Balsamroot, with its bright yellow blooms, is the first harbinger of spring in North Central Washington, painting the greening hills yellow. Ploxes, from snowy white to delicate pink, and eastern Washington lupines add to the palette of color. Desert parsley, penstemon and violets can also be found peppering the surrounding foothills.

To keep up on the annual bloom, go to Wenatchee Outdoors’ wildflower report.