SITE 35
BEAR BASIN BUTTE BOTANICAL AREA
Directions: Go north on Highway 101 4.3 miles, go east on Highway 199 5 miles to Hiouchi, continue 1.5 miles to South Fork/Howland Hill Road, turn right and cross two bridges. After second bridge, go left on South Fork Road. Stay on South Fork Road 16.1 miles, past big Flat campground to bridge, where road starts climbing. Go 4.3 miles past bridge to “Y,” go left 6.1 miles to road to Ship Mountain Lookout on left. Continue 2.1 miles to “Y,” bear left 2.2 miles to second “Y,” bear left 0.3 mile to third “Y,” bear right 2.1 miles to fourth “Y,” bear left on Road 17N05 0.4 mile, park for 0.5 mile hike to Butte and Lookout.
Recommended: Stop at the Smith River National Recreation Area Visitor Center in Gasquet on Highway 199 for maps and informational brochures about this fascinating area
Amenities:
 |
 |
Sponsor: Six Rivers National Forest, Smith River National Recreation Area
Description: The Bear Basin Butte Botanical Area is 8,764 acres in size and ranges in elevation from 2,400 to 5,200 feet. The area is noted for diversity of conifers, including 14 species. There are relict stands of Brewer spruce and Alaska yellow cedar, which have persisted from a previous climate. This route passes through beautiful expanses of high and dry multi-species pine forests, which attract mountain birds. Some interesting species: Mountain Quail, Red-breasted Sapsucker, White-headed Woodpecker, Mountain Chickadee, Rock Wren, and Townsend’s Solitaire. Western Screech-Owl, Northern Saw-whet, Northern Pygmy, and Spotted Owl have all been recorded.
