Pyramid Lake - Ross Lake National Recreation Area, WA - Carnivorous Plant Localities on Waymarking.com

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.