Monday morning we woke up to falling snow in the Rogue Valley. Very pretty but, not so great conditions for traveling to the TH. As cancelations began to roll in from individual hikers, I took a suggestion from Patricia and moved the hike to Lithia Park. Six of us showed up at the band-shell parking area at 10 am. The Park was white with snow that was still falling.
As we got ready with rain and snow gear, we watched a mom take her two daughters for snow slides in their plastic sleds.
We followed the path across the band-shell and then over a bridge crossing roaring Ashland Creek and up the foot path in 2 to 3 inches of fresh snow.
Branches bent down under the weight of the heavy snow.
We took the path along the creek, then took the sharp left and hiked high above the Park. We were careful, hiking up and then down through snow on the rolling trail that took us to the Swimming Reservoir. No swimming today with temperatures in the low 30s and ice forming on part of the lake.
Heading back down Granite St we saw the snow plow both coming and going, and several new visitors to the Park.
We ended up at Skouts for lunch and refreshments.
It turned out to be a good day with the spontaneous Plan B hike in the Winter Wonderland that was our own Lithia Park.
Note: the scheduled hike along the Upper Rogue and William Jess Dam will be rescheduled in warmer weather.
Happy Trails,
Rich
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