Country: United States
Location: Wenatchee Mountains, Washington
Round trip: 10km
Start elevation: 1,190m
Final Elevation: 1,980m
Maps: Green Trails #209 Mount Stuart
GETTING THERE
From Cle Elum take SR 970 east and turn north on North Fork Teanaway road (Forest Road # 9737). Iron Creek Trail #1399 is 35 km along the road.
PARTIAL PLANT LIST
Anemone drummondii
Douglasia nivalis
Claytonia megarhiza v nivalis
Erythronium grandiflorum
Trillium ovatum
Castilleja elmeri
Lomatium cuspidatum
A hike in June to Iron Peak is worthwhile to see the emerging Anemone drummondii and Douglasia nivalis. There can be extensive snow cover as there was in June 2010 but Douglasia nivalis was seen in flower both below the snowline and on the windswept ridge above. In July it possible to see other rare flowers such as Claytonia megarhiza v. nivalis surviving on the serpentine rock.
Except for the frustrating lack of scientific names (incomprehensible given Art Kruckeberg’s involvement) , a highly recommended book that includes this hike is:
Wildflower Hikes of Washington by Art Kruckeberg.
The Mountaineers Books.
IRON PEAK GALLERY.
The first three photos were taken on June 15, 2010 and the others on July 23, 2011
Click the arrows to start the slideshow or click on an image to expand.
