SQUAW VALLEY CREEK,McCLOUD, CA.

Squaw Valley Creek

Squaw Valley Creek Trail is a gentle hike mostly following the creek passing  through pine and fir forest and many different wildflowers throughout the spring and summer season.

Scarlet Fritillary

Scarlet Fritillary also known as its scientific name Fritillary recurva. I only saw a couple of these. They bloom June through October.

Squaw Valley Creek Falls

This small waterfall is 3 miles down​ the trail and a nice place to take photos. What I was really looking for was the beautiful cliffmaids

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Cliff maids

Cliffmaids, Lewisia cotyledon, is a spectacular sight in early spring. This species in the Purslane family is geographically restricted to the mountains of northwestern California and adjacent Oregon. ​

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Umbrella Plant

Umbrella plant or Indian-rhubarb grows thickly along the rocky shores shading the water beneath ad dark formations of basalt hem the stream and provide spectacular bluffs and obstacles to the water's flow.

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Arnica cordifolia (heart-leaf arnica)

I'm not sure what wildflower this is. I'm still working on it. It may be in the arnica family. Thanks Rhonda at the Forest Service!

Wild Ginger

Wild ginger also known as Asarum canadense grows along the creek. Wild ginger has some interesting ethnobotanical uses as well. Native Americans and early Euro-American settlers have used wild ginger as a spice. The root is harvested dried and then ground into a powder. Early settlers also cooked pieces of the root in sugar water for several days to obtain a ginger-flavored, candied root.

Bear Scat

This bear really had a berry ole time! It's that time of year with warmer temperatures and the wildlife waking up. Please pack in, pack out and respect the wildlife. Nature will thank you.

Lake McCloud known as a reservoir is looking pretty full right now with its beautiful turquoise waters. This is the only lake in our area where jet boats are allowed and water skiing. It's also known for fishing, swimming and just having fun!

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Interesting Geology!

Stalactites in McCloud! There are still a few mysteries left here. Wanna learn more...come on a scenic tour.