On the Road is a weekday feature spotlighting reader photo submissions.
From the exotic to the familiar, whether you’re traveling or in your own backyard, we would love to see the world through your eyes.
Mike in Oly
I was in Oregon to visit friends and tour gardens during the iris bloom season this May and was told about this wonderful National Wildlife Refuge in the area. I was delighted with its trails on hilltops over wetlands below, open wildflower meadows and oak forests above, all filled with birdsong. I can’t wait to go back and explore this area more.
HinTN
You have provided a new bucket list place. I especially liked the tangle if branches.
Scuffletuffle
Beautiful place, beautiful photos!
oldster
Baskett Slough is a magical place. I go there whenever I’m around Salem or Portland, and I take good friends. It’s a low-key gem.
eclare
It took me a while to find the woodpecker in that photo! Lovely photos.
stinger
What gorgeous photos! During The Great Outage of 2022 I think I missed On The Road most of all.
https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/7a50a28d-eeb7-4ff3-8101-2c738c5cc583
Betty
Just lovely. What a treat that visit must have been.
Mike in Oly
It was amazing. The woods were filled with birdsong. I turned on my Merlin app to see who was singing and at one point it ID’d over a dozen songsters nearby. I can’t wait to go back.
JustRuss
Practically in my backyard. Seen signs for it, but have never visited. Will have to remedy that soon.
J R in WV
I do so love the On the Road (Or in Your Backyard) photo sets, and am so grateful to everyone who posts some photos! Like touring, but for free!!!
StringOnAStick
I think what you identified as calochortus is a wildflower I’ve always known as Mariposa Lily, usually with a lot less “fur” on the interior petals; what a wide range in flower type! Occasionally in Colorado I’d see a deep violet version, but more on the white end is more typical. Now that I live in OR, I need to go to Baskett Slough and see these furry flowers in person! Thanks for the tip!
BigJimSlade
@stinger: Good one! (regarding the link)
MelissaM
I concur with so many others, OTR was greatly missed during the outrage. It’s my bucket-list provider (or the not-list provider in rare cases) and eyes on the world.
A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)
@eclare: Ditto and ditto!
Interstadial
@StringOnAStick: There are actually three groupings of species within Calochortus:
-Mariposa lilies which you are familiar with
-Cat’s ears which is what the species pictured is one of. You can see the ‘furry’ reason for the name.
-Globe lilies which have a more globular and nodding flower
They are all choice and exquisite flowers.