Murphy Dome Wildflowers

I planned on hiking near Wickersham Dome on Friday, but when I checked the weather radar, it looked like rain and storms were moving into the area. I thought I’d have more time if I headed west, so I drove up Murphy Dome on the northwest side of Fairbanks. As much as I want to get good hikes in, we’re also entering peak wildflower season. I’m trying to photograph as many different species as possible so that I can publish an Alaska Wildflower Guidebook later this year.

It might have been the prettiest day I’ve had outside all year.

That means getting to as many different areas as possible in as many different zones as possible. I’m unsure how this happened, but I haven’t been up to Murphy Dome since 2021 (according to my photo records). I spent at least a couple of days a year skiing, picking berries, or walking the dog in winter and summer almost every year. I guess it’s slipped my attention the last few years.

The walk proved incredibly fruitful. It was also a gorgeous day with just enough of a breeze to make the bugs tolerable. There was visibly a lot of rain off to the northeast, so it was probably a good choice to avoid Wickersham Dome. Over approximately four and a half hours, I identified and photographed over 30 species of blooming wildflowers!

Actually, it was 36. It was likely more because I had a few of the genera Carex (true sedges), Pedicularis (louseworts), and Salix (willow) that all likely included multiple species. I’ve included one photo of each flower below with a link to my flora guide if it exists.

I’ll be trying to catch up with my trip reports and finish some new articles for the wildflower guide later this week. It’s tough because every time it’s nice out and I’m not at work, I’m getting out trying to find new flowers. It took me an entire day for just these photo edits, identifications, captions, etc.

I don’t think I’ve ever had a better day for finding so many distinct species of wildflowers in bloom. You can check out all the photos, landscapes, and flowers in my daily gallery here (or the slideshow below: June 6, 2024.