Last updated: June 11, 2021
Thing to Do
Spring Ephemeral Hike
NPS Photo/ R. Maher
Enjoy this 1.5 mile hike in the northern section of Rock Creek Park. In the spring time, this area is a great place to come look for spring ephemerals.
A spring ephemeral, is a perennial plant that emerges in the spring for a brief period of time before dying. The underground parts are all that remain after this hsort growth and reproduction cycle.
This area is maintained by Rock Creek Park resource specialists who use chemicals to keep the toxic non-native invasive plants from squeezing the native spring ephemerals out. Learn about the native species and how to identify them and keep your eye out for the non-native invasives.
A spring ephemeral, is a perennial plant that emerges in the spring for a brief period of time before dying. The underground parts are all that remain after this hsort growth and reproduction cycle.
This area is maintained by Rock Creek Park resource specialists who use chemicals to keep the toxic non-native invasive plants from squeezing the native spring ephemerals out. Learn about the native species and how to identify them and keep your eye out for the non-native invasives.
Details
Duration
45-120 Minutes
Though the hike itself does not take very long, looking for plants and wildlife can occupy a great deal of time.
Activity
Hiking
This easy 1.4 mile loop treats park visitors to creek views and--at the right time of year--great views of spring ephemerals.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on the trail but must adhere to Pet policies within the park.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Parkside Drive NW Entrance
Visitors can access this area from the Parkside Drive NW entrance of the park or from the Boundary Bridge side.
The area is a broad, flat, floodplain. Do not enter if there is high water.
The area is a broad, flat, floodplain. Do not enter if there is high water.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Though the hike is available throughout the year, it is enjoyable in the late winter and early spring as it affords incredible opportunities to see spring ephemeral wildflowers
Time of Day
Day
Rock Creek Park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Accessibility Information
Access from the Parkside Drive NW side of the loop trail requires a descent from a paved city street down a series of half a dozen wooden rail-road tie stairs.
From Boundary Bridge, the trail is wide but the surface is often soggy and waterlogged as it is in a flood plain.
The trail width varies and can be as narrow as two feet in width or as wide as five or six feet depending on the terrain.
Overall, the trail is level and the path is smooth.
From Boundary Bridge, the trail is wide but the surface is often soggy and waterlogged as it is in a flood plain.
The trail width varies and can be as narrow as two feet in width or as wide as five or six feet depending on the terrain.
Overall, the trail is level and the path is smooth.
Google Maps
Directions
Start the hike at Parkside Drive NW and look for the large park sign. The trail starts just to the right of it down a series of wooden railroad tie steps.
Follow the trail straight ahead and veer left when the trail splits.
Follow the short trail and turn right as you near the creek. Follow the trail as it edges parallel to the creek.
*Note: This trail does not appear on the park map, but it is a valid trail.
As you traverse the northern floodplain, you might see spring ephemerals, birds, and turtles in the creek.
When you reach Boundary Bridge follow the blue blazes of the Valley Trail and return to the Parkside Drive NW entrance.