Leave from Safeway parking lot in Ashland promptly at 9:00 AM unless otherwise indicated. Bring water, lunch, hat, sun-screen and rain gear. TH = trailhead; EDT = estimated drive time; RT = round trip; PCT = Pacific Crest Trail; DIM = Dead Indian Memorial Highway. 100 Hikes is 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon, 3rd edition
Leader: Alex Maksymowicz: 541-482-1964.
Website: http://ashlandhiking.org/
October 3: PCT from Old Hwy 99 to Pilot Rock Road RT.
TH: Take I-5 south and get off at exit 6 (Mt. Ashland); drive about 1 mile on Old Hwy 99 to PCT heading north (towards Pilot Rock). EDT: 30 min. Description: walk along the PCT thru varied habitats to its intersection with Pilot Rock Rd; return the same way.
Distance: 6 miles; elev. gain: 750 ft. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 20 miles.
October 10: Lower Rogue River Trail: Graves Ck. to Whiskey Ck. Cabin RT (p. 199 in 100 Hikes) - leave at 8:30
TH: Take I-5 north to Merlin (Exit 60); drive thru Merlin and follow Galice Rd. 19 miles to far side of Grave Creek bridge; turn left downhill to the boat ramp parking and the 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.
Distance: 7.6 miles; elev. gain: 1270 ft. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 140 miles.
October 17: Upper Rogue River Trail: Union Ck to Woodruff Br (p. 92 in 100 Hikes) - leave at 8:30
TH: Hwy 62 to Union Creek; leave shuttle car at Woodruff Bridge on the way. EDT: 105 min.
Description: From the Rogue River Gorge overlook follow the river downstream to Woodruff Bridge. Hopefully, the vine maples and dogwoods will provide spectacular fall color.
Distance: 7.5 miles; elev. gain: 100 ft. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 150 miles.
October 24: PCT from Mt Ashland Hwy to Old Hwy 99
TH: Take exit 6 off I-5 and leave shuttle car where PCT heading south intersects old highway 99; turn right onto Mt Ashland Rd to PCT crossing just after the 7-mile marker. Weather forecast. EDT: 30 min.
October 31: Jacksonville Woodlands Trail (100 Hikes, p. 150)
TH: City parking lot in Jacksonville behind library and post office; EDT: 30 min.
Description: Close-to-home leg stretcher on the Jacksonville woodlands trail system; lunch in a local restaurant after the hike or in Ashland.
Distance: 5.3 miles; elev. gain: 1000 ft. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 35 miles.