Joseph H Stewart State Recreation Area

Friday, March 20, 2020

After a couple of hours of work on Friday, Glenn took off the rest of the day and we drove out to the Joseph H Stewart State Recreation Area for a long hike.  We started at the day use area and hiked along the paved bike path through the park/campground enjoying the many blooming Snow Queen flowers till we reached Peyton Bridge.  From there we made a sharp left and hiked the Rogue River Trail along the Lost Creek Lake shore where we were treated to beautiful views of the lake on this sunny day.  We also got to see deer at least 4 different times along the trail.

View of the meadow near the campground area.

View of Lost Creek Lake

Once our loop was complete and we were back at the day use area (6.5 miles), we took a break at one of the picnic benches and ate some snacks and enjoyed more views of the lake.  There were lots of other folks out today at the park doing the same thing.  We then hiked more of the Rogue River Trail, this time towards the dam, till we reached Upper Brumley Creek Falls and made that our turnaround spot.

Upper Brumley Creek Falls

One last look at Lost Creek Lake

When all was said and done, we hiked 11 beautiful miles on an almost perfect hiking weather day.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol

Houndstongue

Fawn Lily

Trillium

Upper Table Rock

March 1, 2020

First day into March and we couldn't resist the sunshine outside despite the cool temps.  But that weather combo made it a perfect day to hike Upper Table Rock as noted by the many people who had the same idea as we did.

Time for some last minute Winter hiking

The view from the top

The Upper Table Rock trail starts off by climbing and really never stops till you get to the top.  The trail itself is much more rocky than Lower Table Rock and the dirt portion of the trail is as hard as rock.  Having said that, thanks to efforts to clear out some of the undergrowth, the trail is lined with wildflower plants and currently had Fawn Lilies in bloom along portions of the trail, while Grass Widows were the flower at the plateau.

Grass Widows

The last and only Vernal Pool still on Upper Table Rock

Looking out across the top of Upper Table Rock.  Only Vernal Pool is off to the left.

Since we have hiked Upper Table Rock many times, we try to hike up the 1.4 miles to the plateau as quickly as possible.  Today's effort came in at 29 minutes. Once at the top though, we always take time to walk the loop and enjoy the views.  Evidently the BLM has been at work putting up more wooden rail fences and signs in an effort to keep folks on the trail and off the fragile habitat on the plateau.  That doesn't stop everyone, but hopefully it  will stop some folks.

Some the new fencing with signs.

A cairn sighted by the Pitcairns

Heading up, up, up the Upper Table Rock trail

On the way down the trail we stopped multiple times to view Fawn Lilies, Western Buttercups and even noticed Frittillaria plants.  It is still a little early for masses of wildflowers, but by mid March this trail and plateau (as well as Lower Table Rock) would be a great hike if you enjoy wildflowers.

Trekking Together
Glenn and Carol

February Hiking Update

February 28, 2020

During the month of February we hit the trail 7 more times including a nice 9.2 mile hike through every corner and height of Prescott Park.  Since there has been little rain or snow this month, plus lots of sunshine, the flowers are already making their "pre-spring" appearance in some areas.

Oaks Toothwort

Marsh Marigolds

One of many young bucks we saw at the JWT

The first Spring flower we saw this month was the Western Buttercup as we hiked the Lower Table Rock trail.  That was followed by Oaks Toothwort at the Jacksonville Woodlands Trails.  During this last week of February we have seen Grass Widows, Fawn Lilies, Houndstongue and Indian Warriors.  Seems like all of these are a few weeks early due to the warmer and drier weather here in Southern Oregon.

Houndstongue

Grass Widow

Indian Warrior

As March approaches we can only anticipate even more flowers along the trails and when combined with the start of daylight savings time, it makes for one of the high mileage hiking months of the year for us.  We plan on some new trails in March too and will try to post those as  time allows.  Till then, get out and enjoy nature as Spring arrives.

Trekking Together
Glenn and Carol