Balsamroot at Dalles Mountain Ranch

Sandy Steinman's www.NaturalHistoryWanderings.com blog includes a report from Oregon Wildflowers that says the balsamroot at Washington's Columbia Hills State Park is already peaking in the lower area and approaching peak up at the old ranch. Has anyone been there in the past few days that can give a photographer's assessment of conditions (rather than a botanist's)?

Even with the unusual weather this winter/spring, this seems quite early for balsamroot to be peaking.

Note: photo here is from a couple of years ago.

Nice capture! I hope this year will be a good one for wildflowers… hoping the early burst will get enough rain to keep ‘em growing tall.

It is already blooming on the hills around Yakima. Way early. Wouldn't be surprised if the Gorge is also in full bloom. Might take a trip to Goldendale, Klickitat and surrounds this week.

I crossed to the WA side of the river last Tuesday and came west on 14. The balsamroot and Spring Gold in the gorge itself were in great form. Balsamroot on south facing slopes was in full bloom. I wished I'd had some time to stop and the right light (it was early afternoon). I didn't get out on top.

Thanks for the reports. Sounds like this week would be a good bet for several areas.