There are 3 fairly distinct zones of vegetation on the trail. At the lake, conditions are dry due to rocky soils and a history of fires. As the trail climbs into Denver Canyon moisture increases and the vegetation changes accordingly. When the trail crosses to the south side of the creek at Alamo Siding conditions change again due to cold air flowing down the valley bottom from glaciers in the mountains above - lots of unique vegetation in all three zones so bring your plant book.

DEVIL'S CLUB Oplopanax Horridus loves a wet well-drained seepage area under a dense canopy of trees. Its huge leaves reach for rays of sunlight in the dark forest, and sharp thorns discourage browsers and hikers. Various parts of the plant were used by native people to treat everything from ulcers to diabetes. It can be mistaken for the very common shrub, Thimbleberry, so be careful.

LADY FERN
Distinctive in its vase-like form, Lady Fern loves moist cool cedar forests. This is the fiddlehead fern used as food and medicine by native
peoples, and at one time is believed to have walked around at night
in search of a male fern.

The dark green plant at the base of the fern is wild ginger.

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