Nature Guide
Chasing Lupines
Where and when to find the fields of purple, pink, and white wildflowers that blanket Maine in June.
For a few weeks in June, Maine’s roadsides and meadows explode with color. The Russell Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) is not native to Maine, but it has become an iconic symbol of early summer.
Best Viewing Spots
- Sugar Hill, NH (Nearby): Famous, but Maine has its own.
- Rangeley Region: The fields around the lakes are often filled with them.
- Downeast (Stonington/Deer Isle): The contrast of purple flowers against the grey granite and blue ocean is stunning.
Photo Tips
- Golden Hour: Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best light.
- Get Low: Shoot from the ground up to make the field look denser.
- Respect Private Property: Do not trample fields or pick the flowers on private land.