Leave from Haggen's 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, Second Edition
April 6: Lower Rogue River Trail: Grave Creek to Alder Creek (p. 189 in 101 Hikes) Hike Leader: Keeley Kirkendal
TH: Take I-5 north to Merlin (Exit 60); drive thru Merlin and follow Galice Road 19 miles to the far side of the Grave Creek bridge; turn left downhill to boat ramp and TH; EDT: 90 minutes. Description: Follow north rim of Rogue River canyon past Rainie Falls to Alder Creek and back; spectacular scenery, but trail is a little rough in places. You may find poles useful on this hike for both the occasional side stream crossings as well as the rocky up and down trail. Distance: 10 miles; About 2,500' of up on this one; lots of little ups and downs that add up to a good workout. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 150 miles.
April 13: Little Grayback Hike Leader: Keeley Kirkendal
TH: From Ruch travel south on Upper Applegate Road to Applegate Dam; follow the road across the dam for 1.5 miles; turn left and up the hill for 2 miles to the French Gulch divide TH; EDT: 60 min.
Description: steady climb across the southern slopes of Little Grayback Mountain to the open slope with a view down into Squaw Lakes and the Applegate for lunch. Return the same way. Distance: about 8 miles; 1,700' climbing. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 85 miles
April 20: PCT - Castle Crags - North from Dog Creek to Sabin's Point Leaving Safeway at 8:00. Hike Leader: Keeley Kirkendal
TH: Head south on I-5 to the Castle Crags exit (724). Right on Castle Creek Road for 3.3 miles to the Dog Creek TH on the right at an old mine. EDT: 90 minutes. Description: Take the 4W18 spur trail 0.7 mile to its junction with the PCT. Left on the PCT and head north on the shoulder of Castle Crags above the North Fork of Castle Creek to Sabin's Point for lunch. Great views of the Craigs and the canyon. Poles are useful on this hike. Distance: 10 miles. Elevation delta: 1,920'. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 180 miles.
April 27: Applegate Lake Loop (p. 147 in 100 Hikes)
TH: Take Highway 238 from Jacksonville to Ruch (8 miles); take Upper Applegate Road 15 miles to Applegate Dam; drive left across the dam to the French Gulch TH (1.2 miles); EDT: 60 minutes. Description: Make a loop on the Applegate Lake Trail system in a clockwise direction so that we get the uphill out of the way before enjoying lunch on Hal's Point. Distance: 7.6 miles; elevation gain: about 1,000 feet. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 80 miles.