Eight hikers in 4 cars started out at 8 AM Monday morning. Although the trip is only 60 miles to the TH it takes an hour to go the last 10 miles up a dusty dirt road. At 10 AM we reached the parking area at Cook & Green Pass. It was a clear day with temps starting in the 50s and heading up into the high 60s...perfect for hiking.

We had a steady climb up the PCT 1,300' to the Echo Lake overlook where we had our lunch in a breezy updraft. Along the trail (and below) Liz ID'd many wildflowers including Washington Lilies, another type of Lady Slippers and 4 different types of trumpeting Penstemons. We had spectacular views into California and Oregon with Shasta in the distance and reminders of the 2018 summer of fires up close.

We met 2 through hikers from Northern Europe who warned us of the "green rattlesnake" up ahead under a bush. After leading with my stick out for a while, I decided we were out of danger.

At our lunch spot we also met a young couple who were asking for the way to Towhead Lake. Eventually we showed them the way through the gate at Horse Camp above Lily Pad Lake. While there Geologist Bob H. pointed out many excellent rock samples and our view of Kangaroo Mountain in the Red Buttes.

The group decided to follow the old service road back from Horse Camp to the parking area to complete our 8 mile RT.

Some of us stopped at Boomtown which has now reopened.

Next Monday, Siskiyou Peak.

Happy Trails,
Rich