We’ve featured the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in previous articles, highlighting everything from hiking to wildlife viewing, but there’s one element we haven’t covered — gorgeous wildflowers. Spring is upon us and wildflowers will be popping up all over the Sooner State in a few short weeks. You can hike all over the refuge and see stunning fields of gorgeous colors when these wildflowers bloom. Take a look:
With more than 15 miles of designated hiking trails, there’s a hike for every skill level. To view wildflowers on an easy hike, take the Jed Johnson Tower Trail — a 1.1-mile trail, out-and-back, that takes you along Lake Jed Johnson and out to the tower overlooking the lake.
Larry Smith/Flickr
It’s a sea of color out there in the spring. Look at this field of coreopsis wildflowers that are breathtakingly beautiful.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters/Flickr
Wildflowers will start to bloom in March and continue through September.
saraowen/Flickr
From May until August, the Indian Blanket will bloom. These lovely red flowers with yellow-tipped petals are the official Oklahoma State Wildflower.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters/Flickr
The easy Jed Johnson Trail will take you past many wildflowers, depending on the month you visit. It takes about an hour round-trip to enjoy the hike. There is a dirt path mixed with a little rocky terrain, but don’t worry, it’s not very difficult to navigate.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters/Flickr
If you are an advanced hiker, take the Charons Garden Mountains Trail — a 5.8-mile moderately trafficked out and back trail that is rated difficult.
Alex Butterfield/Flickr
Along the path, you’ll be surrounded by colorful wildflowers, including the Baptisia flower.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters/Flickr
And of course, there will be bountiful patches of the Indian Paintbrush wildflower.
Alex Butterfield/Flickr
More than a dozen wildflowers will start to bloom in March and April, so plan a visit to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for an easy (or difficult) hike that will take you past fields and fields of vibrant color.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters/Flickr
Oklahoma is full of breathtaking beauty! If you enjoy nature, check out our Oklahoma Nature Lover’s Facebook Group to view more gorgeous photos of the Sooner State.
Larry Smith/Flickr
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters/Flickr
saraowen/Flickr
Alex Butterfield/Flickr
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