This is a kind of scorpionfly (Mecoptera), and it was one of a TON. They look a lot like crane flies when they fly, but when you look closer you see the four wings, and maybe a prey item, and you realize it ain't no fly. BugGuide says there's only one Bittacus in the Pacific states, so I guess this is it. Sweet.
Super common at this site. I guess people don't observe this more often because there aren't many bug people from the foothills? Or because they look like crane flies?
I thought these insects were rare in the state, but they were common in many of the north-facing slopes I visited in the last few days -- far more common than crane flies!