Promising Rhododendrons

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 introduce a very dif…
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 introduce a very dif…