Author John Soares has created two detailed maps, one for exploring Shasta and Castle Crags, the other for the Trinity Alps Wilderness

By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news

When it comes to looking for ideas for places to hike or backpack, books by John Soares are among my trusted sources.

Soares, who lives near Weed in the Shasta Valley, is best known for his series of detailed hiking books. Those include “100 Classic Hikes in Northern California,” fourth edition, “Day Hiking: Mount Shasta, Lassen & Trinity Alps Regions,” “Hike the Parks: Redwood National & State Parks.”

Now he’s adding something new: maps of favorite hiking, backpacking and climbing areas are available through Green Trails Maps. Recently published are two comprehensive maps, one titled Mount Shasta — Castle Crags and another, Trinity Alps Wilderness.

The Shasta map is especially relevant to hikers and climbers in Southern Oregon because it includes the popular Avalanche Gulch route on the south side of Shasta to the more challenging, less traveled Hotlum-Bolum Ridge and Bolum Glacier north-side routes.

Painstaking process

Soares said creating the maps was a multiyear project.

“I would go out four or six days, get up in the morning and be out eight to 10 hours hiking and mapping,” he said. He used GPS to add data, such as areas for camping, places with great viewpoints and the location of bridges.

Because areas like Mount Shasta and the Trinity Alps have many trailheads, Soares drove to various locations. Adding to the challenge were recent forest fire that have devastated some trails, especially in the Trinity Alps.

As an alternative, Soares noted that the Russian Wilderness — its trails were less affected by fires — is included on the Trinity map. He also notes the Russian Wilderness generally has fewer hikers and backpackers.

Upcoming: A map for Lava Beds National Monument

Soares is currently working on a Green Trails map for Lava Beds National Monument, which he hopes will be ready next year.

Asked for favorite Lava Beds trails, Soares cited Schonchin Butte — “There’s such incredible 360-degree views” — along with Symbol Bridge, Painted Cave and Mammoth Crater.

Soares also cited Gillem Bluff, which along with its “just beautiful” views has historic significance related to the Modoc Indian War. In season, it has wildflowers. “I wish more people would go,” he said of the lightly used Lava Beds trails.”

Soares, 65, said he is working part time, staying home and playing pickleball. But he’s also traveling, not only to work on new maps and books but also to visit places like Mexico.

Always prolific with hiking guides and maps, he said he has no commitments to specific projects. “I have a few ideas for books but nothing I’m committed to, yet.”

Soares said he has made “the bulk of my living as a freelance writer for businesses and nonprofits, especially by creating curriculum content for college textbooks. I also give advice for freelance writers (and sell my e-books and e-courses for freelance writers) at my ProductiveWriters.com site.”

A trusted source

Soares said agencies where the trails are located, such as the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service, reviewed the new maps for accuracy. He submits his books to similar checks.

“I did a lot of tramping and trekking in the wilderness long before I wrote the books, but doing the very enjoyable research for the hiking guides took me all over Northern California, from Santa Cruz to Crescent City, and from Mokelumne Wilderness to Mount Shasta and the Trinity Alps,” Soares noted on his Facebook page. “So I have a broad perspective of the region. And a deep love for it. I’ll share that love with you.”

Where to get maps

Copies are available at the Northwest Nature Shop at 154 Oak St., Ashland. Various bookstores in Northern California and Southern Oregon plan to carry the maps, Soares said.

Author’s note

I have used Soares’ books for ideas and trail information. The books include “75 Hikes in California’s Mount Shasta & Lassen Volcanic National Park Regions;” and “100 Classic Hikes: Northern California.” I’ve also used “Day Hiking: Mount Shasta, Lassen & Trinity Alps Region: Redding, Castle Crags, Marble Mountains, Lava Beds;” and “Hike the Parks: Redwood National & State Parks: Best Day Hikes, Walks, and Sights.”

Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at 337lee337@charter.net.