Hobart Bluff

May 21, 2017

Last year we hiked twice from the Green Springs Summit area. First a short hike on the Green Springs Mountain Loop trail (2.9 miles) and then a week later a 10+ mile hike north along the Pacific Crest Trail to Little Hyatt Lake.  Both were beautiful hikes filled with wildflowers.  This year we decided to start another hike at the Green Springs Summit, but this time head south on the Pacific Crest Trail and visit Hobart Bluff.

Time to hike!

We arrived early in the morning as we wanted to be done hiking before the heat (seems strange to say that) arrived, but were surprised that upon arrival the winds were really blowing.  It felt like being at the coast! Our hike south along the PCT begins by passing between private properties, so we stayed strictly to the trail and enjoyed hiking through open meadows as well as shaded forested sections.

A warning to the wise.

The early wildflowers have come and gone in the lower elevation Rogue Valley area, but here at the summit it was like going back in time.  We got to see Snow Queen, Yellow Violets, Fawn Lilies, Cat's Ear, Trillium and Buttercups again as the spring wildflower parade was just beginning.  As a matter of fact, we were surprised as we came across a few snow patches along and on the trail which Katie really enjoyed.

First little patch of snow along our hike.

A beautiful trillium

PCT passing through one of the meadows

After about 3.5 miles of trail, we came to the Hobart Bluff overview trail and made a right turn.  This side trail to the bluff may be short, but if was also steep. Along the trail to the bluff there were lots of Phlox and bright yellow Balsaamroots as well as even more wind!  We even found a cairn which caused Katie to celebrate. We took a break on the bluff and enjoyed views of Mt McLoughlin, Mt Ashland, and Mt Shasta.

The trail  UP to Hobart Bluff begins

Balsaamroot

Katie celebrating a Cairn

View of Mt McLoughlin from Hobart Bluff

On our return leg of the hike we came across at least four other pairs of hikers.  It was nice to see so many people getting out and enjoying the trails.  In terms of wildlife along the trail, we did scare a pair of deer, had a Northwest Tree Frog cross out path, and ended with a lizard posing long enough to have his picture taken.

Pacific Tree Frog

A lizard that holds still.

We really enjoyed hiking the PCT to Hobart Bluff and have put this hike on our list of "hike-agains".  If  you ever get the chance, be sure to visit the Green Springs Summit area and try one of the many hikes available. Whether it's a short, mid-range, or long hike, we're sure you will enjoy all the beauty and views this area has to offer.

Trekking Together

Glenn & Carol