It was a stem with only one purple flower. It had some thorns on it
See Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (April 19, 2012) journal entry.
This 2 foot tall plant was in huge numbers and growing next to invasive blackberry bushes as well as the path. Many Alder and Madrones nearby. It may thrive in disturbed soil like many invasives and weeds. The leaves are quite large and fan-like-possibly to collect more water. A flower cluster grows near or in the center of the plant. The flowers look to be light pink and small.
Abundant ground cover along path.
See Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (April 19, 2012) journal entry.