USDA Forest Service Celebrating Wildflowers

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Pacific Southwest Region Viewing Area

LOCATION and PHOTOS

small camas.
Small Camas. Photo by William & Wilma Follette, USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. West Region, Sacramento, CA.

Beckwith's violet.
Beckwith's violet. Photo by Gary A. Monroe, USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.

Primrose monkeyflower.
Primrose monkeyflower. Photo by Gary A. Monroe, USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.

Donner Camp Picnic Area

Forest: Tahoe National Forest

District: Truckee Ranger District

Description: Donner Camp Picnic Area, located on Highway 89 near the town of Truckee, the perfect destination for a picnic and a short hike among a blanket of wildflowers in a picturesque mountain setting. A one-half mile interpretive boardwalk trail leads visitors through this high elevation wet meadow.

Viewing Information: In late May and early June the Donner Camp Picnic Area becomes a blaze of purple, thanks to a carpet of common camas (Camassia quamash). Other striking wildflowers include Beckwith’s violet (Viola Beckwithii), primrose monkeyflower (Mimulus primuloides), and Brown’s peony (Paeonia brownii).

Safety First: Hiking at Donner Camp Picnic Area is not recommended during thunderstorms due to the possibility of lightning strikes. A jacket and hiking boots are recommended. Hypothermia can be a hazard throughout the year. Bring bug spray and plenty of water.

Directions: Take Interstate 80 to Highway 89 N, near town of Truckee. Take Highway 89 2.5 miles to picnic area (a sign is posted). Maps are available at the Truckee Ranger District office.

Ownership and Management: U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe National Forest; Truckee Ranger District, 9646 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, California (530) 587-3558.

Closest Town: Truckee, California.

U.S. Forest Service
Rangeland Management
Botany Program

1400 Independence Ave., SW, Mailstop Code: 1103
Washington DC 20250-1103

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Location: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/regions/pacificsouthwest/DonnerCamp/index.shtml
Last modified: Tuesday, 24-Jun-2008 21:56:50 EDT