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

Cathedral Hills - Sunshine & WIldflowers!

March 10, 2017

Even though our last posting back in January was of Cathedral Hills, between these two visits we have hiked various other trails when weather and time would allow -- mostly the weather.  But when we ventured over to Grants Pass this past Friday & decided to take in the Cathedral Hill trails again, we were treated to sunshine and wildflowers!

Blue sky - a rare occurrence in Southern Oregon this year -- so far.

Our route for this almost 7 mile trek included the Outback trail, Ponderosa Pine trail, Timber Riders trail, Madrone trail and the Skycrest Loop trail.

So many trails and so many choices!!!

As we started out on the Outback trail from the Espy parking area and hiked clockwise, our first wildflower of the season appeared, the little Oak Toothwort.  We did see more of these, but the most populous wildflower while hiking today was the Indian Warrior.  In a couple of weeks it will be an all out invasion of these flowers as they seem to take over the Cathedral Hill Park.

First wildflower of 2017 - Oak Toothwort

Indian Warrior sighting

Along the Timber Riders trail the main flower was the beautiful Grass Widow.

Grass Widow

Other wildflowers spotted were the Houndstongue, Buttercup (always makes us want to watch The Princess Bride movie), Goldfield and even a Shooting Star or two.

Nice to see the word "easiest" on your trail sign!!

Trail shot along the Timber Riders trail

Really enjoyed the almost 70 degree sunshine and it made a nice end to the work week.
So Spring really is coming, or so the flowers indicate.  Be sure to get out and enjoy them - and the sunshine too!!

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol

First Wildflower Blooms of 2015!!

Just a quick post to share with you what we saw while yesterday, Friday the 13th  --- the first wildflower blooms of 2015!!!

While hiking the Beekman Canyon Loop trail, which is part of the Jacksonville Woodland Trails, there along the sunny more open portion of the loop were numerous Hounds Tongue flowers already in bloom and one (yes, just one) Shooting Star.  Later, along The Grove Woods trail, we were treated to about a dozen bright yellow Marsh Marigolds in bloom.  Spring is coming.........

Hounds Tongue along Beekman Canyon Loop trail.

The one lonely but beautiful Shooting Star.

Bright cheerful Marsh Marigold

Hope these pictures brighten your Friday the 13th - Valentine's Day - President's Day weekend.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol