Whisky Peak

Whisky Peak

Conifer Highlights:

· Alaska yellow-cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis)

· Brewer's spruce (Picea breweriana)

· Noble fir (Abies procera)

· Shasta red fir (Abies magnifica var. shastensis)

· knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata)

· sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana)

· white fir (Abies concolor x Abies grandis) hybrid

· Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

· incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)

Some other cool species we might encounter along the way: Siskiyou lewisia, Sadler’s oak, Klamath fleabane, frosted paintbrush, Washington lily, mountain blue penstemon, hot rock penstemon, yellow triteleia, Pacific bleeding heart, pussypaws, bigseed biscuitroot, coyote mint, various beard tongues, scarlet gilia, sulphur flower buckwheat, barestem buckwheat, mule’s ears, curlleaf mountain mahogany, low sagebrush, Oregon sunshine, lace lip fern and more!

Leaders: Luke Ruediger & Suzie Savoie, with guest botanist Barbara Mumblo

About Barbara Mumblo: In the summer of 1976 Barbara went on a wildflower fieldtrip to the Pacific Crest Trail at Mt Ashland with Dr. Frank Lang. This began her love of wildflowers and a BS in Biology (emphasis in botany) at Southern Oregon University (Southern Oregon State College at that time). Barbara worked at the Medford District BLM from 1981-1987, working primarily with Joan Seevers studying rare plants, often in the Illinois Valley. In 1987 she began her 28-year botanist career with the US Forest Service on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District. This was a dream job working in the Klamath-Siskiyous and it was close to her home of now 46 years at the base of Dutchman Peak. In 2018 she was recognized as a Fellow of the Native Plant Society of Oregon.

Brief Trip Description:

Park at the Whisky Peak Trailhead and hike an old jeep road, then up the Whisky Peak Trail to the summit of Whisky Peak and the site of the Whisky Peak Lookout. After enjoying the peak, we will hike down the trail, out an old road, and then off-trail to the Alaska yellow-cedar groves. We will meet back up with the road and then walk the road back to the cars.

More Info:

Whisky Peak is located at the headwaters of the Applegate River within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and has been designated as a Botanical Area to protect stands of Alaska yellow-cedar and Brewer’s spruce, as well as generally intact native plant communities.

The hike to the summit is a short but steep half-mile trail up an old jeep track, and then a single-track trail. The trail winds past a rugged and dramatic saddle, and switches back, ascending the summit where the old foundation of the Whisky Peak Lookout still remains. The summit provides commanding views across the Applegate River watershed, the Siskiyou Crest and the Red Buttes Wilderness. In the distance are the Siskiyou Wilderness Area, Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area, and the volcanic summits of the southern Cascade Mountains. The cliff-like northern face of Whisky Peak contains stands of Brewer’s spruce, while the south and west face contain rocky groves of mountain mahogany.

We will also visit a nearby stand of Alaska yellow-cedar. This stand, along with a few other locations in the Siskiyou Crest region make up this species’ southernmost stands. The Alaska yellow-cedar on the Siskiyou Crest consists of three stands in the Applegate River watershed, near Whisky Peak and in the Red Buttes Wilderness, one stand at Rabbit Lake in the Illinois River watershed, and multiple stands in the Siskiyou Wilderness Area. We may also walk out the ridge to view a dry meadow with interesting botany and spectacular views across the Carberry Creek and Middle Fork Applegate River watersheds.

Whisky Peak summit hosts the remains of the foundation of the old Whisky Peak Lookout, built by the CCC in the 1930s and inhabited through snowbound winters by members of the Aircraft Warning Service during World War II. All that remains is the foundation, some wood and glass, and the old outhouse that is nearly falling over. The Whisky Peak Lookout was moved to Sand Mountain by the Sand Mountain Society in 1989.

Whisky Peak is known for spectacular flower displays and amazing views. The peak's central location, prominent summit, and easy access make the trip a great introduction to the wildflowers and peaks of the Applegate Siskiyous.

Carpool Meetup Location and Time:

Meet at McKee Bridge parking area at 9am for carpool.

(Please arrive at least 5 minutes early)

Expected return time: 5pm or before

Driving Directions to McKee Bridge:

From Jacksonville, go south on Hwy 238 to the town of Ruch and turn left on Upper Applegate Road. After 8.5 miles, turn left on McKee Bridge Road.

From Grants Pass, take Hwy 238 south through Murphy and Applegate. Turn right on Hamilton Road (you’ll see a sign for Cantrall-Buckley Park). Hamilton Road terminates at Upper Applegate Road – turn right and travel 7 miles to McKee Bridge Road.

Drive Time from McKee Bridge to Whisky Peak Trailhead:

Approximately 1 hour

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult with some on trail, and some off-trail hiking.

A little bit steep, but short and sweet, with moderate difficulty to the top of Whisky Peak on the Whisky Peak Trail. There will be some moderate to difficult off-trail hiking to see the Alaska yellow-cedar.

Distance: 3 miles maximum

Elevation: 5,900 ft. to 6,489 ft.

Approximate elevation gain: We will start at 5,900' and hike to the top of Whisky Peak at 6,489' for a total elevation gain of 589' in a half mile to the top.

There will also be a moderate amount of elevation gain and loss, approximately 300’ feet, while hiking off-trail to view the Alaska yellow-cedar.

Group Size Limit: 25

Appropriate Footwear and Gear: Sturdy footwear is recommended, and trekking poles if they are helpful for you.

Bring with you: Lunch, snacks, water, sun protection, layers, binoculars, camera, hand lens, and any other personal items you might need.

Special Considerations: There are no bathrooms after the meetup location. Be prepared to go to the bathroom in the woods.

Although the Forest Service roads are in mostly good shape, high clearance vehicles are recommended. Parking is limited at the trailhead. Full cars in the carpool will be necessary.

Photo below: Barbara Mumblo

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

McKee Bridge Carpool Meetup, 9193 Upper Applegate Road, Jacksonville, United States