Our original plan to hike Woodruff to Takelma RT before Mill Creek was thwarted by a closed access road holding onto too much snow. So, quick pivot to Mill Creek area and then on to Lost Creek Lake. Our nine hikers scrambled around the boulders to view the white water rushing through narrow channels at the Avenue of Giant Boulders. We were thrilled to see such full waterfalls: Mill Creek Falls (173’ fall), Barr Creek Falls (242’ fall) including the upper falls and lower drop into the Rogue River. We enjoyed sitting on the rocks and taking in the view.

Then, we drove down Highwood 62 to Lewis Road and parked near Peyton Bridge at Lost Creek Lake. We took the Peyton Bridge trail under the bridge and along the upper arm of Lost Creek Lake, stopping to enjoy a leisurely lunch with much conversation. We continued up the trail for a bit. Four hikers turned back early for afternoon plans and five went on to the wood bridge over a smaller, but lovely waterfall coming down the hillside into the lake. Purple Snow Queen were spotted along the way along with other sprouting wildflowers. Total distance hiked: 5 miles.

Elisabeth