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Past Activity

Browder Ridge w/shuttle

  • Start date: 07/07/2025

  • Start time: 8:00 AM

Description:

Browder Ridge is one of my favorite hikes. This time I'd like to do it as a thru-hike with a shuttle. We will leave shuttle cars at the trailhead off of FS15 (Deer Cr. Rd.) and drive to the Gate Cr. trailhead to begin our hike. There are excellent views of the peaks from several spots along the route and usually many fine wildflowers. In the first 1.4 miles, the trail switchbacks up through the forest for over half of the total elevation gain, then arrives at a viewpoint for a well-earned break. The trail then traverses 1.7 miles up through meadows of bracken and wildflowers to a junction with the summit trail. This mile-long section ascends a forested ridge and traverses the top of a steep meadow. We will pick our way up a rocky ridge to a broad, grassy summit for our lunch stop. After lunch we will descend to the junction with the mail trail and turn west, stop briefly at another great viewpoint, then continue another three miles or so down to the shuttle cars. The trail is narrow and rocky in places: bring poles if you like to use them. Our pace will be sub-moderate uphill and moderate downhill, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wildflowers and views. This is a longish drive and hike, so no guarantees on the return time. I may reschedule if poor weather is forecast.

  • Event Leader: Karen Yoerger

  • Event Leader Phone: 5415102832

  • Event Leader Email: yoergerkl@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader: Sandra Sigrist

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: Behind McDonalds, 57th and Main in Springfield

  • Rating: Difficult

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 160

  • Season: 2025

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: The day could be hot and sunny; cold, windy, and rainy; or all of the above. Be prepared with sunscreen and hat, clothing in layers, lots of water, lunch and snacks, and the rest of the ten essentials. Sturdy boots are recommended; no sandals, please. Poles may be helpful.

  • participant prerequisites: Fitness sufficient for the distance and elevation gain.

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 9.4

  • Member Fees: —

  • Elevation Gain: 2800

  • Non-Member Fees: 8

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

A spectacular hike! First, we left two cars at the Gate Cr. trailhead, then piled into the other two cars for the quick trip to the Deer Cr. trailhead—the reverse of the route in the original description. The change to a west-to-east route maximized the views of the mountains and the best wildflowers on the Deer Cr. Side, and took advantage of afternoon shade on the Gate Cr. side. It was a very warm day and a challenging climb up through the sunny meadows. The wildflowers were several magnitudes of amazing! As we passed through dry and moist sections of forest, dry and moist meadows, and rocky outcrops, we saw over 70 species in bloom. Four of our group chose to lunch in the shady woods by the Heart Lk. turnoff, while five of us scrambled up the rocks to the broad meadow for lunch at the summit. After lunch we returned to the summit junction and continued down the trail to the Gate Cr. trailhead. Thanks to everyone for good company, conversation, and a wonderful day!

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