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Field Trip: Skull Hollow Saddle and Pine Ridge
June 8 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday, June 8, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Trip leaders: Stu Garrett and Cindy Roché
Location: Crooked River National Grasslands
Rating: Moderately Difficult
Pine Ridge is a volcanic ridge near Gray Butte that is in unusually good ecological condition and supports a variety of spring wildflowers. At the base of the butte, we will visit two exclosures: one for cattle and the other for both livestock and elk. The High Desert Chapter has been working with Crooked River National Grasslands at this site, including medusahead plots. We expect to see a variety of grasses and early summer wildflowers, including a variety of penstemons, sandwort, buckwheats, paintbrush, biscuitroot, groundsels, balsamroot, and lupine (and more!). Pine Ridge and Gray Butte lie at the edge of the Crooked River Caldera, providing geologically spectacular views on a clear day. The tour will include a discussion of geology. The trip involves hiking approximately two miles off-trail, with no more than 1,000-feet elevation gain. We will be going up the side of the butte, which is fairly steep.
We will depart from Bend at 9:00 am and return to Bend by 4:00 pm. We will meet to carpool in the parking lot south of the Sherwin-Williams paint store in front of the Lowe’s store along Highway 97 in north Bend. Roads are dirt, but passable with Subaru Outback clearance level. Wear hiking boots and dress for the weather; bring water and lunch/snacks. No dogs or other pets.
To register, email the chapter trip coordinator at hi************@gm***.com with “Gray Butte 2024” in the subject line.
