Pyramid Lake - Ross Lake National Recreation Area, WA
Posted by: 
Hikenutty
N 48° 41.703 W 121° 07.410
10U E 638084 N 5395255
Quick Description: This small mountain lake in the North Cascades is one of the only spots in the state of Washington where carnivorous plants grow in the wild. From the trailhead to the lake is a 2.1 mile hike.
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 7/27/2008 7:07:59 PM
Waymark Code: WM4A2X
Views: 54
Long Description:
For the preservation of this locality, collection
is prohibited
Carnivorous plants are a rare find outside of greenhouses in
Washington State, so this hike is extra special. Pyramid Lake is a
small, deep mountain lake at the base of a box canyon located in
the North Cascades within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.
Floating around the edges of the lake are old downed timber which
provide the perfect moist habitat for drosera anglica. You'll
notice the red tinged plant nestled amongst the moss and at the
base of taller grasses which attract insects to come and rest
inside the patch for protection. Instead they find the stinky
leaves of the drosera anglica, waiting to trap them and turn them
into dinner.
Although the carnivorous plants are one of the most interesting
things about the place, it is also home to the rough-skinned newt,
a rare newt that is highly toxic when ingested, and a large variety
of dragonflies. You'll also find a huge variety of mosses, lichens,
shade loving wildflowers, and even some slime mold! It's a
horticulturists dreamland. Be sure to open the gallery to see all
of the photos.
Although the hike is fairly short (4.2 miles round trip) it is
fairly taxing, at least for the first mile. It has an elevation
gain of 1500 feet in just 2 miles. Dogs are allowed, but must be on
a leash and kept on the trail. The trailhead is well signed and
located off of highway 20, just east of turnoff to the town of
Diablo. If you stay on 20, you'll see the signs. Parking/trailhead
coordinates are given below. The area where you can view the plants
at the lake is very small, so we suggest leaving early to try and
avoid other hikers and enjoy this place of solitude on your
own.
REMEMBER! These aren't very common in the state of Washington so
be careful not to crush any plants and DO NOT take any home with
you. Leave this special treasure for others to enjoy. Also, the
logs are floating so don't try to walk on them unless you plan on
taking a swim.