The Siskiyou Wilderness is a federal wilderness area in the Six Rivers, Klamath, and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests in Northern California. It was designated by the passage of the California Wilderness Act of 1984 and was until 2006, when the Northern California Wild Heritage Act added . The U.S. Forest Service manages the area.
Topography The highest points of the Siskiyou Mountains are protected by the wilderness. Elevations range from to at the summit of Preston Peak.
Flora The Siskiyou Wilderness contains vast old-growth forests and many endemic species of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, including one of the world's largest concentrations of lily species, and up to 20 unique conifer species. These conifers range from rare species such as Alaska cedar and Port Orford cedar to the Klamath Mountains-endemic Brewer spruce.
Fauna
The wilderness is home to several rare species, including wolverine, marten, fisher, northern spotted owl, and Roosevelt elk. There are also black bear, black-tailed deer, and varieties of birds. The clear streams provide spawning grounds for steelhead, coho and Chinook salmon.
Hydrology and geology The Wild-designated South Fork of the Smith River makes up a large part of the western boundary of the wilderness. One of the best exposures of ophiolite in the world can be seen around the river.
Recreation The wilderness has few trails, and use is mostly restricted to trails leading to lakes due to thick brush limiting cross-country travel. The Clear Creek National Recreation Trail crosses of the northern portion and provides access to some of the more scenic parts of the wilderness from near the Klamath River to the Smith River (California) divide. In the southern part of the wilderness, the Kelsey National Recreation Trail begins at Bear Lake, and the experienced hiker can walk for about to the Smith River. The Bigfoot Trail traverses the crest of the wilderness from north to south, through some of the most remote areas.
Climate
See also
Young Fire
Footnotes
References
External links
Siskiyou Wilderness: Six Rivers National Forest Siskiyou Wilderness: Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest Siskiyou Wilderness: Klamath National Forest Preston Peak Botanical and Geological Area