Hiking the Upper and Lower Table Rocks
"Once a sanctuary for Takelma Indians, today these cliff-edged mesas
near Medford are a haven for hiker and endangered wildflowers. Views
from the cliffs extend across the Rogue River to the Siskiyou's and the
Cascades. Visit in spring to catch the best flower displays and to
avoid summer's merciless heat. The Upper Table Rock Trail climbs
through scrub oak grassland ablaze with spring wildflowers the trail to
Lower Table Rock, though longer and rockier, climbs through shadier
woods and leads to a viewpoint atop a taller cliff. Most of Lower Table
Rock was dedicated as a nature preserve in 1979 by The Nature
Conservancy, the public-spirited non-profit organization that built the
trail. " - Excerpted from 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon by William L.
Sullivan
Directions to Upper and Lower Table Rocks
To find from Interstate 5 take Central Point exit 33 (just north of
Medford), drive east on Biddle Road 1 mile, turn left on Table Rock
Road for 5.2 miles to a curve, and then turn right on Modoc Road for
1.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the left, just opposite an
electric substation. - Excerpted from 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon by
William L. Sullivan
Hiking Grizzly Peak
15 minutes outside of Ashland, Grizzly Peak is a nice hike featuring great views of the entire Rogue Valley from the top of Grizzly Peak. This hike is approximately 4 miles in length.
Directions to Grizzly Peak
Drive Interstate 5 to south Ashland exit 14, turn east toward Klamath
Falls on Highway 66 for 0.7 mile, and turn left on Dead Indian Memorial
Highway for 6.7 miles. Turn left on Shale City Road for 3 miles, and
then turn left on gravel Road 38-2E-9.2. After 0.8 mile, keep straight
at a three-way fork, continuing uphill another 0.9 mile to the
trailhead at road's end. - Excerpted from 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon
by William L. Sullivan
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail/ Mt. Ashland
Hike along the famous Pacific Crest Trail and enjoy a wide variety of seasonal alpine wildflowers. The memorable panorama includes splendid views of thirteen wilderness areas, ten national forests, one national park and nine counties.
Directions to Pacific Crest Trail
Mt. Ashland Road-5 miles west of I-5, on the road to Mt. Ashland. Look
for trailhead signs.
Hiking Pilot Rock
"Geologically, Pilot Rock is a remnant of a 30-million-year-old lava flow. Whenever basalt lava cools slowly enough, it fractures into hexagonal pillars perpendicular to the cooling surface. The sheer cliffs on Pilot Rock's south and west face are entirely composed of these 6-sided stone columns. It's a popular practice spot for serious rock climbers." - Excerpted from 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon by William L. Sullivan
Directions to Pilot Rock
From Ashland go south on Route 5 to Mt. Ashland Exit and follow signs
to Pilot Rock.
