The PCT near Hyatt Lake to Wildcat Hills 9-1-25

Photos by Janet and Rich

Ashland Hiking Home

The summer smoke finally caught up to us, which resulted in a record number of hike changes leading up to Monday. Our scheduled hike A was canceled on a warning from Francie that the air quality index would reach 150, unhealthy for some. So, next, I announced hike B on the PCT out to Siskiyou Peak, but when I drove up Sunday to scout, the air was thick with smoke, with a strong burnt smell when I opened the car door, and my AQI app said 141 to 150. Back in the car, I drove down the mountain to Old Hwy 99 and the PCT for hike C, which had promise. But then Liz sent me two hike suggestions, and I chose the recent Wednesday group hike out to Wildcat Hills on the PCT.

So hike D became our outing for Monday, whoa!

And this new hike for the Monday group proved to be a winner as the smoke was cleared from the Greensprings, and the hiking temps through the forest were in the 60s and 70s. This section of the PCT was mostly shady forest with a soft trail and a gradual uphill route. From the TH to the Wildcat Hills it was 4.2 miles and 822' of gain. RT was 8.4 miles.

We welcomed back Gary, who was out since June 16 with a partially torn achillies-tendon. He was able to complete the entire hike!

And welcome Tristan, Liz's teenage friend from Portland, who's been hiking with us this summer.

We had partial views of Hyatt Lake through the trees as we gained elevation on the trail.

At lunch, we had a better view across the Lake as we rested atop Wildcat Hill. We also had views of McLoughlin and Brown Mountain to the north and Mt Ashland and Shasta to the south.

Unfortunately, we had another hiking accident near the end of the trail. Lisa fell over a large rock that blocked most of the trail and suffered a cut on the forehead and bleeding from the nose. We patched her up as best we could, then took her to Valley Immediate Care in Ashland. After stitches for the cut and x-rays, that proved negative, she was driven to Assante for a cat-scan.

She finally got home about 7 pm. Take care, Lisa.

Rich