Seven Pines Trail is one of the least hiked trails in the San Jacinto Wilderness. To reach the trailhead at 6,478 feet, your car first needs to climb a windy, narrow dirt road up from Dark Canyon.
The trail is strenuous with plenty of ups and downs. Since it isn't used a lot, it can be a challenge keeping on the path at times but mostly, it is easy to follow. Bring your map and compass as a backup.
For the highly motivated, Mt San Jacinto at 10,834 feet can be reached in 7 1/4 miles. My goal was to find the birds hidden in the trees and to be on the lookout for other "eye catchers" along the way so our mileage was much less.
We didn't get very far when I started hearing a referee whistle. After a lot of searching, I discovered the singing Ash-throated Flycatcher. It helps to identify birds by their songs as well as by sight. For me, his song is definitely a muted referee blowing his whistle.
The mountain trails in this wilderness are full of balancing boulders with interesting shapes. The Pteradactyl egg, eagle, and crowned frog were still as I remembered them last year. They are bound to change with the numerous tremors that occur up here.
"Quick, three beers" When I heard that call, our hike came to a halt until we found this Olive-sided Flycatcher wearing his nifty grey vest and singing with gusto high up on a snag.
The flycatchers we saw today may not have much color but they have GREAT songs.
We were either too early or the drought has impacted the wildflowers. This Western Azalea was more
noticeable last year. It has a much humbler existence than in the south where they bloom profusely in the Spring and Summer.
Black Mountain Fire lookout tower can be seen from this trail. There are 7 fire lookouts in Southern California. The one on Tahquitz Peak is unique for being the only one in the wilderness accessible only by foot or horseback. They all play an important role in keeping an eye on the forest for smoke and fire.
When we returned, I checked on the Steller's Jay nest under our porch. I found 2 extremely quiet babies waiting for one of their parents to return. Great sight! With all the dangers that abound, it is good to see a nest of healthy birds. They should be out of their nest soon. Interestingly, the adult Steller's Jays are normally quite loud but when it comes to taking care of their nestlings, they are extremely quiet as well as they come and go. Keep your eyes open. You will be surprised by what you see and hear.
