Bill's Peak and Hawkins Mountain

On July 26th, the 50 Peaks Project Team returned to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on a multi-day outing to survey Bill’s Peak and Hawkins Mountain. On the first day, Samantha, Sophia, and David completed the 7.7 mile round trip hike to Bill’s Peak, ascending 3,178 feet to a final elevation of 6,916 feet. At the peak we observed 38 species, which as the lowest amount of any peak surveyed this year, is likely attributable to the granite bedrock geology of the peak. The common species observed were Festuca sp., Carex sp. and Juniperus communis.
On July 27th, Sophia and David surveyed Hawkins Mountain, finding a total species count of 65. A very diverse and interesting peak, the common species observed were Juniperus communis, Eremogone capillaris, and Penstemon procerus. The trek was 12.8 miles round trip, ascending 3,308 feet of elevation to reach the peak standing at 7,106 feet. Although the flora was exciting, and the views were incredible, the bugs were absolutely relentless!
The 50 Peaks Team is excited to return to the field this week to survey Alta Mountain in the Snoqualmie region of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

View of Hawkins Mountain before ascending to summit.

Eriogonum ovalifolium.

View of the Enchantments with the summit of Bill's Peak in the foreground.

David Giblin in front of Mount Rainier on the summit of Bill's Peak.

Eremogone capillaris.

View of Mount Rainier from the summit of Hawkins Mountain.

From left, Sam and Sophia atop Bill's Peak.

Aquilegia flavescens.