Snow Mountain Wilderness – Image Gallery
Snow Mountain Wilderness
The Snow Mountain Wilderness in California is a rugged and remote area known for its diverse landscapes, including alpine meadows, rocky peaks, and old-growth forests.
Details
Snow Mountain Wilderness
The Snow Mountain Wilderness is located in the Mendocino National Forest in Northern California. It covers an area of approximately 60,076 acres and was designated as a wilderness area in 1984. The wilderness area is named after Snow Mountain, which is the highest peak in the region at 7,056 feet. The Snow Mountain Wilderness is known for its rugged terrain, including deep canyons, rocky ridges, and alpine meadows. The area is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and a variety of bird species. One of the most notable features of the Snow Mountain Wilderness is the presence of several rare and endemic plant species, including the Snow Mountain buckwheat and the Snow Mountain onion. These plants are adapted to the harsh conditions of the high elevation environment and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area. The wilderness area is also home to several pristine creeks and streams, which provide habitat for native fish species such as the California golden trout. These waterways are important for the overall health of the ecosystem and are protected under the Wilderness Act. Visitors to the Snow Mountain Wilderness can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The area offers numerous trails that provide access to the diverse landscape, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and solitude of this remote wilderness area. Overall, the Snow Mountain Wilderness is an important ecological and recreational resource in California, providing habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species and offering visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.Snow Mountain Wilderness
Points of Interest
1. Mount Pilchuck
Mount Pilchuck is a popular hiking destination within the Snow Mountain Wilderness area. The trail to the summit offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. At the top, hikers can explore an old fire lookout tower and enjoy panoramic views of the Cascade Range.
2. Heather Lake
Heather Lake is a picturesque alpine lake located in the Snow Mountain Wilderness. The trail to the lake is relatively short and easy, making it a popular destination for day hikers. The crystal-clear waters of Heather Lake reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a beautiful and tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy.
3. Gothic Basin
Gothic Basin is a rugged and remote area within the Snow Mountain Wilderness known for its stunning alpine scenery. The basin is surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, and wildflowers during the summer months. Hiking to Gothic Basin requires a strenuous trek but rewards hikers with some of the most breathtaking views in the region.
4. Big Four Ice Caves
The Big Four Ice Caves are a unique natural wonder located near the Snow Mountain Wilderness. These ice caves are formed by snow and ice melting from the Big Four Mountain cliffs, creating caverns that visitors can explore. The caves are a popular attraction for both hikers and photographers looking to capture the beauty of the icy formations.
5. Monte Cristo Ghost Town
The Monte Cristo Ghost Town is a historic mining town located near the Snow Mountain Wilderness. The town was once a bustling mining community but is now abandoned and preserved as a ghost town. Visitors can explore the old buildings and artifacts that remain, providing a glimpse into the area's rich mining history.
Snow Mountain Wilderness – Images
Description: Summit Springs Trail, November 2003, in the Snow Mountain Wilderness Area, Mendocino National Forest, California. Photo courtesy of USFS.
Image by Anna Fiorella, United States Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Snow Mountain East, in the Snow Mountain Wilderness Area, Mendocino National Forest, California, overlooking the Upper Eel River basin. Artificial lake shown with land clearing in the basin blocks the Eel River and may be removed to restore river flow (eelriver.org). Photo courtesy of USFS.
Image by Anna Fiorella, United States Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: East Snow Mountain Loop Trail, November 2003, in the Snow Mountain Wilderness Area, Mendocino National Forest, California.
Image by Anna Fiorella, United States Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Pack train hauling supplies to trail maintenance crew on the West Crockett Trail, August 2010, in the Snow Mountain Wilderness Area, Mendocino National Forest, California. Photo courtesy of USFS.
Image by Larry Cregger, United States Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: A mountain within Snow Mountain Wilderness, located in Lake Couty, state of California, USA
Image by Marcia Wright – CC BY 3.0 – Wikimedia
Description: View of a storm approaching through a valley in the Snow Mountain Wilderness
Image by Marc Garman (U.S. Forest Service) – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Snow Mountain Wilderness boundary sign
Image by Marcia Wright – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Sofia Massif (3,637 metres (11,932 ft)) and Sofia Glacier in clouds and fog under fresh autumn snow. Karachay-Cherkessia, Caucasus Mountains.
Image by Vyacheslav Argenberg – CC BY 4.0 – Wikimedia
Description: The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument was expanded via proclamation from President Obama on Jan. 12, 2017, making the new monument approximately 112,000 acres. The southwest Oregon monument is located at the crossroads of the Cascade, Klamath and Siskiyou mountain ranges. The monument is an ecological wonder, home to an incredible variety of rare and endemic plant and animal species, and representing a rich mosaic of forests, grasslands, shrub lands, and wet meadows at the convergence of the three mountain ranges. When established in 2000 by President Clinton, it was the first monument designated solely for the preservation of its biodiversity. The expansion consists of approximately 42,000 acres in Oregon and 5,000 acres across the border in California. To read more about the forming of the unique landscape, or the plant and wildlife diversity, and the Native American significance of the area, see the full presidential proclamation: bit.ly/2jgFk8g Contact info for the local Medford District Office: 3040 Biddle Rd. Medford, OR 97504 phone: 541-618-2200 email: BLM_OR_MD_Mail@blm.gov Photos captured Dec. 28-29, 2016, by Bob Wick, BLM
Image by BLM Oregon & Washington – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument was expanded via proclamation from President Obama on Jan. 12, 2017, making the new monument approximately 112,000 acres. The southwest Oregon monument is located at the crossroads of the Cascade, Klamath and Siskiyou mountain ranges. The monument is an ecological wonder, home to an incredible variety of rare and endemic plant and animal species, and representing a rich mosaic of forests, grasslands, shrub lands, and wet meadows at the convergence of the three mountain ranges. When established in 2000 by President Clinton, it was the first monument designated solely for the preservation of its biodiversity. The expansion consists of approximately 42,000 acres in Oregon and 5,000 acres across the border in California. To read more about the forming of the unique landscape, or the plant and wildlife diversity, and the Native American significance of the area, see the full presidential proclamation: bit.ly/2jgFk8g Contact info for the local Medford District Office: 3040 Biddle Rd. Medford, OR 97504 phone: 541-618-2200 email: BLM_OR_MD_Mail@blm.gov Photos captured Dec. 28-29, 2016, by Bob Wick, BLM
Image by BLM Oregon & Washington – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia
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