Biledo Meadow Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Spring · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This trail visits Biledo Meadows (a former Cow Camp and mining area). From its junction with the Outer Loop Trail, take the Biledo Meadow Trail east and uphill. There is a sign marking the Biledo Meadow Trail, but it is a little away from the intersection and easy to miss. Travel through dense pine and fir forest over gently rolling terrain. The trail skirts around the side of Mount Raymond, eventually reaching some more exposed dry slopes around the 7000 foot mark. After crossing an offshoot of the 5S06 Road, you emerge into Biledo Meadow.

Tromp around and enjoy the profusion of wildflowers. It is worth bringing a book to help identify all the varieties. Because of the high elevation here, the flowers are best in July and August. Higher up in the field are several historic log cabins and some scattered mining debris. One cabin was built in 1890 by Thomas Biledo (Biledeux), a French-Canadian miner. He was employed by the Mount Raymond Mining Company to extract silver and lead. With keen eyes you can spot where a 7000ft long tram used to connect this site to the Star Mine across the ridge. Explore the meadow and find a rustic two-hole outhouse. Near the upper cabin is a pipe for spring water (treat first) and a horse camp.

Deer, turkey. Paintbrush, coneflower, lupine, yarrow, meadow lotus, hogweed, mallow, leopard lily, bistort, rose, and more!