Stop to smell (and identify) the flowers!
Written by Haleigh Martin on April 25th, 2023
One of my favorite parts about the departure from wintertime is witnessing plant life reemerge after months of dormancy. As the layers of ice and snow begin to wash away to feed the creeks and rivers, it seems to take no time at all before small cotyledons and sprouts begin to push their way through wet soil, reaching for the promise of springtime sun and growth. Here in the Klamath-Siskiyou region of southern Oregon and northern California, we are blessed with a landscape that spans 0’ above sea level to over 14,000’ above sea level, so the season of finding emerging plant life peaks in early spring at some lower elevations, like around the Rogue River, and mid-summer at higher elevations, like on Mt. Ashland.
If you’re like me and you find great joy in planning your post-snow hikes around the peaking wildflowers starting this time of year, here is an outline of wildflower-rich hikes I would recommend in the Klamath-Siskiyou region.
Scarlet fritillary found on the EART. Photo credits: Haleigh Martin
East Applegate Ridge Trail (early spring)
A local favorite for spring wildflowers and sweeping views, the EART is an excellent springtime hike. The well-maintained trail traverses a ridgeline between Sterling Creek and Bishop Creek while taking you through oak savannas, open meadows, and mossy forests. In the springtime, you can expect to find a wide range of wildflowers like red bells, scarlet fritillary, balsamroot, lupine, California poppies, and much more! You’ll find mile markers along the trail and a bench to rest as you take in an epic view of the Red Buttes across the Applegate valley.
Lower Rogue River Trail (spring)
The Lower Rogue River Trail is a quintessential trail of southern Oregon. This trail will provide you with epic views of the Rogue River in all its rushing, canyoned, Wild & Scenic glory as well as a spectacular wildflower display like no other. If you choose to visit this trail in the springtime to take in the wildflower show, don’t plan to hike too many miles because you’ll most likely find yourself inching along as you discover yet another wildflower to stop and admire. From the striking yellow-and-red monkey flower to the deep red fritillaria to the unique shooting star flowers, you’ll be amazed at the wildflower diversity this rocky landscape has to offer. The Lower Rogue River Trail also offers excellent backpacking opportunities, so bring your tent and stay a night or two to get the most out of your Rogue experience.
UPDATED 5/27: A portion of the Lower Rogue River Trail has been closed by the Bureau of Land Management due to a landslide making the trail impassable. Please remember to plan ahead and prepare for your hike by calling the appropriate land manager to get trail conditions before hitting the trail.
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (late spring/summer)
The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument was established by Former President Clinton in 2000 for its outstanding ecological offerings at the crossroads of the Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou mountain ranges. The landscape is truly unique as it is ranges from 2,000’ to 6,000’ elevation and cradles old-growth forests, sweeping grasslands, wet meadows, interior deserts, and woodland swaths. Because of the diversity of the landscape, you are likely to find a diversity of flowers blooming across the Monument. Trillium make their appearance early, followed by cat’s ear lilies, yellow bells, snowy phlox, Oregon sunshine, and more! Hop on the PCT to enjoy all the CSNM has to offer.
When the lower elevation valleys have heated up in the summertime, it’s time to head to higher elevations! The Bigelow Lakes trail offers plenty of wet meadows where wildflowers bloom for months on end! You’ll find a variety of unique flowers that host pollinators of all kinds throughout the entire summer. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider traveling to the peak of Mt. Elijah to get a sweeping view of the Siskiyou Crest.
Every summer, we offer a hike to Bigelow Lakes and Mt. Elijah. Check out our events page to see if you’d want to join us for this hike or others!
You may have heard of our work on the proposed botanical area, Alex Hole. If not, here’s the scoop: Alex Hole is an incredibly special wetland meadow atop the Siskiyou Crest that features unique plant life and is a refuge to Crest-dwelling wildlife. Unfortunately, grazing cattle from the Klamath National Forest make their way to Alex Hole meadow, damaging the unique plant life that exists here. Our work to fence out these cattle alongside a group of volunteers and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has been essential to protecting this meadow for the past seven years. When you stand above Alex Hole, you’ll see corn lilies filling the wetland floor and Lewisia-covered rocks creating an ampitheater-like landscape around the meadow. It truly is a one-of-a-kind place.
Learn more about our work defending the proposed Botanical Area, Alex Hole.
Deadfall lakes (summer)
If you’re looking for another trail to escape the summer heat and be surrounded by impeccable beauty, consider hiking to Deadfall Lakes. Nestled just below the summit of Mt Eddy in northern California, Deadfall Lakes is an incredible respite from summer heat that sports dozens of wildflower species to admire. Here you’ll find paintbrush, columbine, Oregon sunshine, and pink elephant head flowers, amongst many others. Maybe you’ll continue the hike to the peak of Mt Eddy for an impressive view of northern California.
No matter if you’re heading out for a quick day hike close to town or trekking off into the wilderness, following the Leave No Trace Principles is the only way to ensure you’re recreating responsibly and preserving this beautiful region for all other life forms for years to come. Remember to always: