South Warner Wilderness - July 2020

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Let's Go For a Hike

After leaving the Steens Mountain Area, we drove across the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. It, like several of the places we visited, was surprisingly busy. We had planned to do the short hike into Petroglyph Lake but, alas, the small parking area was full. We continued on our way and dropped into the Warner Lakes Basin. The Lady smiled as I slowed - it wasn't busy down here - to view Ibis and Yellow Headed Blackbirds. Of course she calls them, Yeller Headed." Red Winged Blackbirds with their magical song also thrilled us both.

Where to go?

"Remember the map we saw at the trailhead?" the Lady asked. "Let's go for a hike into Patterson Lake tomorrow!"

So we continued south, turned up into the Warner Mountains, and drove to the Pepperdine Campground.

With only four sites, it was empty and quiet so just right for us. Adjacent is a large equestrian campground. It was empty as well. Quiet nights are the best.

There were two vehicles in the trailhead parking the next morning. The Lady signed us in and noted where others had gone.

It was only a short climb up to the Wilderness boundary.

 

This was a spectacular trail south along the spine of the Warner Mountains. The rock is volcanic. The terrain reminded us of our nearby Mokelumne Wilderness except for the abundance of Mountain Mahogany.

Wildflowers do very well in the volcanic soil with sulfur flowers above and prairie smoke, lupine, and flax below.

We continued along the ridge on the Summit Trail.

The wind blew steadily over the ridge. A raptor had its feathers ruffled.

The trail provided wonderful views.

Mule ears predominated as we neared the high massif that includes the highpoint, Warren Peak, on its south end.

On the horizon to the right of the Lady is Mt. Shasta, 103 miles to the west.

A series of small glacial cirques are cut into the eastern face of Warren Peak. Patterson Lake resides in the cirque furthest south.

Squaw Peak and Surprise Valley to the north and northeast.

The views and terrain combined to make this an exhilarating hike.

Upon reaching the massif, the trail dropped into the series of small bowls.

We intersected with another east side trail.

Climbing over the final small ridge separating the cirques, we approached Patterson Lake. Three groups of backpackers had made camp here. It was a busy place. We sought a place apart for solitude.

An osprey was perched on the cliffs above. The Lady watched the osprey with her see mores.

The lake held a population of small rainbow trout.

We wandered the area after a long break, relaxing and taking in this place. I discovered the skeletal remains of a shod horse.

I could not find the skull. I was curious if I'd find a bullet hole, evidence that a injured horse had been put down.

It was time to wander back to our camper, our home away from home.

We passed tiny Cottonwood Lake, the headwaters of Cottonwood Creek.

We so enjoyed the trail along the ridge.

We looked back at the terrain that holds Patterson Lake...........

...........and east down into Surprise Valley.

I'll be silent here and just allow you to hike along with us.

The total hike was a bit over twelve miles. We arrived back at camp late afternoon. We showered and ate dinner. In the evening we walked the area and discovered a cavity nest of tree swallows in an aspen, see more candy for the Lady.

After a quiet night we returned home the following day and thus ended a fun several day ramble away from home.