Unlike our last visit - during what passed for "winter" over a year ago - this time we walked through expanses of lush vegetation
that hosted a surprising number of butterflies.
Looking up from below all you see are sunbrowned slopes, but up here at almost 6000' we were walking through meadows still green and flower-covered.
The trail swings around the N side of the peak through an area cleared of forest by a 2002 fire,
but now sporting colorful patches of flowers.
From the viewpoint overlooking Ashland, there's the obligate view of Shasta,
but a view of the now nearly snowless McLoughlin is possible only back near the TH.
A fun hike with great views, short enough (5 mi RT, 750' EG) to allow plenty of time for food and brews at Caldera in Ashland!
