Bear Mountain (Siskiyou County, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear Mountain |
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Bear Mountain and the tarn below Devils Punchbowl
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,415 ft (1,955 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 2,251 ft (686 m) |
| Listing | California county high points 35th |
| Geography | |
| Location | Del Norte and Siskiyou counties, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Siskiyou Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Devils Punchbowl |
Bear Mountain is a tall and interesting mountain located in the Siskiyou Mountains of Northern California. It's a significant landmark because its peak, or highest point, is found in Siskiyou County. This summit reaches an elevation of about 6,411 feet (1,954 meters) above sea level. Just a little to the west of this main peak, you'll find the highest point in Del Norte County, which is also quite high at over 6,400 feet (1,951 meters).
This mountain is part of the beautiful Siskiyou Wilderness area. It actually sits right on the line that separates Del Norte and Siskiyou counties. This county line also divides two large protected areas: the Six Rivers National Forest and the Klamath National Forest.
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Exploring Bear Mountain's Features
Bear Mountain has some cool natural features that make it unique.
Devils Punchbowl: A Glacial Lake
On the northern side of Bear Mountain, there's a special bowl-shaped area called Devils Punchbowl. This area is a cirque, which is a natural amphitheater formed by glaciers. Inside this cirque, you'll find a small lake called a tarn. Tarns are lakes that form in these glacial hollows, often filled by melted snow and ice. It's a beautiful and peaceful spot on the mountain.
Winter Wonderland: Heavy Snowfall
Because Bear Mountain is located fairly close to the Pacific Ocean, it gets a lot of snow during the winter months. The moisture from the ocean travels inland and, when it hits the cold mountain air, it falls as heavy snow. This makes the mountain a true winter wonderland, often covered in deep snow for many months of the year. The large amount of snow helps feed the streams and rivers in the area when it melts in the spring.
Location and Environment
Bear Mountain is an important part of the natural landscape in Northern California. It's a great example of the rugged beauty found in the Siskiyou Mountains.
Where is Bear Mountain?
Bear Mountain is situated in the northwestern part of California. It's a key feature in the Siskiyou Mountains, which are a range of mountains that stretch across parts of California and Oregon. Being located within two national forests means the area around Bear Mountain is protected and managed for its natural resources and wildlife. These forests are home to many different kinds of plants and animals.
What is a Wilderness Area?
The Siskiyou Wilderness is a special kind of protected land. In a wilderness area, human activity is limited to preserve its natural state. This means there are no roads, buildings, or logging. People can visit for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature, but they must leave no trace. This helps keep places like Bear Mountain wild and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
