Check out the late winter/early spring hiking schedule of the Siskiyou Wanderers. You’ll see that this local group mixes hikes along roads that are likely to be clear this time of year with snowshoe/cross country ski trips. Here’s a bit about the Wanderers from their website:
“Who Are the Siskiyou Wanderers?
The Siskiyou Wanderers are a great group of active folks who hike and explore the trails of Siskiyou County every THURSDAY, rain or shine. We range in age from our 20′s to one gentleman who is 83 but generally we’re comprised of early retirees who love the outdoors and enjoy the company of other active friends.
The group can range in size from 6 or 8 up to 30 (on particularly popular hikes or when food is promised!) We generally meet at one of four locations, consolidate into carpools and form a caravan to the trailhead. The hikes can range from 3 to 10 miles (round-trip) and they vary in level of difficulty. The schedule gives an idea about total mileage and total altitude gain. Halfway we stop for a sack lunch at a stunning mountain lake or scenic outlook and then head back to our cars.
In the winter and earlier spring, hikes are scheduled closer to home — often in the Shasta Valley or around Lake Siskiyou to avoid nasty snow conditions. In the spring, we schedule some amazinghikes where we can experience a wonderful show of wildflowers. And in the summer, we drive further — out to some pretty obscure forest service roads in the Marble Mountains or Russian Wilderness.”
Check out the
website for more info about hikes, how to contact the Wanderers, what to bring and where to meet.
Check out the recent post from hiking guru John Soares about the Siskiyou Wanderers April schedule. The Wanderers is an informal group of locals who schedule hikes year round – so they know where to go as we’re all waiting for the snow to melt to expose the higher trails. Visitors can join the Wanderers – just give them a call ahead of time (you’ll find contact info on their website). April’s hikes will take you all over Siskiyou County – from Lovers’ Leap in the Scott Valley to Black Mountain outside of Montague to the Carter Mountain ski/snowshoe planned for April 2nd.
You’ll also find lovely spring hiking at Castle Crags State Park. Right now the spring run off is creating numerous small, seasonal waterfalls that can only be enjoyed this time of year. You can access the Pacific Crest Trail from in the Park, or from farther up Castle Creek Road at the Dog Trail (so named because you can take your dogs there, whereas they are not allowed in the Park). From the Dog Trail you climb up to the PCT. Head northbound when you hit the PCT (that’s left if you’ve lost your bearings) and hike for an hour or so to see Burstarse Falls – a local favorite. Plan to bring a picnic lunch to savor at the falls before hiking back out. It’s a bit early, but keep your eye out for emerging wildflowers – the Crags is known for its orchids. For a complete description of the Burstarse Falls hike, go to the Mt. Shasta Trail Association’s site. You’ll also find detailed descriptions of other hikes in Castle Crags State Park.
Hiking/Backpacking | Visit Siskiyou February 27, 2011 | 
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