Cook and Green Pass (Red Butte)
Map SatelliteA mosaic of plant communities typical of the Siskiyou Mountains, this area has a phenomenal concentration of native plant species, perhaps the richest native flora in the State, with possibly as many as 300 species present. White fir-Douglas fir (Abies concolor, Pseudotsuga menziesii) forests in the lower elevations grade to the white fir-noble fir (Abies procera) forest in the upper reaches. There is a large stand, and one of the most western, of the Siskiyou cypress, Cupressus bakeri ssp. matthewsii. Other communities include knobcone pine, Pinus attenuata, montane chaparral, rock outcrop, and lake.
At Lily Pad Lake seven genera of fern are found and, nearby, six kinds of Penstemon, perhaps the highest number for both in such a restricted locality. The uncommon deer oak, Quercus sadleriana, occurs here; and hybridizes with the Oregon oak, Quercus garryana var. breweri. The silver fir, Abies amabilis, is near its southern limit here.
Rare plants present include Antennaria racemosa, Arabis mcdonaldiana, Lilium pardlinum ssp. wigginsii, and Saussurea americana. Additionally, the rare Siskiyou salamander, Plethodon stormi, is found in Seiad Creek drainage.
Limestone and serpentine outcrops occur in the area.
Integrity: There has been some logging in the northern portion and there are logging roads.
Use: Research, educational, observational, light recreational. The area has been proposed for a Wilderness Area.
Ref: Roof, James, 1975. Floral Watch on Siskiyou County's Cook and Green Pass. Four Seasons 5(1) pp.16-23.
January 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman