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This hike takes the recently
re-established Ben Lomond trail steeply up to a scenic knob
on the ridge. There you are high above the North Fork
of the Feather River, but still only a little over a third
of the way up this stupendous canyon
Ben Lomond rises 4200' vertical
feet above the North Fork of the Feather River. This
is big mountain scenery with a low base elevation.
The trail hangs on the cliff
above Chips Creek, until the first switchback. It then
goes relentlessly up at a 20% grade to the knob. This
is our steepest hike. Normally we would consider the
grade excessive and disqualifying, but the soil type is firm
and and less slippery than would be the norm for other
trails.
It is an easy day hike based
on the mileage and elevation gain. That means it is
easy to complete in a day. If you try to hike it fast,
it is not easy.
It can be snow-free any time
of the year, but will be blocked by snow whenever the snow
level drops below 4000'. Some years it snows often at
this elevation, and some years it rarely snows here.
If hiked when the weather is
warm, try to start early in the morning before the sun gets
too hot. |
