Mount Washington Alpine Flowers – During the spring months, tiny alpine flowers bloom on New Hampshire's Mount Washington. And one of the best areas to see these flowers is in the Alpine Garden, along the Alpine Garden Trail. The Alpine Garden Trail is on the eastern slopes of Mt Washington. And many consider this trail to be one of the best places in the White Mountains to see alpine flora.
The alpine flowers included in this blog article can be found along the Alpine Garden Trail. And when the alpine flowers are in full bloom, the eastern slopes of Mt Washington is an incredible area to visit. You can also find these alpine flowers (in the alpine zone) in other areas of the Presidential Range.
Generally speaking, the best time to view alpine flowers in the Alpine Garden is early to mid June. But the exact time varies from year to year. And full bloom dates range from area to area in the White Mountains, meaning the Alpine Garden could look spectacular, while Mount Monroe is patchy.
If hiking up Mt Washington is not possible you can also access the Alpine Garden from the Mt Washington Auto Road. There is a fee to drive the auto road, but it is a great option if you don’t hike.
Please don’t get carried away during your visit to Mt Washington and venture off trail to view alpine flowers. If you do, more than likely you are unknowingly stepping on alpine vegetation. Some of these alpine flowers are rare and only grow in the alpine zones of New Hampshire. Staying on the trail will ensure you don’t accidentally step on these rare alpine flowers. It really is amazing these little flowers survive the harsh elements of Mt Washington!
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Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
And here is another email for you about the Alpine Garden! We miss it every year, even if we call Pinkham to get an idea. We would be happy even to see that area near Monroe and Lakes of the Clouds in bloom. Have you seen anything yet? thanks, Beckie Jani
Hi Beckie,
I have not seen or heard anything yet this year about the alpine flowers blooming, but I suspect soon. Sorry I am not much help at this point.
It's me again! Same question, different year. We're thinking of going this Sunday. Do you know if there are any blooms yet? Thanks.
HI Beckie,
I have not heard anything yet this year, but that does not mean they are not starting to bloom. The weather has been a little crazy this year in the White Mountains. Over the last few weeks, Mount Washington got snow, ice, and freezing fog. And because of this, the alpine flowers might be little behind this year.
Hope this helps. And enjoy your time in the White Mountains.
Was at Madison Springs 6/6. Flower in bloom
Thank you for the update Katy! Hopefully I can get up to the Presidentials in the next week or so.