Wildflowers!

We’re fast approaching wildflower season, and I couldn’t be more excited! Now, many people might immediately think of the gorge for photo ops, where indeed the wildflowers are fantastic, but Central Oregon also boasts a vast variety of flowers during the spring months. 

Lupine found along the trails at Lookout Mountain.

One of my favorite wildflowers is lupine, which grows just about everywhere here. It can be found in the rocky terrain near places like Smith Rock and back in the forests of tall ponderosa pines. Indian paintbrush and other types of daisies dot the open fields, and clusters of purple phlox often line the trails.

Phlox, found along many high desert trails around Central Oregon.

But when it comes to sheer variety of wildflowers, nothing can beat the Santiam area. Every year out south Santiam Hwy 20, usually around July, massive bursts of color are visible on the trails lining this stretch of road.

Iron Mountain and Cone Peak are two trails that intersect with each other as they meander around the hillsides.  

Depending on how far you want to hike, you can either park at the Tombstone Pass parking area, which will allow you to venture all the way around Cone Peak and loop back, or you can park in the Iron Mountain trailhead lot. While Iron Mountain’s direct trail is much shorter, it is still a pretty steep hike. However, you are rewarded with dramatic views almost immediately.

Taken near the top of Iron Mountain.

The Three Sisters are visible in the distance, and Mt. Jefferson towers from the opposite side. There’s also a viewing platform at the top of this climb that allows for beautiful panoramic scenery and a place to rest if needed. Not to mention during the right months you hike through lovely varieties of wildflowers that fill the hillsides.

The trail up Iron Mountain.

Not too far from this area, if you head out north Santiam Hwy 22, you’ll find another great wildflower hike at Coffin Mountain. While the name might sound foreboding, it has become one of my absolute favorites in this particular region. During July, beargrass covers several of the hillsides in front of Mt. Jefferson, as well as smaller flowers like lilies.

There is a lookout tower at the top of this hike where rangers do tend to be stationed, so it’s always good to be mindful of their privacy. But there is plenty of space around that area to see the views. While fairly steep going up, it’s another one that is well worth the effort. 

I would love to do more portrait photo shoots in this area, so if anyone is up for a bit of an adventure, send me a message! 

Have you been to any of these trails? Are there others around here that you recommend? Let me know, and I’ll be sure to add them to my growing list of areas to explore. 

Happy travels!