Wild Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk: Roslyn at Coal Mines Trail – Roslyn, WA

Join a local plant expert for a guided spring walk exploring the edible and medicinal plants emerging in the mountains around Roslyn. As winter loosens its grip, the forest comes alive with tender shoots, swelling buds, and the first resilient flowers of the season — and this walk is an opportunity to meet them up close.

Together, we’ll slow down to look closely, smell and touch these precious plant species. Along the trail, you’ll discover how to identify, harvest respectfully, and understand the medicinal and edible uses of our early spring species.

During our walk, we’ll meet plants such as:

• The first sprouts of our local nettle subspecies
• Beaked hazelnut catkins
• Red miner’s lettuce
• Willow buds beginning to burst
• The bright spring flowers of Oregon grape
• And the ever-present conifers of our region, including ponderosa pine, grand fir, and Douglas fir

This experience is ideal for beginners as well as plant lovers looking to deepen their relationship with the landscape. Expect a relaxed pace, plenty of time for questions, and a blend of botany, foraging knowledge, and herbal traditions.

Location

We will meet at the visitor parking area at the East entrance to the Coal Mines Trail in Roslyn (the direction that goes to Cle Elum)— There is plenty of parking there along S A street. Pin below:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1QUTGYXG4ptTsnqM6

What to Expect

• Easy-to-moderate walking on a maintained trail
• Outdoor learning in spring mountain conditions (dress for changing weather)
• Hands-on plant identification and discussion
• Opportunities to ask questions and connect with local ecology
• Opportunity to buy signed copies of Natalie’s book after class. ($25 each if paying in cash).

What to Bring

• Weather-appropriate layers (gloves, hat, long underwear, scarf, very warm jacket—This is my third year offering this walk and many people underestimate how cold it still is up here in the mountains during this of year.)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water
• Notebook (optional but encouraged)

Instructor Bio

Natalie Hammerquist is a herbalist, forager, photographer, and author based in the eastern Cascades of Washington. She specializes in the edible and medicinal plants of the Pacific Northwest and is passionate about helping people build practical, respectful relationships with the landscapes where they live. Through plant walks, classes, writing, and media, she teaches plant identification, herbal traditions, and seasonal foodways rooted in observation and hands-on experience. Her work focuses on reconnecting people with local ecosystems through curiosity, stewardship, and embodied learning outdoors.