Here is the latest update on wildflowers at Mount Rainier National Park:

“It seems that the peak in Paradise and the late season blooms are happening about the same time.” Said Lou Whiteaker, the park’s plant ecologist.

Great area of the week: Paradise – Nisqually Vista trail

“It is amazing how much the wildflowers have popped this last week,” said Tara Callaway, interpretive park ranger. “Everywhere you hike here, there are tons of lupines, paintbrush, bistort, asters, and louseworts.

“However, I am saddened to say that the end of summer may be near because the first bog gentian was spotted at the Skyline trailhead at Paradise,” she added.

“The Nisqually Vista trail has several wonderful areas of lupines, but the Deadhorse Creek trail has the most wildflower diversity.

“Sunrise is still a very beautiful place to visit to see the later blooming flowers but may be a tad past its peak.”

Recommended trails for wildflower viewing:

• Sunrise: Upper Palisades
• Mowich: Tolmie Lookout
• Ohanapecosh: Three Lakes
• Paradise: Nisqually Vista

Whiteaker reminded park visitors that Sunrise Road and Paradise picnic area, among other areas in the park, are still undergoing the pavement preservation process and traffic is subject to delays.