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Siskiyou is one of the most botanically diverse counties in the state of California. Some areas of the Lower Klamath
below Happy Camp have an annual rainfall expectation of nearly 100" a year, while the high desert area around Lake
Shastina may only receive 12". There are varieties of soil which give certain rare and unusual plants an opportunity to
flourish.In the early spring, lupine and California poppy are easy to spot. The riot of colors including pinks, lavenders and whites that bloom everywhere in south county mid-spring and into summer is a wild sweet pea. Members of the daisy and mustard family begin to bloom in the drier north county areas about the same time.
Tiny members of the pea, lily and rose families carpet the meadows and the shaded understory of forests. California pitcher plants fill high mountain meadows. In the early spring Yreka phlox, a rare variety of the phlox family, carpets one hillside north of the Chinese Cemetery in Yreka. The hill faces the freeway.
As summertime arrives and the lower elevations have heated up, it is time to search the higher elevations where spring has just come. The wilderness areas, easily reachable trailheads of the Pacific Crest Trail, and high mountain meadow areas are full of color and variety beginning in mid June. Take a careful walk through Panther Meadow on Mount Shasta. Stay strictly on the existing trails. One careless step can set back the growth of a high mountain meadow plant for years.
Take a wildflower hike to Deadfall Lakes. The trail, part of the PCT, can be reached by driving up Stewart Springs Road to the Parks Creek Road turnoff, which continues over the ridge and into the Trinity Alps. At the top, you will see the parking area and trailhead. The hike is less than two miles, and the scenic beauty is breathtaking. Take water and lunch and plan to spend the whole day.
Take the Bear Trail located on the College of the Siskiyous campus in Weed to view phantom orchids. Do the whole loop to find a variety of species.
In late spring to early summer take the Tennant/Bray road off Highway 97. The meadows and vernal pools along the road are rich with spring color.
Listed below are some descriptions from our hiking page that will lead to wonderful wildflower viewing.
Take a wildflower hike to Deadfall Lakes on the Pacific Crest Trail
A short section of the Pacific Crest Trail is easily reached just north of Weed, and leads to Deadfall Lakes in the beautiful high country west of Mount Eddy. The trailhead can be reached by exiting Interstate 5 at Edgewood, taking the access road on the west of the freeway (old Highway 99) about 1/2 mile north, then turning west and driving up Stewart Springs Road to the Parks Creek Road turnoff. This paved Forest Service road continues up the ridge and and eventually over into the Trinity Alps. At the summit, about 7 miles up, you will see the parking area and trailhead where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the road. The hike south to Deadfall Lakes is less than two miles, and the scenic beauty is breathtaking. The road and trail are usually open from June through October, although snow in the high country can persist late into the season. Take water and lunch and plan to spend the whole day exploring the various lakes.
Castle Crags
Castle Crags State Park on the southern edge of Siskiyou County has a network of hiking trails, many of which are open year round. For enthusiastic climbers, Crags Trail offers splendid views of the Crags and Mount Shasta after a 3 mile hike with 2,200 feet of elevation gain. For a less strenuous hike, Indian Creek Trail is a one mile loop with a self-guided nature walk that crosses over Indian Creek twice. A brochure and map are available at the Visitor's Center when you enter the Park and pay the very reasonable day use fee. The Park is known for is wildflower and wildlife viewing opportunities, which include frequent sightings of tiger lilies, fragrant western azalea and 13 species of orchids. Stick around for evening campfire talks every Saturday through the summer at 8:30PM. A detailed description of this hike to Castle Dome can be found at our Hikes and Walks pages.
Tree of Heaven Nature Trail on the Klamath River
Located 10 miles north of Yreka, the Tree of Heaven Campground is on the Klamath River about 10 miles down river from Interstate 5. The paved and handicapped accessible Nature Trail wanders through natural river vegetation, with interpretive signs along the path describing the history and sights. Watch for eagles and osprey. Tree of Heaven, a beautiful deciduous tree, was imported by the Chinese immigrants who farmed this flat and sold vegetables to area miners. The tree was to remind them of their homeland. A detailed description of this hike can be found at our Hikes and Walks pages.
Squaw Creek Trail
This trail follows beautiful Squaw Creek, south of McCloud, through five miles of wooded areas and meadows rich with wildflowers. It is primarily level, with gentle climbs. Maps to the trailhead 12 miles south of McCloud are available at the Ranger Station in McCloud, the Mt. Shasta Visitors' Bureau, and the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce.
Marble Mountains Day Hikes
The rugged Marble Mountain Wilderness in the western area of Siskiyou County comprises spectacular country and nearly 100 lakes. The Pacific Crest Trail runs through the wilderness. Access to this wilderness is relatively easy. No visitor permit is required but you will need a campfire permit. The Marble Mountain Wilderness can be reached by many roads and trails, including Highway 96 between Hamburg and Somes Bar, Highway 3 via the Scott River Road between Scott Bar and Fort Jones, Highway 3 via the Etna-Somes Bar Road and more. Hikes into the wilderness area reveal springs and water meadows teeming with summertime wildflowers, and the diverse ecosystem of this remarkable ara.
The Bear Trail
Hikers and runners love this scenic trail in the friendly town of Weed. It meanders for 1.6 miles through the wooded area snext to College of the Siskiyous. The trail begins at the southeast corner of the campus, and ends along College Avenue at the northwest corner. A detailed description of this hike can be found at our Hikes and Walks pages.