Kerby Peak Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Kerby Peak Trailhead
- End point: Kerby Peak Trailhead
- Trail Log:
- Hike Type: Out-and-Back
- Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation gain: 2,600 feet
- High Point: 5,545 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Family Friendly: No
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
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Hike Description
This is one of the more accessible of the hikes starting in the Illinois Valley in Southern Oregon. It provides access to Kerby Peak, an old lookout site with spectacular panoramic views and unique botanical and geologic features. It's usually open (snow-free) between mid-April and late October. In the spring (April - June), there are wildflowers on the east-facing slopes crossed by the trail and the rare Brewer's Spruce grows along the trail near the summit.
The Kerby Peak Trail is documented on maps dating back to 1915 and was probably first established by Native Americans or game animals. In 1916, a telephone line was constructed to the peak by the State. In 1922, an official State lookout was established on top of the peak, where it remained until 1966. A Civilian Conservation Corps camp (Camp Kerby) was established outside of Selma in 1933 and men from the camp reportedly hiked the trail after hours in an effort to maintain physical fitness. The Oregon State Forestry Department burned the lookout in the fall of 1966, after it was acquired from the Forest Service and decommissioned. The last lookout tenant was reported as having a communicable disease (presumably Shingles, which was found in Selma around the same time), which contributed to the decision to burn the tower.
From the trailhead, the well-maintained trail climbs steadily on several switchbacks to crest the ridge just below Point 4463. From here you can get a view of Grayback Mountain and Big Sugarloaf Peak to the southeast. On a foggy day in the valley, you're likely break into sunshine at this point. The trail then climbs much less steeply as it contours around the east side of Point 5112 and up to the 5,000' contour below the summit. Then a series of short switchbacks take you the remaining 500' to the top. From here, on a clear day, you'll have a great 360 degree view. Preston Peak - the high point in California's Siskiyou Wilderness - will be prominent to the south. There is no reliable water along this trail.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Trip Reports
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Related Discussions / Q&A
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Guidebooks that cover this destination
- 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon by William L. Sullivan (3rd Edition, Hike #158)
- Hiking Southern Oregon by Art Bernstein and Zach Urness (Hike #69)
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Page Contributors
- VanMarmot (creator)