Along Trail 345

This old trail has been de-commissioned by the Forest Service but it still exists and I walk along parts of it when I can. Something of interest seems always to be there.

Fireweed ~ Epilobium angustifolium

Thimbleberries (Rubus parviflorus) are ripening

Thimbleberry blossoms (From my archives)

Pinedrops ~ Pterospora andromrdea

Pinedrops are saprophytic perennials, without chlorophyl or green leaves. You have to look closely at them to tell if they are newly blossoming or dried from the previous year.

Northern Green Bog Orchid ~ Platanthera huronensis

Bog orchids can easily be overlooked.

Pine white butterfly ~ Neophasia menapia

Pine White

Along toward the end of summer these butterflies appear. I always look forward to them!

Pine White ~ Neophasia menapia

Pine White butterfly

Pine White butterfly
Neophasia menapia

This photo was taken today on a hike with some folks from American Wildlands on Munson Creek in the TeePee/Spring Creek roadless area here in western Montana. Because of where it lives, this pretty little thing will not become a decoration on the radiator of someone’s motor vehicle.