white flowers and large calyx tubes of the bladder campion (silene latifolia)
Posted by Lee Petersen | December 5, 2023
Bladder campion – Silene latifolia (invasive)

Silene latifolia, or Bladder Campion - a white-flowering herbaceous plant native to Europe and now widespread in North America. More about identifiaction, distribution and habitat, and scientific classification.

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The yellow-petaled flowers of the snow buttercup (Ranunculus nivalis) in Denali National Park in Alaska.
Posted by Lee Petersen | December 1, 2023
Snow Buttercup – Ranunculus nivalis

Ranunculus nivalis, known as the Snow Buttercup, flourishes in cold, alpine regions from Canada to Siberia. Its vibrant yellow petals brighten scree slopes and snowbed edges.

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Drummond’s mountain avens – Dryas drummondii
Posted by Lee Petersen | November 28, 2023
Drummond’s mountain avens – Dryas drummondii

Drummond's Mountain Avens, or Dryas drummondii, is a small yellow-flowering shrub and herb that grows from a wooden base. It is a pioneer species often found in areas recently exposed...

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Posted by Lee Petersen | August 26, 2023
Gakona Glacier – Hike Info and August 2023 Trip Report

Trip report from my 3-day backpacking trip to the Gakona Glacier in the Alaska Range. Lots of photos, including some historical, a bit of route information, and a very interesting...

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Trip Report for July 23, 2023 – Angel Rocks Plus Some
Posted by Lee Petersen | July 27, 2023
Trip Report for July 23, 2023 – Angel Rocks Plus Some

A hot day hike on the Angel Rocks loop trail and out-and back along part of the Angel Rocks to Chena Hot Springs Trail. An evening thunderstorm cut the trip...

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Trip Report for July 21, 2023 – Table Top Mountain Trail
Posted by Lee Petersen | July 23, 2023
Trip Report for July 21, 2023 – Table Top Mountain Trail

Trip report from the Table Top Mountain Trail day hike on July 21, 2023 in the White Mountain National Recreation Area, Alaska. Lots of photos, trail conditions, flora, and links...

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Trip Report for July 20, 2023 – Summit Trail to Wickersham Dome
Posted by Lee Petersen | July 22, 2023
Trip Report for July 20, 2023 – Summit Trail to Wickersham Dome

Quick day hike on the Summit Trail to Wickersham Dome on July 20, 2023. Great trail conditions, relatively dry trail despite recent rain. Info on the hike with photos and...

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Field locoweed – Oxytropis campestris
Posted by Lee Petersen | July 18, 2023
Field locoweed – Oxytropis campestris

Field locoweed (Oxytropis campestris) also frequently known as yellow oxytrope, is a white-to-yellow flowering plant frequently growing in gravelly or rocky terrain like in river bars or roadsides. It is...

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Hikers resting on the top of a cliff overlooking the Gabriel Icefall on the Gulkana Glacier in the Eastern Alaska Range with some fog in the air.
Posted by Lee Petersen | July 16, 2023
Trip Report for July 14, 2023 – Gulkana Glacier to Gabriel Icefall

Trip report for a hike to the Gulkana Glacier on July 14, 2023, to the cliffs above the Gabriel Icefall. The snowline was at approximately 5,300 feet, a bit low...

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A hiker on the Sugarloaf Ridge Trail outside of Denali National Park in Alaska
Posted by Lee Petersen | July 13, 2023
Sugarloaf Ridge Trail

Sugarloaf Ridge Trail is a very steep, 4.5-mile round-trip hike up Sugarloaf Mountain, beginning at the Grand Denali Lodge outside of Denali National Park. Photos, map, weather, and trail info.

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