Bluff Lake Reserve

Mature forests of Pinus contorta (Lodgepole pine), Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey pine) and Abies concolor (White fir) grow here. Scattered about the forest floor you will find a plethora of native wildflowers and fern growth including many varieties of lupine and even some endangered species such as the Bear Valley Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora ssp. dolosa). Along with the wonderfully showy wildflower displays, you will see a wide variety of native grasses and sedge species along the lake shoreline and dominating the meadow just East of the lake. Located at 7,600 feet, the forest was thinned in the past when it was owned by another organization. Very impressive trees remain and the landscape feels completely natural. A short spur trail leads to a champion lodgepole pine tree, on Forest Service property.