Leave from the Rite Aid parking lot on Ashland Street promptly at 9:00 AM unless otherwise indicated. Bring water, lunch, hat and sun-screen. TH = trailhead; EDT = estimated drive time; RT = round trip mileage; PCT = Pacific Crest Trail; DIM = Dead Indian Memorial Highway. 100 Hikes is 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon, 3rd edition Coordinator: Liz Landreth 707-332-2699. Website: https://ashlandhiking.org
The wildflower walks focus on botany, geology and ecology. On these walks there is plenty of time for stopping and discussion as well as for taking photographs and birding so birders are encourage to bring their binocs. There are no specific walk distance or time targets because the walk lengths depend on the number of species encountered. We get our exercise running off into the underbrush.
July 7: Grizzly Peak and Hidden Falls
TH: Left on Highway 66 for 0.8 miles to a left onto Dead Indian Memorial Highway for 6.7 miles to a left onto Shale City Road and follow the Grizzly Peak Trail signs: 3 miles on pavement, 2 miles on dirt. EDT: 30 minutes. Description: We will take the counterclockwise loop that goes up and across the burned slope, and then back into the woods. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 30 miles.
July 21: McDonald Peak Botanical Area Leave at 8:30 AM
Lots of tiny alpine flowers give way to Giant Fraseras on a rocky exposed slope with great views.
TH: Take I-5 to the Mt. Ashland exit 6; turn right on Mount Ashland Ski Road and continue on FS-20 for another 3.2 miles past the intersection with the PCT and the road to Grouse Gap to the Split Rock/McDonald Peak TH. Estimated drive time: 50 minutes. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 60 miles.