Even with the lack of major snowstorms this last winter, the Davis Lake, Calif. area, which is just north of Portola (about 80 miles from Carson City via a combination of U.S. 395, Calif. S.R. 70 and Grizzly Road) has displays of colorful wildflowers blooming at the present time.
Note: Grizzly Road intersects Calif. S.R. 70, about seven miles east of Portola. Take Grizzly Road north for about 7 miles to Davis Lake.
Then drive along the east side of the lake and watch for a small sign on a fence on your left that says "Juniper Point."
As you drive along that east side, you will see patches of purple Lupine and yellow Skunk Cabbage, mixed in with tiny, white or yellow flowers, interspersed with open areas and pine trees.
At that Juniper Point sign area, park off the paved road, walk through the forest on the east side of the road and if you look very carefully, you will see Snow Flowers blooming.
This rare and bright-red flower blooms in those types of forested areas, where snow has recently melted.
If you see one, remember that it is against the law to disturb a Snow Flower. Do not pick or dig!
And be advised that when parking or walking along the roadside, you need to be careful of the high-speed traffic whizzing by on Grizzly Road.
Take a camera and enjoy Mother Nature's handiwork.