We started at 9:30 to wait out  some of the morning chill and fog; we all finally came together at the parking for the Viewpoint Mike TH off Crowfoot Road across Highway 62 from the fish hatchery at Lost Creek Lake.

This early January yearly hike has evolved and grown thanks to our hiking group's enthusiasm for exploring. Originally, it was a 6 mile out and back to the rock wall of the viewpoint where you can look down on the Rogue River meandering out from the dam. Then we added another half mile through the forest and out to the wide cliff with views of the grassy canyon below. On Monday, with mild weather and new energy from lunch we followed Linda and Jerry down into the canyon on ever decreasing then widening paths.

We were heading towards the old volcanic plug, which Linda named the Big Cat's Head. After bushwhacking through a downhill forested slope and across a meadow only Linda and Jerry went up the steep back of the Cat while five watched from below.

Still it was an invigorating day of 8+ miles hiking with 1,200'+ of elevation gain.

Our group was liking the Liken that was hanging from the trees! And Liz told us that both Oregon White Oaks and California Black Oaks coexisted in the area and covered the ground with their unique leaf patterns. 

Keep on hiking!
Rich

Track download: Viewpoint Mike 1-11-21.gpx