RATING: Moderate to Difficult 8 miles total, loop trail.

GUIDE: David Vick and Amy Sue Matthews

Join educator and naturalist David Vick to learn how to teach yourself to identify wildflowers using the Peterson method. Peterson's Field-guide to Pacific States Wildflowers will be provided to each participant. This 8 mile round trip loop ascends 1000 ft through open meadows, stands of beautiful old growth ponderosa and mixed conifer forests. The first 4 miles will be gaining elevation and the second 4 miles will be all downhill. The summit is a rocky plateau with sweeping views of the Ochocos. Here you will see many varieties of stonecrop and other plants specializing in rocky, soil-less strata. Many of our favorite native wildflowers will be seen all along the trail – desert paintbrush, shooting stars, lupine and lots more. Bring along your camera, standard hiking equipment includes sturdy boots, lunch, water, extra layer, and hiking poles. Sunscreen, hat and rain gear are advisable. Service dogs only.

This is a free hike, limited to 6 participants and registration is required and available at www.fansofdeschutes.org one month prior to the hike date. If the hike is full, add your name to the waiting list at fansofdeschutes@gmail.com. We will contact you if space develops.

DIRECTIONS:

Meet-up will be at the US Forest Service Building in Prineville 9:00AM, 3160 NE Third St. (Hwy26), Prineville, OR 97754. Directions to the USFS Bldg and a map of Lookout Mountain Trail can be obtained on the US Forest Service, Prineville website.

There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead – last stop will be at the campground about 7 miles before reaching the trailhead parking area.