On Wednesday we had 7 hikers come out to hike the Rogue River Trail along the west side of Lost Creek Lake. The weather was perfect with a temperature in the mid 50s. The sky was blue and there were just a few clouds.

As we first looked at the lake, it was smooth and offered a beautiful reflection. We then went into the wooded area and saw many wildflowers. We were surprised the snow queens were still blooming. There were Cat's Ears, Lupine, Blue Eyed Mary, Monkey Face, Hound's Tongue, Blue Dick, Oregon Anemone, California Mistmaiden, Fairy Slipper (we even saw a more rare white one), Largeleaf Sandwort, Bicolor Babystars, Nuttal's Toothwort, Rogue River Milkvetch, Serviceberry, Checker Lily, white Oregon Fawn Lily, Heartleaf Milkweed, Trilium, Red Flowered Currant, and some Washington Lily that were not yet blooming. It was nice having Eva along to identify so many of these flowers.

At one of the stream crossings, it appeared to have a newer bridge to cross. Nothing like the one that was replaced closer to the Blue Grotto, but we were happy to have a stable crossing. We came to the tree with the hole that we often take our group photo at. It was covered in poison oak so no one went near it. We had our lunch at the bench and enjoyed the sunshine.

On the way back, when we were on the road, the ladies led the way, I was behind them and a bit farther back was the men. They were enjoying each other's company and missed the turn back to the trail. I was just following behind as were the men. Nanci noticed they had missed the turn and we all went back. The sign for the trail is actually slightly after the opening in the fence so it can be easy to miss. I think the group has done this multiple times. We returned to our cars and had hiked 10.25 miles with 985 feet of gain.