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Subalpine Meadows
A profusion of wildflowers bursts into bloom in the Mountain’s subalpine meadows as the last snowbanks melt in July. These flower fields, known locally as "parks," are scattered around the Mountain from about 5000 feet to 8000 feet above sea level. Some of the best known meadows are at Paradise, Sunrise, Spray Park, and Indian Henrys Hunting Ground.
Where snowbanks have recently retreated, avalanche lilies spread white carpets of stars while glacier lilies splash golden accents. Western anemones add touches of cream among the lilies then mature into fuzzy mouse-sized seed-heads. As the lilies fade, lupines cast a blue blanket, accented by brilliant magenta indian paintbrush. Sitka valerians and bistorts bring back a wave of white, dotted by yellow senecios, golden arnicas, and purple fleabanes. As the season advances, asters expand the spectrum to purple then finally pass the spotlight to violet fringed gentians.
Along streams and in boggy wet areas, Lewis monkeyflowers explode into a magenta frenzy. In drier areas, especially in the more porous soils of Sunrise and Grand Park, sedges, buckwheats, groundsels, and wallflowers thrive alongside the familiar moisture-loving species.
Though they have survived repeated burial by snow and occasional buffeting by volcanic eruptions, many of these resilient meadows have been damaged by the trampling feet of admiring people. After decades of abuse, the Paradise meadows are recovering: the National Park Service is revegetating the meadows using native species and channeling hikers onto hardened trails. Future flower lovers will enjoy the same abundant display of wildflowers that we savor only if we continue to respect and protect the meadows.