My first wildflower hike of the season was east of the Cascades.  The Ingalls Creek trail opens up to expanses of alpine forest and rocky exposures with charred remains of prior burns, tracing through a shady tree canopy crossed by streams making their way to the creek.  At this time of year Ingalls Creek is a roaring river fed by mountain snow melt.  Lupine and trillium boldly announce the arrival of spring.  Delicate fairy slipper calypso orchid and mariposa lilly elegantly peek out onto the trail.   I was surprised by a lizard enjoying the sunny day on a warm rock.