Wanting to get some trail miles in before our upcoming backpack on the Boundary Trail, I suggested a hike on Marys Peak to friends Tim & Elaine, and Michael & Annie. We met in Corvallis at the New Morning Bakery, the way every hike should start, and then drove to the East Ridge Trailhead parking lot, which now requires a Northwest Forest Pass.

Hiking up the East Ridge Trail we enjoyed the beauty of Columbine, Wild Iris, Twin Flower, Yellow Monkeyflower, Wind Flower, and Penstemons. At the summit we set down among the Field Chickweed, Tiger Lily, Lupine, and many butterflies to enjoy our lunch. Hiking back down we were serenaded by the Varied Thrush.

Statistics for the day: distance 6.2 miles, time 4 1/2 hours, cumulative climb 1600 feet.

Our day was capped off with a coffee stop at Allen Bros.