Pepper Mountain (Gorge) 1/27/2023

[Sugar Pine]

Hiked up Pepper Mountain for the first time, after looking for a short, close hike to do in the rain. We were lucky and it didn't rain constantly. This hike is likely a one-and-done unless looking for a short hike in the gorge where it is highly unlikely to see anyone else.

Cable along trail

Someone has cut back salmonberry in the old road, making the walk up to the peak easy.

Summit photo. There is a line of tree stumps on the left which appear unnaturally positioned.

Memorial in the trees

Before heading home we checked out Larch Mtn Road. It was fine up to our Brower Rd turnoff. Further up there were a lot of downed trees, limbs, and branches across the road, but moved over to one lane so the road was passable. We went up to ~2 miles from the snow gate and turned around. There was more snow on the road, although we saw tire tracks continuing.

[bobcat]

My only time up there was during the COVID period when the trails were closed. Since this wasn't an official trail, I considered it fair game!