Source and Summit Hikes: Mount Whittenberg (1,407'): Point Reyes National Seashore

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Mount Whittenberg (1,407'): Point Reyes National Seashore

The highest point both on the Iverness Ridge and within the bounds of Point Reyes National Seashore is thickly forested Mount Whittenberg. While no views are to be beholden on summit due to the immense density and height of nearby firs and pines, the trip up is no less worthy. Here on these wild hills elevated above the cool winds of the Pacific,sculpted in granite by the nearby end of the landmass marking of the famed San Andreas Fault, Douglas Firs and endemic Bishop Pines grow to spectacular proportions, and their respective understories are nearly as impressive, hosting a wide variety of verdant summer grasses and wildflowers among other Northern Coast shrubs and mid-range trees. A trip up to Mount Whittenberg then is more than a half-day excursion to the zenith of the park, but a saunter through the natural delicate and balanced handiwork of God's creation.

Stats:

Category: Easy
Miles: 4.2
Elevation Gain: 800'
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore, Phillip Burton Wilderness
Directions: HERE

The Trail: From the Sky Trailhead, the trail immediately begins a slight grade upon the Iverness Ridge, and in a few yards you will enter the federal Phillip Burton Wilderness, as articulated under the 1964 Wilderness Act. Immediately, the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest surround the trail above, as wildflowers grace the trailside. Continue up to a split, and take the Horse Trail southwest, before splitting to the Z Ranch Trail south, and follow the signage to the summit of Mount Whittenberg. The last few hundred yards are quite steep, and an interesting dead and burned forest is crossed just shy of the top. Like previously mentioned, there are no views to speak of on summit, only a benchmark designating the top. Enjoy the way down through the tranquil forests of the North Coast.

Hiked: 7/10/2017. Marin County, CA