Promising Rhododendrons
![Image](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqsCKK2ii1sZWdXtD5uyoKbapcQKK2M0EwM9boMM7hzwdbE7hoUU89PM9cf9gPQSCTELnX5YXeshPR9fkbje0YgmVmo8xkSk4ylpU0uCGLdexoV2cwSmqXMdIBwHAM4wVLnyyN-1uyKCa/s400/01-PacificRhododendron-7D2_0175-2.jpg)
The arrival of spring means it's time to start planning for rhododendron season. Again this year, I will be photographing the native Pacific Rhododendrons in Deception Pass State Park. Also known as the Coast Rhododendron, and California Rhododendron (R. macrophyllum) , this is the official Washington State Flower . Yesterday, I went over to hike the "Rhododendron Trail" to see how things look. I saw several buds swelling, even on this small bush right next to the trail. The trails are also looking good, although some spots are a bit muddy right now. What I have dubbed the "Rhododendron Trail" is actually a network of Deception Pass trails. There are two large groves, one at Goose Rock and a second in the Hoypus Forest . I visited the Goose Rock grove yesterday. I plan to check out the Hoypus grove next week. This year, I will be adding the Park Office Trail and the Bob Matchett bog bridge wetlands to the Goose Rock hikes. This will in