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

Upper Table Rock and Beyond

November 11, 2018

We have hiked both Upper and Lower Table Rocks here in Southern Oregon many times.  However this year we had hiked only Lower Table Rock and that twice.  So it was time to show a little love to Upper Table Rock and combined with beautiful Autumn sunshine, it made for a great hike.

A sign of things to come......

Since we have been up the trail many times, we decided to hike as quickly as we could up the 700 foot elevation gain -- 1.25 mile trail to the plateau.  Our time -- 28 minutes.  Once at the top we headed out along a "sort of" trail that leads to the VORTAC (very high frequency omnidirectional range aviation tower) which is operated by the Federal Aviation Administration since the 1960's.  In our previous hikes we have never hiked out to this sight -- till now.  The trail added another 1.5 miles to our hike so that we finished at about 5.5 miles total.

Heading out to the VORTAC on the "sort of" trail

The VORTAC.....aaaahhhhh....oooohhhh

After oooohs and awwwws at the FAA wonder, we hiked back to the main trail and enjoyed views of the surrounding area and a snow-less Mt McLoughlin --- or Mt Pitt to you old timers.

Heading back down the trail as the sun begins to go down.

Enjoyed the hike back down to the parking lot with views of the surrounding properties in Autumn color and found the lot still full of cars just like it was when we arrived.  Not surprised considering the beautiful weather we are enjoying.

Trekking Together
Glenn and Carol

Upper Table Rock Trail

This past week we made a quick trip to the Upper Table Rock trail after Glenn got off work so that we could hike to the plateau before darkness set in.

Time for a quick hike!

When we arrived at the parking lot it was completely full of cars, but we created our own parking spot and headed up the trail by 4:00 pm.  We quickly came across some of the BLM burn areas on the lower portion of the trail.  In an effort to reduce the fire hazard, BLM came through a week or so ago and cleared out some undergrowth and brush and burned them in large piles.  Although not a pretty site when hiking, this effort will allow grasses and wildflowers to grow in these areas over the next few years.

On the hike up to the plateau we encountered at least a dozen groups of people hiking down and as a result, we were the only ones at the summit when we arrived.  Of course a few other groups soon arrived, but it was still very beautiful & quiet.  Our hike to the summit went by fast and as you can see from the picture, our legs were very long and tired!

Those are some long and tired legs!!!

There were still many vernal pools at the summit and various wildflowers were in bloom including the pretty Grass Widow.  Looks like a lot of other wildflowers were getting read to bloom over the next few weeks. We hiked across the plateau and then hiked the trail along the edge till we arrived back at the main trail.  Someone even saw some artwork on the plateau as someone took the time to arrange a group of rocks into the phrase "I love you",

One of the vernal pools still on the plateau

Grass Widow

The "I Love You" artwork

Despite wanting to stay longer, we knew we needed to start back down to beat the darkness and get home to Katie.  "No dogs allowed" on this trail although we have seen people bring their dogs on this trail before.  If you live in the Southern Oregon area and are interested in hiking Upper or Lower Table Rock, the rest of March and even early April should provide you with some beautiful flowers and beautiful views.  Get out there and enjoy.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol