Clark's Oregon Wildflower Blog: Jackass Flats

Looking south on the "flats."

Ever notice how tract home neighborhoods in the suburbs are named things like Whispering Pines, Sunset Downs, or Baseline Woods? Often the name has no bearing on the location or history of the place. It's a curious use of psychology to make you feel good about where you live I suppose. So I was intrigued by a name when we recently visited relatives in Ouray, Colorado. One of the hiking trails just north of town goes to an area known as Jackass Flats. There are no houses or donkeys there, but that's a name I can get excited about!

Heading up the rocky ridge to the
flats.

After a small amount of Internet research, I soon realized that there are many, many places that share this name, throughout the west. There is also a bluegrass band by that name, as well as several restaurants and/or bars. I'm thinking this is a real tribute to the role the noble donkey played in the 1800's west, or it's a reflection of the drunk cowboy/miner/prospector life style.

Today, Ouray is a wonderful little town, sitting at 7,700 ft. elevation and surrounded by picture perfect mountains. It's a mecca for adventuresome tourists who like to hike, go four-wheeling on tiny mountain roads, or people who want to enjoy the scenery and soak in the local hot springs. It has a notable Native American history and a not so notable mining past in the 1800's. The area was rich in silver and minerals and was mined extensively by mountain men as well as more organized corporate endeavours. It was probably during this time that Jackass Flats was born.

Mountain Pine Beetle damage can be
seen throughout the area.

In any event, on our last day in Ouray, we took a nice hike up to this particular Jackass Flats and found good views, no snow, and a few wildflowers in bloom! Among them, the ubiquitous Pasqueflower, which I have never seen in bloom! This one is slightly different than the Western Pasqueflower (Anemone occidentalis) we have in Oregon mountains, but just as fleeting, as they bloom shortly after snow melt. Usually we find their hairy achenes on display by the time we hit the mountain trails. Their subtle color and beauty belies their poisonous nature. This is one flower you do not want to pick!