Kerby Peak – Ashland Hiking Group

Despite heat warnings in the valley and the prospect of 1,000 feet / mile elevation gain, an intrepid group of five – 3 Kerby veterans (Steve, Barry and Sabin) and 2 Kerby newbies (Marilyn and Lisa) – enjoyed Kerby Peak. Kerby is always a challenging conditioning hike, but with shade and initially cool temps the initial forest ascent was pleasant. Halfway to the peak, views on the ridge opened up.

We saw more wildflowers than expected including a vibrantly colored ground cone that we thought initially had to be a plastic dollar-store fake. Weeping Brewer spruce at the saddle before the final ascent. Lunch on the top, moderate temps (some of us remember a huddled lunch in freezing winds in an earlier year). Clear views included still snowy Preston Peak, the high point of the Siskiyous in Northern California.

The trail was well-maintained, with some recent logs cuts, only a few minor branches to step over, and poison oak visible during the initial mile. All agreed it was a great hike.

Photos By: Barry, Lisa