Thirteen of us assembled in two groups--in Ashland and in Medford. Leader Elisabeth confesses to creating confusion, which was nicely sorted out by our knowledgeable and well-prepared fellow hikers. She’d posted the driving directions and hike description correctly for the west shore hike but had lodged in her mental vision the north shore hike off of Lewis Road. Verbally briefing hikers on the TH location yielded some very puzzled faces and several “huh, what bridge?” I report this story as an apology but mostly to reveal the knowledge in the group and the impressive diplomacy we enjoy. Cheers to our hikers!
We enjoyed a dry, sunny day hiking along the west shore of Lost Creek Lake on (the Rogue River Trail from Takelma parking lot), in and out for 5½ miles RT with about 200’ elevation gain. The lake still showed plenty of water for the season. Vegetation was very dry this time of year, of course. No wildflowers, but the poison oak shown beautifully in its brilliant fall reds.
We paused for snacks at the campground (maintained beautifully by the Medford Boy Scouts, troop 7). A shout out to Andre who spotted a great deal of litter by the shoreline, picked it all up and disposed of it in the garbage cans there.
We continued to traverse through stands of diverse trees and periodic openings for wide views of the Lake. After trying unsuccessfully to find a way down to the shoreline for lunch without scrambling through poison oak, we reversed course back to the campground to enjoy benches and views of the Lake. A period of quiet time on the trail getting there was honored and enjoyed by all as we listened for birds and other sounds of the forest. Lots to talk about at lunch, along with the traditional chocolate treats. We missed Kay, the world traveler.
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