Preston Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Preston Peak |
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South face of Preston Peak
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 7,313 ft (2,229 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 2,509 ft (765 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Siskiyou County, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Siskiyou Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Preston Peak |
Preston Peak is a really tall and important mountain in northern California, U.S. It's found in the Klamath National Forest, inside a special wild area called the Siskiyou Wilderness. The local Karuk people call it keech'íihyan.
Even though there are many mountains over 6,000 feet (1,800 m) high in this wilderness, Preston Peak stands out. It's much taller than the others. From the very top, on a clear day, you can even see the huge Pacific Ocean! You can also spot other mountains in the Klamath Mountains and Cascade Range.
A writer named John Hart, in his book Hiking the Bigfoot Country, shared his thoughts about Preston Peak:
At a mile and some above sea level it is by no means the highest peak in the Klamath Mountains...Yet there is no mountain in northern California which I remember with more pleasure. They say that early travellers on the Klamath River, glimpsing the mountain above them, thought it was 10,000 feet tall.
A Special Place: Preston Peak's Unique Nature
The Forest Service has named the area around Preston Peak the Preston Peak Botanical and Geological Area. This is because it's home to many rare and special plants. It's like a natural treasure chest for plant lovers!
Rare Plants and Trees
Some trees that usually grow further north reach their southernmost point here. These include the Alaska cedar and the noble fir. They share their home with other unique trees found only in northwest California. These are the Brewer spruce and the Port Orford cedar.
There's also a special group of Pacific yew trees on the peak. These yew trees grow at very high elevations. Scientists are studying them because they might be a unique type, or "subspecies," of Pacific yew.
Amazing Wildflowers
Preston Peak is also home to some beautiful and rare wildflowers. These include the phantom orchid and the Siskiyou fritillary. Finding these flowers is a real treat for anyone exploring the area.
