Grizzly Peak Loop Trail

June 23 ,2019

Over the last month we have hiked many local trails enjoying what has become an amazing year for wildflowers. The extra rains we got in Southern Oregon have brought out wildflowers in numbers that we have never seen.  But alas, Spring is over and Summer is upon us.  But there are still places to hike with lots of wildflowers.  The Grizzly Peak trail in Ashland is such a place and since we didn't hike there last year, it was time to go back to one of our favorite trails.

Loop trail at the top heading through Antelope Fire burn area

Wild Ginger --- look for the heart shaped leaves of the plant.

This trail has almost everything you could want - a short road to the trailhead, two parking lots, restroom, and portions of trail that take you through Old Growth Forest, meadows, former burned areas and high desert-like areas of rocky soil.  The first mile is a slight uphill trek on long switchbacks where most of the shade loving flowers are found and the loop at the top is 3.5 miles and can be done in either direction -- we went left today to hike clockwise.

The loop begins - decision time.

Someone heading out for breakfast

Columbine

In addition to the various landscapes along the trail, you are also treated to views of Mt Shasta, Mt Ashland, Pilot Rock, and Mt McLoughlin.  The hike usually takes 2-3 hours depending on how much time you take for the views, wildflowers, or just stopping to enjoy the sound of silence or the wind.   Hope you enjoy the flower pictures, but try to get out and enjoy them in person while they last.  

Trekking Together

Glenn and Carol

False Solomon Seal

Meadow Chickweed

Fleabane

Balsamroot with an insect photo-bomber

Horsemint

Wild Onions

White Brodiaea

Common Camas

One of our favorites to find, Striped Coralroot

Lower Table Rock - Above The Clouds

January 27, 2019

As of late, clouds/fog have filled the Rogue Valley in the a.m. hours only to give way around 2:00 pm or so to sunshine.  So afternoon hikes have become the new norm.  Today though we decided to venture out to Lower Table Rock and see if we could rise above the clouds before 2:00 pm.

The sunshine fights through the clouds and trees as we near the plateau of Lower Table Rock

With the recent government shutdown and lack of maintenance reported at the Table Rock trailheads (and factor in the clouds and cold weather), we were surprised that the parking lot at Lower Table Rock was about half full.  Our hike started out in the clouds/fog, and it didn't take long for our hearts and lungs to get really pumping with the cold air and steady climbing along the trail.  As we neared the end of the 1.4 mile climb to the plateau, we began seeing sunshine beaming through the trees and had to stop to get a few pictures.

Plateau reached with sunshine and muddy trails ahead.

One of the larger vernal pools

Once we reached the plateau it was all sunshine!  We had a great view of snow covered Mt McLoughlin (Mt Pitt to the old timers) and the plateau was full of vernal pools from recent rains.  We stopped a couple of times on our trek across the plateau to listen to all the frogs who were out enjoying the sunshine and pools too.

Our view of the Rogue Valley, a sea of clouds.

Mt McLoughin above the clouds

Even Upper Table Rock is above the clouds

When we reached the view point at the far end, we looked out across the ocean of clouds that still engulfed the Rogue Valley. What a view! We watched a couple of airplanes circle and then disappear into the clouds at they landed at the RV airport and looking across the valley we could also see  Upper Table Rock basking in the sunshine.   Great views all around.

Proof that the sun was shining on Lower Table Rock

As we descended on our return down Lower Table Rock, the clouds disappeared and by the time we got to our car sunshine had come to the Rogue Valley.  But for just a little while we were above the clouds and were treated to some unique views.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol

Roxy Ann Loop

December 26, 2015

Even with the holidays and all the recent rains & snow, we have still managed to get out hiking.  We haven't done any postings on those treks because most have been local hikes that we have posted about in the past.  But since our daughter Maggie was out visiting for the holidays and there was a good covering of snow, we decided to do this quick posting about our recent hike on Roxy Ann.

And so it begins......

 After driving up through the clouds to get to our starting point, we were treated throughout the hike to blue skies, much welcomed sunshine, and beautiful views.  The trail around Roxy Ann wasn't too bad although the shaded parts were still covered with lots of ice and snow.

Hiking along one of the shady portions of trail

Glenn's 3 snow angels - Maggie, Carol & Katie

We enjoyed seeing the Upper and Lower Table Rocks, the Rogue Valley, the snow covered mountains toward Ashland, and of course, Mt McLoughlin with its snow covered peak.  It's great to see all the much needed snow already!

First view of Mt McLoughlin

Full view of Mt McLoughlin

Katie got her snow fix as she took time to make snow puppies (her version of snow angels) and take an occasional dash through the snow off trail.

Panoramic view from the trail

When we started our hike there were only four cars at the trailhead, but as we finished two hours later, there were literally dozens of cars.  It's great to see so many people taking time to get out and enjoy nature.

Panoramic view with Mt McLoughlin  in the middle of the picture.

In closing, we want to wish all of you a Happy New Year, and we hope that in 2016 you will get to do some trekking of your own.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol (& Maggie)