Thursday, May 4, 2023

Goose Rock, 2023

 

 

Goose Rock, Deception State Park

 

Goose Rock is a place we like to hike this time of year for the views from the top and to see the wonderful wildflowers.  We were not disappointed.  The day was perfect, cool but sunny.  This is a 2 mile RT loop.  The Discover Pass or a day use fee is required.  We parked in the lot just across the Deception Pass bridge where there are about 20 parking spaces and public restrooms.  There are stairs that lead down to the trails from the parking area.  One trail heads farther down to the beach and another trail that goes under the bridge and forms a junction with two trails branching off to head up the Goose Rock Loop.  We prefer to take the shorter right-hand trail and head up steeply to the top, enjoy the view from the top, then head back down the longer route that ends up back at the junction left-hand trail.  The elevation gain is about 500 feet with some ups and downs.  There are some very sharp, steep switch backs on the way down.  Hiking poles are extremely helpful in those spots.  There is one place on the way down that has a grove of native rhododendrons but it is still too early for them to be in bloom. 


Blue Camas


White Death Camas


Broomrape

 

Broomrape is a shy little flower that likes to hide in the grass and in between other flowers.  It is an annual; therefore, it is found near where it bloomed the year before but not usually in exactly the same place.  


Chocolate Lilies

 


 

Close up of Sea Blush

 

Close up of part of a Lomatium

Indian Paintbrush

Madrona tree blossoms


Larkspur

 
Star flower

 
Wild Morel mushroom


Looking down on the boats in Cornet Bay from the trail

 
Count for the day:  20 people including one baby being carried, 1 dog
2 miles RT, 500 ft EG

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