The scheduled hike on Bolt Mountain had been pushed back three times due to predictions of rain and view-obstructing clouds. But a new forecast promised clear skies and temps warmed by the sun. However, that all changed Monday morning up in Josephine County.

Nine of us gathered at the Rite Aid parking lot under bright clear skies and temps near freezing. We picked up two more in Phoenix and met five more at the TH in Fish Hatchery Park.

The sunny skies stayed with us on I-5 until exit 30 in Medford and then the northbound traffic was enveloped in thick fog as headlights were switched on.

We followed the route through Grants Pass from memory and slowed to read road signs in the fog.

The thick fog covered the sun and lowered the temps to the 30s and 40s.

After paying the $5 parking fee per car and putting the receipt on the dash, we headed off on Monday's hike. First, on a decommissioned gravel road, then down to an unexpectedly wide creek crossing. There were two rows of stones to use for crossing and everyone got across without getting wet.

The trail ran across a prairie then through forests and switchbacked up the side of Bolt Mountain. As we ascended we got into thicker fog.
The thick fog lowered the temperature and covered trees, branches, plants, and lichen with frost and ice.

It was a beautiful transformation enjoyed by our nature-loving group.

About halfway up the switchbacks gave way to a spiraling and rocky route up to the top of the mountain. As we neared the top, the sun's light warmed the air and nearly broke through the fog as we stopped for lunch on the rocky top at 11;30.

The group photo of 16 adventure hikers was taken on top of Bolt Mountain. The hike rose 1,250' above the trailhead and was 6.8 miles roundtrip.
Posthike: 7 of us stopped at Weekend Brewery in Grants Pass for refreshments.

What we learned: BOLT MOUNTAIN (2,241 feet) — The name for this roundish, reddish mountain above Jerome Prairie and the Applegate River to the south comes from the Kubli and Bolt pioneer merchants.Feb 26, 2011

Our friends in high places - Grants Pass Daily Courier

Grants Pass Daily Courier

Bolt Mountain Hike

Oregon Hikers
https://www.oregonhikers.org › field_guide › Bolt_Mou...
Jan 7, 2020 — Bolt Mountain, a classic Siskiyou prominence of ancient and rubbly serpentine and peridotite, rises on a steady slope above the Applegate River ...

And always bring an extra pair of gloves, and always keep the sweep behind you.

Happy Trails,
Rich