July 31 - Hat Creek to Paradise Meadow (Lassen Natl Park)

On my drive the Hat Creek TH, sometime soon after passing Summit Lake North, I see 2 fawn run across the road. I look for Mom and I can't see her so I start to drive very slowly. Well Mom is on the opposite side of the road from her kids and looking for them. I continue right past so they can reunite. (What a day for deer! This is 6, 7, and 8!)

I arrive at the TH and there's one car.

The trail is 2.8 miles and 606 ft of gain at the start of the trail.

Reports have this trail as buggy but I don't put on the bug spray.

The trail is thru the woods. Woods that did not burn so it's has shade which is nice. In openings, there are lots of flowers so I'm hoping for some action on the way back.

The farther I go, I can hear and see a creek far below the trail; it has to be Hat Creek right.

At a few points, I have to cross on a log which is fun.

I see White-veined Wintergreen 


and Little Prince's Pine

and that Sierra lily

And a Anna'a Blue butterfly (beside the CA Tortoiseshells I've been seeing).

But then storm clouds roll in. Where did they come from? 

At some point, I come to a wonderful waterfall.

Then it's back to uphill.

Finally, I'm almost there and find this opening with tons of flowers but no sun :(

I continue onto the meadow.

There's a creek that run thru with lots of flowers alongside it. It's wonderful! 

But since there's no sun (and there doesn't look like there is blue sky nearby), I start downhill. (Probably should've waited 10-20 minutes but moving on.)

Fortunate for me (or maybe its unfortunate), the sun does come out at times on the way down. Which means I'm seeing butterflies!!

I see:

- a Clodius Parnassian

- Great Basin Frit

- Anna's (Northern) Blue

Farther down and not too far from the TH, I see another patch of flowers with CA Tortoiseshells and Lorquins Admirals!!!

Two of the them - score!!

Also 2 Field Crescents!!


Back at the TH, I tired, hot, sweaty but I feel great! What an awesome day!! Perfect ending for me in Lassen!

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