If you were not aware, Southern Oregon is a beautiful, hiking friendly area. If you enjoy being outdoors, seeing the fantastic scenery, getting a little exercise, fresh air and relaxation, there are some great trails very close by to explore or just burn off some energy. A few of my favorites are, Roxy Anne Peak, Table Rocks, Rogue River Trail, and the PCT.
Roxy Anne Peak/Prescott Park is a close hike with some great views of the valley. It is a Medford City Park with two parking areas, accessible year round, and can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be. It is a mix of gravel road and dirt trails with information kiosks in multiple locations, you can even walk the road to the top. At spring time the wildflowers are amazing, summertime it can be hot and dry.
Table Rocks, Upper and Lower are about a 5-minute drive from Medford and the views are spectacular. It’s not a difficult climb, but it is a switchback dirt trail with 700 to 800 feet of elevation over a mile before reaching the plateau top. Upper Table Rock is more forgiving of the two hikes, being a shorter route and less elevation. Accessible year round, although the rocky, trail gets muddy when raining, making a bit more difficult. Spring is usually the best time to see the barrage of wildflowers, over 100 species, so I’ve been told.
The Rogue River Trail is a 40-mile hike that cuts through the heart of the Klamath-Siskiyou mountains in one of the worlds most beautiful canyons. At the Grave Creek Bridge you have two options, the Rainie Falls Trail (3.6 miles out and back) or the longer Rogue River Trail. They are on opposite sides of Grave Creek Bridge over the Rogue River. Rainie Falls Trail ends at a big roaring rapid. The Rogue River Trail, well you can go as far as you want, but if you are up for a six mile round trip hike , you can explore the historic Whiskey Creek Cabin. The trail is accessible year round and is often used by anglers.
The Pacific Coast Trail is a 2650-mile trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. We are fortunate to have it right here in our backyard. The trail enters Southern Oregon from California approximately 20-miles west of Mount Ashland, crosses I-5 near the top of the Siskiyou summit. From there the trail works its way north between Hyatt Reservoir and Howard Prairie Lake, around Brown Mountain and between Fish and Lake of the Woods, around Mt. McLaughlin and on to Crater Lake. There are multiple locations to access the trail in our area, each one offers its own degree of difficulty and beauty. The PCT is accessible late spring, summer, early fall trail because due to the trail’s elevation. Although the PCT is maintained by multiple organizations, there can be blown down trees and erosion in the winter and early spring.
Always remember, any time you go out on the trail, at a minimum, take a water bottle and energy snack with you. It can get warm, sometimes quicker than you think and you may need a little pick-me-up as you exercise and burn energy. Other items to think about taking; day pack, map of the area, sun protection, phone, first aid kit, pocket knife, pepper spray, to name a few. It is always a good idea to tell someone where you are going and how long you plan on being out.
These are brief descriptions of some of my favorite local trails in Southern Oregon. I have enjoyed many hours walking, hiking and running on all of these trails with others and by myself. Enjoy!
Happy trails!
George Wood