Whitewater Preserve

For the last 10 years or so, I’ve been meeting my folks down in Southern California for our annual trek into the desert for flower viewing. They fly down from Southeast Alaska and I fly down from the San Francisco Bay Area. Our quest is beautiful flowers, but we also enjoy each other’s company. They taught me how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, and how to explore the natural world.

Heading up Whitewater Canyon Road to the Preserve

We love to find new things, and to compare differences from year to year. After a five-year drought, followed by heavy winter rains, we were eager to get out on the desert floor. We have always found flowers and ingenious survival mechanisms in nature, but had high hopes to see more this year.

Photo op for Brittlebush

We took a lot of pictures of Brittlebush

One of our favorite outings is to Whitewater Preserve, located off Interstate 10 heading east, right after the Highway 111 exit to Palm Springs. The canyon hills were ablaze with yellow Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) like we have never seen it. The roadside and hills glowed with a golden light.

Picnic area at the Visitor Center

We picnicked at the Visitor Center under the big beautiful cottonwood trees. Everything was lush and green – bouncing back after prolonged water deprivation. The weather was unseasonably cool, so we sought out some sun under the leafy trees.

Desert X installation at Whitewater Preserve

One I Call, by Sherin Guirguis (pigeon tower)

Desert X had an installation near the visitor center—One I Call, by Sherin Guirguis—a mud hut inspired by traditional pigeon towers found in desert villages throughout Egypt. I loved its tidy architectural design, its sheltered and airy inside, and how it fits right into the desert environment. Desert X is sponsoring the art event, which features established and emerging artists, all over the Coachella Valley (February 25 – April 30). Many people were making the rounds to see the installations, and we were grateful to get in on it at Whitewater.

Outside view of One I Call

Inside view of One I Call

HTML Tables

Dad wanted to check some plants in the area to see how their seeds were developing, so Mom and I hiked out on the river bed.

Hiking at the Preserve

Intrepid hiker

We found the bridge to cross the river (which had quite a bit of water flowing), and walked up toward the Pacific Crest Trail. We loved the big blue sky, clear air, and sweeping vistas of the river bed, and rocky hills. The desert plants looked healthy and green with the plentiful water after spring rains.

Crossing the bridge over Whitewater River

Big sky country in So Cal

Pacific Crest Trail access from Whitewater Preserve

Later we met up with Dad and walked around the lakes near the Visitor Center, identifying the native plants (and relying on the great signage when memory failed)! The native plants are maturing and flourishing along the trail around the lakes.

Lake at Whitewater Preserve

Native plants surround the lakes

The lakes are thriving with fish, tadpoles, frogs, lizards, and birds. The Sugar Bush (Rhus ovata) was fragrant and beautiful, along with the Brittle Bush, and Chuparosa (Beloperone californica).

Lakeside walk

Late afternoon Brittlebush

For dinner, we headed to Applebee’s for their half-racks of ribs, and great conversation. We did some last-minute planning for the next day’s journey to the Salton Sea, Borrego Springs, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and then relaxed for the evening. A great day!

Sunset at day's end