Friday Hike Schedule for May 2013

Last Revision 4/25/13

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Leave from the Safeway parking lot in Ashland at 9:00 AM unless otherwise indicated. Bring water, lunch, hat, sunscreen and rain gear as appropriate. TH = trailhead; EDT = estimated drive time; PCT = Pacific Crest Trail; DIM = Dead Indian Memorial Highway.100 Hikes = 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon, 3rd edition.
Co-leaders: Alex Maksymowicz: 541-482-1964; Lynn Clegg: 541-552-9045
Website: http://ashlandhiking.org/

May 3: Viewpoint Mike (near Lost Creek Lake (100 Hikes, p. 241)
TH: From Medford drive Hwy 62 past the turn off for the Lost Creek Lake fish hatchery and take next right into parking area;  EDT: 60 min; RT mileage: 100 mi
Description: very nicely laid out trail parallels Hwy 62 as it climbs through varied terrain to a large rock outcrop with good views of the surrounding area.
Weather forecast. Distance: 5 mi RT; elev gain: 1000 ft. RT mileage: 100 mi

May 10: Lower Rogue River Trail: Graves Ck to Whiskey Ck Cabin RT (p. 199 in 100 Hikes)
TH: Take I-5 north to Merlin (Exit 60); drive thru Merlin and follow Galice Rd 19 mi to far side of Grave Creek bridge; turn left downhill to boat ramp and TH; EDT: 90 min
Description: Follow north rim of Rogue River canyon past Rainie Falls to Whiskey Creek; take short spur trail to Whiskey Creek cabin for lunch; return same way; spectacular scenery, but trail is a little rough in places.
Weather forecast. Distance: 7.6 mi; elev. gain: 1270 ft.  RT mileage: 140 mi

May 17: Lower Table Rock—the standard route (p.86 in 100 Hikes)
TH: Exit I-5 at Hwy 62 and go north on Biddle Rd past the airport to Table Rock Road; turn right on Table Rock Rd 10 miles, then left on Wheeler Rd 0.8 mi to Lower Table Rock parking area; EDT: 45 min.
Description: Climb 1.6 mi through woods to plateau; turn left onto a side trail, then meander through flower-filled meadows along the rim of the mesa to the end of the old airstrip some 1.5 miles; take the trail on the other side of the airstrip to our usual lunch spot overlooking the Rogue Valley; return along the old airstrip
Weather forecast. Distance: 6 mi RT; elev. gain: 750 ft.  RT mileage: 50 mi

May 24: Collings Mountain RT (above Applegate Reservoir) (p.156 in 100 Hikes)
TH: Drive south from Ruch about 20 mi to TH at Watkins Campground; EDT: 75 min
Description: woodsy trail with lots of uphill but excellent views.  We will climb to the high point for lunch, then retrace our steps to the TH
Weather forecast. Distance: 5.5 mi; total elev. gain: 1500 ft.  RT mileage: 85 mi

May 31: Union Creek Trail (p.94 in 100 Hikes) - leave at 8:30 am
TH: Take Hwy 62 east from Medford to Union Creek; EDT: 105 min
Description: This is a scenic, “generally level”, four-mile trail along a lovely brook. 
Weather Forecast. Distance: 8.2 mi; elevation gain: 500 ft.  RT mileage: 150 mi