Way back in 2010, an intrepid group of hikers volunteered to restore a neglected trail in Southern Oregon’s spectacular and unique Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area. Today, that group has evolved into the Siskiyou Mountain Club, and that one backcountry route has grown to over 400 miles of trails in their care in the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountain ranges of Southwest Oregon and far Northwest California.
Which just so happens to be our home region, and we enjoy hiking those trails and accessing the wilderness gems here: lakes, streams, meadows, summits, and solitude. So we’re thrilled to be partnering with Siskiyou Mountain Club to support their mission!
Into the Wild
Maybe you’re on the hunt for the elusive and rare Kalmiopsis flower. Or maybe you’re itching to see carnivorous pitcher plants in the wild. Or maybe you’re just seeking some of the finest solitude in the West with a good swimming hole. You can thank Siskiyou Mountain Club for all of this!
Many trails in our region have been in the line of wildfires over the years or have been neglected for so long that they are no longer passable or safe. When SMC hears of an abandoned trail that has fun and beauty to offer, they set to work gathering staff, volunteers, interns and other partners to use their skills and labor to clear and rebuild these treasures. Some special trails make it into SMC’s trail promise, a commitment to maintain it once every one to three years.
Given this large undertaking and the volunteer commitment of their mission, public support is crucial to maintaining access to these wild and beautiful places.
Supporting Backcountry Adventurers
In addition to clearing trail and restoring safe navigability, SMC has both an online and a brick-and-mortar nonprofit outdoor shop to help you prepare for your adventures. Every dime spent at the Siskiyou Outdoor Store goes to trail work, so if you need gear, they’ve got what you need from maps to sleeping bags to freeze-dried food to bear canisters.
Plus, if you make it into their store in downtown Ashland, you have the ear of a knowledgeable professional outdoor guide at the visitor’s desk to answer all your wilderness and backcountry questions. Whether you’re wondering about which trail to take, how the weather’s going to be, or what gear you’ll need, they’ve got you covered.
You can find them at 33 N. Main Street #3, just below the fly fishing shop.
Help Us Contribute to Their Good Work!
From now until July 14th, 2% of all Shepherd’s Dream sales will go to Siskiyou Mountain Club for their mission of coordinating stewardship projects, publishing maps and outdoor information, and leading service adventure trips for the public.
If you’ve got all the wool bedding you need right now, please consider making a direct donation here.
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