Calendar

Past Activity

Iron Mountain Geology

  • Start date: 06/09/2018

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 06/09/2018

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

We will check out the wild flowers and briefly note some of the fascinating volcanic and glacial geology. We will hike at a moderate pace with plenty of stops for water, snacks and photography. We will be hiking counter-clockwise on the loop. Be prepared for possible patches of snow in the saddle between Iron Mountain and Cone Peak. If we encounter snow, hiking poles (at least one) can be helpful. Participants have the option of climbing the switchbacks up to the summit or having lunch at the west side trail junction. We will need at least 3 drivers.

  • Event Leader: Tom Rundle

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-653-0741

  • Event Leader Email: vivadancero@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: Amazon Park, 28th & Hilyard entrance parking lot

  • Rating: Moderate

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 170

  • Season: 2018

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Water, snack, lunch, rain gear and appropriate attire for weather. Recommended: sunscreen, mosquito juice. Optional: trekking poles.

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 8

  • Member Fees: 1

  • Elevation Gain: 2000

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

This hike turned out to be a mix of almost every possible weather condition. We started out from Tombstone trail head in light drizzle which turned into some long sun breaks with a few sprinkles. By the time we reached the meadows below Cone Peak, we had continuous sunshine and a truly spectacular view of the many wildflowers near the peak of their bloom. Larkspur and Indian Paint Brush dominated the scenery along with many other species. Even the Willows were in full bloom with their white flowers. As we approached the trail junction to Iron Mountain, we encountered a windy mix of rain and sleet. About halfway up to the summit we encountered a full blown blizzard. Snow, mixed with small hail went horizontal in wind gusts of about 20 m.p.h. We all managed to get to the summit, but most hikers returned to the trail junction for lunch. On the way back the snow gradually changed back to light rain and by the time we reached the parking lot the sunlight returned. We encountered 4 logs across the trail in the first 100 yards at Tombstone and 3 more along the west side of Iron Mountain. All about 20 inches in diameter and relatively easy to cross.