Hobart Bluff 5-6-26

Photos by Nanci

Ashland Hiking Home

This was a perfect day to hike Hobart Bluff. Beneath blue skies, temperatures began in the mid-50s and warmed comfortably into the mid-60s by lunchtime. The trail was dry and in excellent condition, with only a single downfall to step over along the way.

As the eight of us moved through the area’s diverse terrain, we were treated to a remarkable display of spring wildflowers. Shades of pink appeared in the fading fawn lilies, the fresh blooms of red-flowering currant, masses of plectritis, mariposa lilies, and spreading phlox. Brilliant blues came from hound’s tongue, common camas, maiden blue-eyed mary, larkspur, blue dicks, and sweet blue violets, as well as some fading remnants of snow queens. White blossoms brightened the trail as well, including trillium, wild strawberries, woodland star, serviceberry, and broad carpets of claytonia.

The yellow flower show included iris, ranunculus, pioneer violets, upland yellow violets, lomatium, arrowleaf balsamroot, Siskiyou fritillary, groundsel, and the fresh blooms of royal Jacob’s ladder. The final touch of color was the ever-so-discreet peony, the lone representative of red for the day.

Upon reaching the bluff viewpoint, the clear skies rewarded us with views of the Mount McLoughlin, Mount Ashland, Pilot Rock, and Mount Shasta. A cool breeze tempered the warm sunshine, making for a pleasant “Annie” lunch at the top. Refreshed and refueled, we kept an efficient pace on our return hike.