We drove up the Red Plateau Forest Service Road and parked at 1198 m in elevation to hike a 10 km loop on top of Red Plateau.    Our route took us out to the Escarpment Rim.   There were many open spots along the trail, but the south-facing forest was open and inviting too.

On the barren volcanic south-facing slopes Okanogan fameflower (Talinum sediforme) had new buds.   There would be a display in the next week.

I spotted a cicada by the side of the trail.

Sulphur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) was being pollinated by a blister beetle.

Dandelions were attracting pollinators, like this dappled white butterfly.

There were many wildflowers and pollinators along the way, with a few shared here.   Click an image for a caption.

cut-leaf anemone

black twinberry

small-flowered penstemon

Red Plateau Loop 032

spotted saxifrage

shrubby penstemon

meadow chickweed

hairstreak butterflies on pussytoes

Three pollinators were busy at work side-by-side on dandelions.

This green comma posed for a photo.

Red Plateau has many different types of ecosystems so we can explore the area over the whole season and continue to find new natural wonders.