Korean Fir, Abies koreana

After planting seeds over 10 years ago, this small tree is finally producing purple cones.  I will post another picture when the cones are larger and hopefully more colorful.  The Korean Fir, although not a NorthWest native, has soft needles that are white on the underside, attractive cones, pleasing aroma, and symmetric shape.

Rattlesnake Plantain, Goodyera oblongifolia

I have been keeping an eye on this particular orchid plant for quite some time and it is finally sending up a flower stalk.  In a few weeks I hope to add a picture of the flowers.

6-10-2012 update: The flower stock is now about 5" tall

6-29-2012 update: about 12" now

7-22-2012 update:

Scotch Broom, Cytisus scoparius

Although it is considered a nonnative invasive, Scotch Broom does have attractive flowers.

Columbia Windflower, Anemone deltoidea

What a difference a week makes.  Last Saturday, none of the Windflowers were in bloom; this weekend there were a lot!

Flower for next week:

6-10-2012, Here is what it looks like after the petals are gone:

Chickweed Monkey-Flower, Mimulus alsinoides

I found these small flowers growing in between the steps leading to a waterfall in the area.

Yellow Glacier Lily, Erythronium grandiflorum

On a recent hike in the Columbia River Gorge, this is the only specimen I could find of this pretty flower.

Nodding Onion, Allium cernuum

Found these native perennials growing out of rock crevices near Lucia Falls on the East Fork of the Lewis River in SW Washington

American Dipper, Cinclus mexicanus

Also known as  Water Ouzel, these chicks were waiting for Mom to feed them from their well camouflaged nest which was perched on a rocky ledge above the East Fork of the Lewis River in SW Washington.

Here is a closeup:

Food delivery:

Common Camas, Camassia quamash

In the midst of hundreds of blue-petaled Common Camas, upstream of Lucia Falls on the East Fork of the Lewis River in SW Washington, there are a couple of plants with white flowers.

Wood Saxifrage, Saxifraga mertensiana

Found this flower growing on a wet, rock ledge in the Moulton Falls area on the East Fork of the Lewis River in SW Washington.

Sticky Cinquefoil, Potentilla glandulosa

Growing in a moist rocky area upstream of Moulton Falls on the East Fork of the Lewis River in SW Washington, this native perennial is commonly found from California to British Columbia.

Great Hound's Tongue, Cynoglossum grande

It was very windy along Catherine Creek, but this native member of the Borage family held still long enough for me to take this picture.

Pungent Desert Parsley, Lomatium grayi

 Other than accidentally bring a Tick home with us, it was a very enjoyable time looking at the flowers, such as this native member of the Carrot family along Catherine Creek in the Columbia River Gorge.