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For summer recreation, this trail and its approach roads are usually snow-free between July and November. Pick a clear day to do this hike so as not to miss the great views from the summit. There are no amenities at this trailhead and no water sources along the trail.
Description
Because this is also a winter recreation area, this trail shows on some maps as the Yamsay Ski Trail (a popular winter cross-country ski route).
Yamsay Mountain is a huge, sprawling shield volcano with a glacier-carved crater on its northeast side. It sits 35 miles due east of Crater Lake National Park, at the border of Klamath and Lake Counties. Yet, despite its height and size (it covers 75 square miles), Yamsay is barely visible above the surrounding hills and forests. What makes it interesting as a hike is its size: it’s #73 on the list of Oregon’s highest peaks, #15 of the peaks that share a history of Cascade Range volcanism, and #14 on the list of Oregon’s most prominent peaks. On a clear day, the view from its summit (site of a former fire lookout) is spectacular. Panoramic vistas of Mount Shasta, Fort Rock Basin, and numerous snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range are spread out in front of the hiker who arrives on a clear day.
From the signed trailhead on Forest Road 4973, the trail follows the prism of the old road that was used to service the fire lookouts that once graced Yamsay's summit. The old road was decommissioned years ago with berms and now even those are fading into an easily followed tread. Following this old road to the summit isn't very aesthetic but the view from up there is worth it.
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