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/
January 2: Bear Creek Greenway from Ashland Dog Park to Talent
TH: Safeway parking lot; EDT: zero;
Description: Starting out at Safeway, take city streets to Ashland Dog Park, then follow Bear Creek Greenway to Talent (Valley View Rd.); after eating lunch in Talent, take the RVTD bus back to Ashland (Buses leave Talent at 18 and 48 min. after the hour; cost for seniors: $1)
Distance: 7 miles; elev. gain: 200 ft. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 0 miles.
January 9: Lost Creek Lake (west shore) RT (p. 88 in 100 Hikes)
TH: Take Hwy. 62 to Lost Creek Lake; just before the dam, turn left onto Takelma Rd. at “Fish Hatchery” sign; drive to end of paved road and continue on gravel road to Takelma Park Rd. (about 1 mile past the turnoff to the boat ramp); EDT: 75 min.
Description: Drop down to the Lost Creek Lake trail at Four Corners campground, turn left, and follow it to our usual lunch bench; return the same way.
Distance: 7.7 miles; elev. gain: 750 ft. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 100 miles.
January 16: 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.
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. An additional half-mile RT walk thru the woods takes us to a more extensive view over Lost Creek Lake.
Distance: 5 miles RT; elevation gain: 1000 feet. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 100 miles
January 23: Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (Tunnel Ridge Th to Bear Gulch RT) (100 Hikes, p. 152)
TH: Follow route 238 thru Jacksonville to Ruch; turn left onto Upper Applegate Rd 2.9 miles; turn left on Little Applegate Rd 9.7 mi to Tunnel Ridge TH; EDT: 75 min Description: Climb up to the Ditch, then turn left and follow the Ditch trail to the top of the Bear Gulch trail for lunch; return the same way.
Distance: 7 miles; elev gain: 800 ft. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 70 mi
January 30: Da-Ku-Be-Te-De Trail (Applegate Lake) (p. 158 in 100 Hikes)
TH: Take Hwy 238 from Jacksonville area to Ruch (8 mi); turn left onto Upper Applegate Rd and drive16 mi to Swayne Viewpoint, one mile past Applegate Lake dam.Weather forecaast. RT mileage: 100 miles EDT: 60 min