[Flower Hikes near John Day, Oregon]
Aldrich Mountains
Malheur N.F.
The Aldrich Mts. extend eastward from the South Fork John Day River to U.S. Highway 395. They are the high, steep ridges one can see to the south of US Highway 26 while driving between Dayville, OR and John Day, OR. One may easily drive to Aldrich Mt. in the west, which has a manned lookout during the summer. It's elevation is 6991', and its lookout affords a good 360¾ view of the surrounding country, which to the south, is largely dense conifer forest. Fields Peak and McClellan Mt. are the high points in the central portion of the range, with the former the highest at 7363' and the latter at 7042'. Several other peaks to the east are above 6000' in height.
The Aldrich Mts began as prehistoric coastal seafloor which was uplifted to form the present day sedimentary and metamorphic strata. Both the abrupt change in elevation, rainfall, and geology help a wide variety of plants thrive in the region. This includes a number of endemic plants which may be found on serpentine-like outcrops.
1. Cedar Grove Partial Plant List
2. May 26, 2002 Aldrich Mt.
Paul Slichter