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.
May 1: Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Area in the Illinois Valley
Leave the Comfort Suites parking lot off I5 exit 19 at 8:30 AM
A long way, but worth the drive as past participants will tell you. The unusual serpentine soil supports one of the most significant botanical sites in Oregon . Many of the serpentine endemics found in SW Oregon and NW California are abundant here. Darlingtonia or California pitcher plant or cobra lily, a species of carnivorous plant, line the base of the conical shaped mountain surrounded by beautiful fragrant native azaleas.
TH: Head north on 1-5 to Grants Pass, Exit 55. Take Highway 199 three miles past the town of Selma. Turn right on Eight Dollar Mountain road (FS 4201) for about 1 mile to the sign and parking area. Afterwards we will tour the Wild and Scenic Illinois River Corridor on the Illinois River Road (FS4201) and have a little fun bushwacking. EDT: 75 minutes. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 120 miles
May 19: Enchanted Forest Leave the Comfort Suites parking lot off I5 exit 19 at 9:00 AM.
So aptly named! It's hard to decide on favorite memories: the crowds of Indian warriors, carpets of shooting stars or the treasure chest of trilliums. We may stop for wine and cheese at Wooldridge Creek Winery after the walk.
TH: Thru Jacksonville and take Highway 238 towards Applegate for 15 miles. Just before downtown Applegate and the bridge, make a right onto North Applegate Road for 4.5 miles to a right on Kubli Road for 400' and then right on Slagle Creek Road for 1.5 miles to the pavement end at the TH. EDT: 60 minutes. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 80 miles.