The McCloud River: Relief from the Dog Days of Summer

The McCloud River Preserve encompasses 2,330 acres surrounding this iconic mountain stream. Photo by author Steven T. Callan. — *The McCloud River Preserve encompasses 2,330 acres surrounding this iconic mountain stream. All photos by author.*

Nothing picks up my spirits like a walk along a mountain stream during these hundred-degree days. The McCloud River is as good as it gets.

I hope these photos from our recent hike through the McCloud River Preserve with the Shasta Land Trust will pick up your spirits during these dog days of summer.

The McCloud owes its gorgeous turquoise-gray color to volcanic ash and glacial silt from spring-fed creeks on Mount Shasta's southern slope. Photo by author Steven T. Callan. — *The McCloud owes its gorgeous turquoise-gray color to volcanic ash and glacial silt from spring-fed creeks on Mount Shasta’s southern slope.*

Riffles span the turquoise waters of the McCloud River. The McCloud is one of the premier fly-fishing streams in the western U.S. Photo by author Steven T. Callan. — *Riffles span the turquoise waters of the McCloud River. The McCloud is one of the premier fly-fishing streams in the western U.S.*

Riparian vegetation provides much-needed shade and cooler water temperatures for fish and other aquatic species living in the McCloud River. Photo by author Steven T. Callan. — *Riparian vegetation provides much-needed shade and cooler water temperatures for fish and other aquatic species living in the McCloud River.*

Kathy joins other hikers from the Shasta Land Trust on the banks of the McCloud River. The McCloud River Preserve, operated by the Nature Conservancy, offers miles of hiking trails. Photo by author Steven T. Callan. — *Kathy joins other hikers from the Shasta Land Trust on the banks of the McCloud River. The McCloud River Preserve offers miles of hiking trails.*

Riparian vegetation helps stabilize the banks of the McCloud River. Photo by author Steven T. Callan. — *Riparian vegetation helps stabilize the banks of the McCloud River.*

Kathy hiking through riparian vegetation along the McCloud River. Photo by author Steven T. Callan. — *Aah . . .*

The Indian rhubarb growing along the McCloud is the largest I’ve ever seen—an indication of a healthy river. Photo by author Steven T. Callan. — *The Indian rhubarb growing along the McCloud is the largest I’ve ever seen—an indication of a healthy river.*

Nearby Mount Shasta was enshrouded with clouds the day of our hike. Photo by author Steven T. Callan. — *Nearby Mount Shasta was enshrouded with clouds the day of our hike.*

steve

2 thoughts on “The McCloud River: Relief from the Dog Days of Summer”

Kit Harvey

July 23, 2016 at 9:23 pm

Yes, it was a lovely hike and SLT gathering! Good to see you and Kathy.
- Steve
  
  July 24, 2016 at 7:18 am
  
  It was wonderful to see you, Kit. Thanks.