To escape triple-digit heat, today Karen and I hiked to Lake Clara and Marion, 5,475 feet elevation. We hiked 4.2 miles with over 1,200 feet of elevation gain. This was my second hike in two days.

To my surprise and delight, Tweedy's Lewisia was blooming! Thought I missed it. It only grows in North Central Washington at certain elevations and exposures. This plant was discovered by the late Professor Tweedy of Central Washington University.

Snow melted late in the mountains. Meadows were carpeted with yellow Glacier Lilies, the first wildflower to bloom in the mountains after the snow melts.

"Ah-choo!" Yellow pollen rained down from evergreen trees. Thank goodness it was windy! The lower lake was covered with pollen. It was cool in the shade at this elevation. Meanwhile, it was a hundred degrees in Wenatchee.

Much of the trail was covered with gold Northern Larch needles, leftover from "Golden Week" last October. Photos:

1. Tweedy's Lewisia flowers.

2. Glacier Lilies.

3. Lake Clara, the lower lake.

4. Lake Marion, the highest lake at 5,475 feet elevation.

5. Golden Week: Northern Larch at Lake Clara in October 2018.