A delightful dozen set out for Little Pilot Rocks via the PCT at the trailhead for Soda Mountain. While a tad challenging, we found the hidden entrance for a short bushwack to the scant trail leading up the climb to the top. The vistas were fabulous as always, but for haze to the south leaving Mt. Shasta a bit blurry.
Everyone marveled upon this wonderful trail through forests and across areas open to distant views including Emigrant Lake, Mt. McLoughlin, Mt. Shasta, Pilot Rock, Mt. Shasta, and more. Some wildflowers like the corn lily were faded away, some partially so like the columbine, while Oregon sunshine remained in full glory. Mountain quail, hermit thrush and olive-sided flycatcher calls were heard.
Several hikers were just back from travels, for example, Kay from Alaska on small craft with a small group that kayaked and hiked, and saw birds and sea life galore, Socorro from Mexico visiting her sisters, and Kate from the east coast rallying with family.
We hiked 5.8 miles RT with an elevation gain of at least 600’. Only one downed tree easily passed with a sit-swing-over or crunch around in the bush. The weather was perfectly mild, aided by our early starts.
Elisabeth
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1. At the TH (002)
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2 Introductions Directions (002)
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3 Entering the Soda Mountain Wilderness
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5 Speed Bump
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6 Speed Bump2
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7. On the Trail
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8 Pond with Mt Ashland
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10 Enjoying the View
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11 Group Shot
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12 Flowers along the Trail
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13 Brief Wildfire West of Emigrant Lake
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14 Lunch Break
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15 Cell Phone Coverage
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15a
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15b
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15c
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16 More Wild Flowers
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17 California incense cedar
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Fig 18 Back at the TH
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Hike
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