Last Camp: Hammerhorn Mountain

Mendocino National Forest

DAY 1  |  WORK DAYS 2-3  |  DAY 4  |  WORK DAYS 5-6  |  DAY 7

Yellow line for day 7. Click for interactive map

The last day and we were heading back to Green Springs, then drive on out. It was hot. We figured we'd be wishing for that cold that we had on Monday. I don't think we were quite there, though. We were relishing shade once the day got into afternoon.

Leaving Last Camp. Some gear left (far left) is for the mules to pick up and some for the next group to use.

Over the ridge to the next valley south, Hammerhorn Mountain at the right.

Further around to see Solomon Peak from the other side, or at least the ridge to it.

Hammerhorn Mountain up ahead. There's a dip between it and the nearby ridge.

I looked at the north side of Hammerhorn Mountain and wasn't sure where there might be a trail although we were told there had been one. It just looked like one would get to wandering in some rough stuff and it was probably just as easy to go to the south side and spur off to it. There I could see a little old trail or perhaps use trail.

Hammerhorn Mountain's peak from the south side.

The trail went around the side of the summit block which would require a short scramble no matter what direction one approached it. There was a little evidence of it continuing on past the spur around to the north side of the block. I suspect there were steps there once, but there's no sign of them now.

Lots of big hand holds and foot holds for this ~10 foot climb.

I left my pack behind as I climbed to the very top. It is like a graveled flat at the top, although not so big. There's a few remnants of the lookout, but not much.

Just a few feet lower than Solomon Peak, the one at the end of the ridge on the left.

Old nails gathered at one rock.

South Yolla Bolly, Mount Linn its named high point on the right, is still much taller.

Looking out along the Middle Eel River to the ocean. The base of the old steps in between?

I tried not to take too long at the top before heading down to find the others again.

The way down once more.

Distracted by a bright green wasp on the rock.

I headed down to catch the group, bumping into the mules on the way. They were a little miffed to have had to start so late since they'd be making two trips to the camp today, but the other group arrived late. They would have just been making one, but there was trouble with the mules making a lot less than expected. The group was tucked into some shade for lunch, just a short way past the shade I'd have picked.

Looks like a nice shade tree with a big view of Soldier Ridge.

We found the incoming group a little further on. They didn't seem the least bit worried about the heat. They were coming up from Covelo, so it was cooler than where they started. It was 100°F through there on our way out.


*photo album*




©2026 Valerie Norton
Published 4 Jul 2026