Fork Ridge Hike Too Early

Sat. May 3, 2025

Kenny & Dana Koogler

Pictures are HERE

I was reviewing my list of suggestions for a Spring wildflower hike one day. I capture inspiration by jotting down the idea on paper. I hit upon the list of ideas of places to hike to look for hybrid trilliums.

Fork Ridge was one of those places. I read over the old trip report, and suddenly had a strong desire to move that to the top of my list. I talked it over with Kenny and we agreed we'd go this weekend. I wanted to look for high elevation Spring wildflowers including hybrid trilliums. I knew it was several days earlier than my previous visit. I figured I'd just have to take my chances. We arrived on Kuwohi Road and pulled over to the parking spot for Fork Ridge Trail. It was a pretty, sunny day with blue skies. We saw no other cars at the trailhead. I did see someone's hiking pole propped up.

Below: starting our hike at the trailhead. It has taken some damage.

Below: someone left their hiking pole.

The Fork Ridge Trail is fairy tale pretty in Spring. It was one of my favorites which was part of the reason for the repeat hike. Kenny had never seen it was another. I was so impressed by the forest and the wildflowers it was worth another look. I was to realize a couple things. First of all it was a little too early because of cold temperatures and a high elevation. Not many blooms. Second of all the trail has had some damage! Downed trees after Hurricane Helene!

Below are some scenes from the trail.

Below: bluets were in bloom

Below: red wakerobin trillium was in bloom.

Below: downed tree aross the trail. hard to go over OR under!

We hiked the trail out far enough to be assured we were premature on the bloom season.

We hiked back and went out toward Morton Overlook. I try to check it each Spring and wanted to find out what was there. Kenny did not want to go with me so he waited in the jeep. I could tell he was drowsy. Nap time! I climbed down over the bank which was lovely. It was lined with fringed phacelia like snow! White violets, blue violets, phacelia and trilliums were the order of the day!

I stopped to survey the scene. I saw white wake robin and red wake robin near one another. This could mean hybrid trilliums! A bit of closer observation and I found what I was looking for! Hybrid trilliums! I also found more twisted rosie than I've seen anywhere!

I will go ahead and say here that I have not found enough new material or specimens of hybrid trilliums this season to write a new article about it. It is unfortunate, but that's just how it shook out.

Below: White trillium erectum