On the same day, June10, that we visited Derby Canyon and Plain, Washington, we also hiked at Chiwaukum Creek near Leavenworth. We found and photographed many different wildflwoers, but were especially delighted to find the Western Fairy Slipper, Calypso bulbosa var. occidentalis, growing in abundance along the creek. We found a lot of color variation including a flower that was almost white. It was also interesting to find them growing in clumps, something we had not seen before with this species. Whether growing singly or in clumps, however, it remain one of our favorite orchids and can be found over a period of four months as one moves from lower to higher elevations following the snow melt.
