The Region
In the Pacific coastal ranges that run from Canada to Mexico, there is a region in northern California, near the Oregon border, where the white, granitic base is so rock-hard that millions of years of geologic activity have failed to wear it down. The granite peaks of the Russian and Shasta-Trinity Alps Wildernesses loom above at 8,000-9,000 feet, and relatively recent glacial activity has sculpted the heads of the valleys into U-shaped granite cirques reminiscent of Yosemite. These mountains abound in deep blue, high alpine lakes, green meadows, wild and scenic rivers, and unspoiled forests.
The elevations here are lower than comparable areas of the Sierras and Cascades, so it is an ideal place to be introduced or reconditioned to wilderness backpacking; yet the surrounding habitant loses nothing of its alpine character. It commences where the granite massifs first appear while traveling south in the coastal mountains from Oregon into California, in an area known as the Russian Wilderness.
The Hike
We will hike 20 miles in all, including sections along the Pacific Crest Trail and portions cross-country, following a unique route developed by the trip leader, who has had a cabin on Russian Creek for 30 years. Our backpack will visit seven pristine lakes en route (several of them cobalt blue in color), waterfalls, and an area that has the most variety of species of conifer trees of any square mile on earth.
Instruction will be offered in backpacking, wilderness camping, and outdoor skills including navigation, map-reading, identification of local edible plants, and identification of the astronomical constellations. Optional classes will be provided on Ayurvedic massage and yoga. All food, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, stoves, etc. will be provided. The trip will begin on Monday, June 30, and end on Sunday, July 6. Air reservations should be made into Medford, Oregon, for Saturday, June 29, and departures Sunday afternoon or Monday, July 6/7. Transportation will be provided from Medford to the trailhead, and return. Persons traveling by car should plan to unite with our party in Yreka, California (on I-5), on the morning of June 30. The cost, all inclusive, is $750.