It was another early start for the drive out to Cook & Green Pass. We had a carload from Rite Aid and met five more hikers in the Jacksonville Public parking lot. There were 9 in our party for today's hike.
We drove out past the low water Applegate Lake to a left onto Elliott Creek Road for 2.1 miles then a right across the bridge and up FS1055 for the dusty 9.8 miles up to Cook & Green TH.
There was a refreshing breeze blowing through the Pass with morning temperatures in the 60s. The PCT is a steady climb up through forests and out onto the sunbaked red rocks that give the Buttes their name. When split open by seasonal weather changes the oxidized rocks show their green interior.
The first 1+ miles of trail is an aerobic climb, then the second mile is less steep to the viewpoint above Echo Lake and our lunch spot.
We had the Red Buttes as background for the group's picture and could see Mt Shasta rising over lesser mountains some 75 miles to the south. We, also, realized we were looking down into California's Saiid Valley.
After lunch, seven of us continued on the PCT out to view Lily Pad Lake, which in early Fall still has the green pads but none of the white lilies. Along the path, we met our only through-hiker, a young woman named "Happy" from Dallas. She certainly was happy to meet the Ashland Hiking Group and know that she was nearing the end of her 330-mile final section of the PCT from Mt Lassen to Calahan's.
On this day, I was reminded of all the people we had met on the trail.
From through-hikers from all over the world to young trail maintainance volunteers who help keep the trails clear for hiking.
We, also, welcomed back Randy and Alison recovering from back pains. And thanks to Randy and Linda for their photo contributions.
The group out to view Lily Pad Lake went 8.4 miles RT with 1900' of elevation gain. We came back to Cook&Green Pass via the old service road and met some early-season deer hunters.
On the way back down dusty FS1055 we saw some Black Bears on the road; first papa bear then mama bear and baby bear. It was a special thrill for us.
Happy Trails
Rich
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