The weather report may have affected the Monday turnout, but no showers interrupted our hike through the Woodlands. It was overcast with impressive looking clouds but mild with temps ranging from the 40s to the 60s during the hike. Rain didn't start in Ashland until about 5 pm.

This was our third visit to the Woodlands this month, Liz's first Wildflower Walk was here the Friday before last; and we scouted the hike Sunday with Jerry and Gary.

Hiking the Woodlands has a lot to offer: Exercise, with many well signed trails, hike as much or as little as you like; historic information on local mining, with many boards along the trail telling the story as how gold mining became the rage in the 1860s & 1870s with some claims active until the 1940s; and wildflowers.

We saw perhaps a dozen species of early Spring flowers blooming with dozens more promised for later in the season. The Jacksonville Woodlands is home to the rare Genter's Fritillary, which can grow to 3 to 4 feet high, and was first identified growing in the Woodlands. (pictured are some of the wildflowers we saw). Scarlet Fritillary, Cat's Ear or Mariposa Lily, field color, Henderson's Shooting Stars & Buttercups, hanging White Osoberry, White Wake Robin Trillium, and Hound's Tongue.

Monday's hike was a loop starting and ending at the Beekman House. Besides the Woodlands, we came out alongside the Britt Gardens (home of the music festival), and La Fiesta,  where we stopped for lunch.

It was another excellent day.
Rich

Did you know? At the height of the Oregon gold rush, Jacksonville was the largest town in the state!