Siskiyou Peak at 7,147’ offers vast views of the Siskiyous, Mt. Shasta, Mt. McLaughlin, Mt. Ashland and Big Red Mountain.
Fourteen of us set off on sunny, clear day, perfect for alpine hiking. Many of us parked at Grouse Gap and headed on the PCT up the hill towards California. Others drove further on FS20 planning to start at the Meridian viewpoint. From Grouse Gap we trekked up past thriving patches of the blue, dwarf Mt. Ashland lupine that only grows in this local region. Yellow-orange wallflowers and blue California polemonium bloomed along the trail.
We saw some snowbanks in shaded areas and could see snow on the ridge towards the McDonald Botanical Area. Snow on Mt. Shasta shimmered in distant view as we trekked higher above Pilot Rock below. We hiked up the steep ridge hearing rock wrens singing loudly. Next, we hiked through dry meadows covered with prostrate, rosy-colored pussypaws.
Two thru-hikers from the Seiad Valley appeared telling us about their difficulties with many fallen trees across the PCT in California. Next, we entered wooded areas and slopes covered with blue flax. We had a great look at a green-tailed towhee perched along the trail. After about 2 miles Mt. Siskiyou came into view and we turned left off the PCT onto a side trail up to Siskiyou Peak. We carefully climbed up the rocks at the top with stunning 360-degree views of the Siskiyous.
Elisabeth, Bonnie, Jackie, and Lauren met us at the top rocks with a story to tell. They had driven past the Split-Rock Trailhead at the McDonald Peak Botanical area and then found FS-20 blocked by snow. So, they parked and scrambled down the hill to get on the PCT.
We all perched on rocks on top and around Siskiyou Peak for lunch. Mt. Ashland was at a similar level, along with Mt. McLaughlin, great views of Mt. Shasta and closer views of Big Red Mountain. The geological marker on the top was placed in 1932.
We returned the same way marveling at the vast mountain views and brilliant blue sky. Round-trip distance: 5.5 miles, elevation gain: 900’.
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1. California polemonium
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3.Mt. Ashland lupin
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4. Ridge
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6.Pussypaws
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10.Green-tailed towhee
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12.Blue flax
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