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

Lower Table Rock - Bloom Update

March 28, 2018

Just a quick update on the Spring bloom here in the Rogue Valley.  Today we hiked up Lower Table Rock and there are many different types of wildflowers already in bloom.

Nice new sign at the entrance of the parking lot

As you hike the trail to the top there are literally thousands of Fawn Lilies in bloom.  Some portions along the trail are like a sea of Fawn Lilies -- the most we have ever seen on one hike!  Other wildflowers we spotted include Shooting Stars, Buttercup, Saxifrage, Desert Parsley, Hounds Tongue, Oaks Toothwort, Grass Widows and even a few Gentner's Fritillary plants with flower buds on them - just not opened yet.

Goldfield - up close and personal

At the plateau there are some patches of Goldfield (especially at the far end), a few Popcorn Flowers and Desert Parsley.  Still a few vernal pools with two that are quite large.  One even had a Canada Goose as a guest.

Canada Goose enjoying the vernal pool and view of Mt McLoughlin

View of the large vernal pool with Mt McLoughlin in the background

View of the Rogue Valley 

Great views of snow covered McLoughlin too.  The path at the top is still a little muddy but drying up quickly with the recent sunshine.  So get out and enjoy.

Trekking Together
Glenn and Carol