Leader: Peter Neitlich
Jointly Hosted by: Methow Valley Interpretive Center and Washington Native Plant Society, Okanogan Chapter
Come hike Tiffany Mountain with retired NPS Ecologist/Lichenologist Peter Neitlich. We will explore this accessible nunatak which holds a large number of arctic/alpine species that have remained here since the end of the last glacial period. Around 12,000 years ago, this peak stood above the continental ice sheets and hosted a sky-island flora which today is more commonly associated with arctic Alaska—but with an infilling of local alpine species which have colonized since the ice retreated.
Peter is a recently retired ecologist for NPS Alaska and worked on long-term vegetation monitoring, Alaska’s lichen flora, using lichens as bioindicators of air and mining pollution and Arctic ecosystem change. He has lived in the valley since 2001.
The hike is about 4-5 hours total plus an hour drive each direction.
4.2 miles
Elevation gain 1700 ft, peak is at 8245 ft.
Bring warm layers as it can be cool and very windy.
Meet at the Winthrop Barn at 8:30 to arrange carpools
Bring a hand-lens and extra if you have them
It can be helpful to download the iNaturalist app “Seek” if you don’t already use this for help with plant ID.
