Pilot Rock

April 14, 2018

Pilot Rock is a well known landmark here in Southern Oregon and played a role in helping guide pioneers who migrated north from California on the Applegate Trail. Yet during all of our hiking days here in Southern Oregon, we have only viewed it from other hikes and never hiked along the short but steep trail leading to it's base.  We decided to change that today.

At the start of the Pilot Rock trail and ready to go!

After driving south on I-5 and then along the old highway 99, we followed a rough 2-mile stretch of Pilot Rock Road 40-2E-33 to the relatively new parking lot that used to be an old quarry.  From the trailhead we, along with Glenn's sister Karen and our dog Katie, headed out on the trail with the sight of Pilot Rock looming in the distance.

Pilot Rock looms

The trail was in good shape and started out as a slow slight incline as we slowly worked our way up the slope.  We soon came across a few lingering patches of snow which Katie took advantage of by rolling and frolicking through.  Please note, no other hikers followed Katie in this moment of exuberance, but it was tempting.

Trail view

Katie in heaven on a large patch of snow.

Eventually our trail came to an intersection with the PCT which we followed with a left turn.  The trail now began to gain elevation and became quite steep for this last mile of the hike. At points the trail was a series of rock steps put on the trail to help against erosion (and maybe to help hikers not "slide" down the trail on the descent).  Soon a series of switchbacks ensued to increase the climb until we came to the base of Pilot Rock.

And on to the PCT we go...

Rock step portion of trail

View over the valley as we near the base of Pilot Rock

The look up was incredible and Pilot Rock is huge  -- much bigger viewed at the base than from the freeway or other trails in the distance.  The thought of scrambling up to the top never entered our minds once we arrived at the base despite a few folks coming done from having done so.  NO WAY!  Climbing up would be bad enough, but coming down again in reverse?

View of Pilot Rock from the base.  The climb up is along the crevice in the middle.  Not Happening!

After straining our necks to look up and taking some pictures, it was time to head back down (down being the key word) the trail.  We did see some Snow Queen and Yellow Bell wildflowers along the trail, but as Spring progresses we are sure more wildflowers will make their appearance.

Yellow Bells made an appearance along the trail

A small pond created by snow melt runoff

Well, another new hike in the books for 2018.  If you haven't hiked to the base of Pilot Rock, we highly recommend it, but be prepared for a steep climb. It is one of those amazing sights in Southern Oregon that you need to see in person. Be sure to let us know if you scramble to the top!


Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol

Rogue River Trail @ Lost Creek Lake - Takelma TH

March 18, 2018

The trail around Lost Creek Lake is called the Rogue River Trail, which may seem a little confusing.  However, when one realizes that the Rogue River is before and after Lost Creek Lake and that the lake is only here due to a dam, one can understand how the trail got it's name.  There are many trailheads on which one can access this trail and we have started at all of them except one - the Takelma TH.

Time for another new hike for us.

So with some sunshine between rain storms we took Katie and headed up to Lost Creek Lake and started our hike at the Takelma TH.  Since we were not familiar with this segment, we actually parked at the Day Use Area and had to hike on the road to get to the TH which is better accessed from the Boat Launch Area.

Into the forest we go....

Great trail signs along this segment

Most of the segment hikes we have done around the lake are pretty exposed and out in the sunshine which makes hiking them a non-summer option.  This segment, as we quickly found out, stays in forested areas most of the time, but still provided many opportunities for viewing the lake and of course, picture taking.

Taking in the views of Lost Creek Lake......

and more views......

and more views.

The shaded trail also allowed for lots of moss, ferns and our small wildflower friend Snow Queen, to abound as we progressed on the nicely kept trails.  As temperatures begin to warm up, we are sure there will be even more wildflowers to enjoy on this hike.

Snow Queen

Hiking on the edge.  Do not  try hiking this segment at night!

The trail eventually comes out of the woods and heads through an Oak Savannah area before joining with a dirt road for a bit to continue to the next trailhead, the Lost Creek Lake TH.  We made the road our turnaround point for a nice 6 mile round trip.

Large rock formation across the lake from the trail

View of lake from Oak Savannah area.

We got to enjoy the views of the lake once again and took time to look at the various rock formations around some parts of the lakes and take in the views of the surrounding mountains, some with a dusting of snow, others still completely covered.  By the way, the trail also has many benches where you can pause and take in the views and goes through a primitive campground which has many picnic tables.  Vault toilets are available at the Day Use Area and at the primitive campground.

We really enjoyed this segment of the Rogue River Trail and highly recommend you give it a try when in the area.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol