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

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