PNW FOREST ORCHIDS TOUR IN THE NORTH CASCADES

 

Did you know orchids also grow in the temperate rainforest of the PNW?  In NW Washington, from the islands of the Salish Sea to the old-growth forest of the North Cascades, you can find about 10 species of forest orchids.  They all grow from the ground under the protective shade of the forest cover.

These are the orchids we have spotted so far in our 2016 Chasing Wildflowers in the North Cascades Adventures.

The earliest spring bloomers are the Calypso Orchid (double light purple ones) and the Spotted Coral Root (tall reddish ones with purple spots on the lower white petals).  We spotted them in Anacortes Washington Park, Community Forest Lands and Deception Pass State Parks.  Later, the Western Coralroot, Rattlesnake Plantain and many others will bloom.

 

 

 

 

 

Hiking in the North Cascades National Park this May, we found several of the Stripped Coral Root (tall pinkish-red) in full bloom and one Northwestern Twayblade Orchid (small with green flowers) emerging.

Both Coral Root orchids are actually parasitic plants, stealing nourishment from their host roots.  This is why you don’t see any greens leaves or parts on the plant!The Twayblade Orchids are the smallest of the PNW forest orchids!  BTW the orchid family has the second highest number of species, after the sunflower family.

For more information and details click Book my PNW Forest Orchids Tour!

Skagit Guided Adventures offers small group Nature, Hiking & Farm Tours around Anacortes, Skagit Valley, Mount Baker, the North Cascades & San Juan Islands.  Join one of these fun Adventures for a day. Or stay longer for a multi-day Adventure to “Re-Wild” Your Spirit! in NW Washington. Check out all Guided Adventures.