Leave from the Rite Aid parking lot on Ashland Street 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. Hike leader:Francie Skinner, 541-840-4042
Website: https://ashlandhiking.org
May 3: Bolt Mountain
TH: Take I-5 north to exit 55 for US-199/Redwood Highway towards Ocean Beaches/Crescent City. Continue on 199 for 2.5 miles. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto OR-238 E and go 1.5 miles. Turn right onto New Hope Road. Go 3.2 miles. Turn right onto Fish Hatchery Road and go 1.8 Miles. Turn right onto Wetherbee Drive 0.7 of a mile until you reach Fish Hatchery County Park. Park at trail head. There is a pay station below and the cost is $5.00. There is also a port-a-potty. EDT:1 hour. Description: The trail has a good mix of smooth trail and rocky sections. The first 2 miles are the steepest part of the climb. After that it is smooth sailing to the top for the most part. About 1.5 miles up the trail you'll see a small spur trail leading off to the northeast (right). Make sure you stay left there and follow the main trail. There are great views of the valleys and mountains around the area from the top. Some wildflowers will also be blooming. Distance: 6.5-7 miles Elevation Gain: 1,300'. Weather forecast. RT Mileage: 110 miles.
May 10: Enchanted Forest/Felton Memorial Trail (p. 3 Favorite Hikes of the Applegate)
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. Description: Take the Enchanted Forest trail to the side trail to visit the Felton Memorial. Return to the Enchanted Forest trail and take it up to the road for lunch with a spectacular view of the Applegate Valley and the Red Buttes. Distance: 8 miles. Climbing: 1,800'. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 80 miles.
May 17: PCT from Greensprings Summit to Hobart Bluff (p. 130 in 101 Hikes)
TH: Drive Highway 66 14.5 miles to PCT crossing at Greensprings Summit. EDT: 45 minutes. Description: Follow the PCT for 3.3 miles through the woods and along the crest to the "Hobart Bluff Viewpoint" sign; turn right 0.3 miles to top of bluff; enjoy 360 degree views and lunch before returning the same way. Distance: 7+ miles; elevation gain: 2,000 feet of climbing; Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 40 miles.
May 24: Castle Crags to Castle Dome (p. 214 in 100 Hikes). Leave at 8:00 AM
TH: South on I-5 to Exit 724, Castella. Right on Castle Creek Road to the state park entrance. Entrance fee is $7 per car for seniors. Continue on 2.1 miles to the Vista Point TH. EDT: 90 minutes. Description: Before heading up the Crags Trail to Castle Dome with views of the Crags and Mt. Shasta check out the short side trail over to Vista Point just off the parking lot. Distance: 6 miles; elevation change: 2,200 feet. Time permitting, we may go to Root Creek Falls on the way back down taking the PCT to the Root Creek Falls trail adding a little bit more distance to the hike. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 180 miles.
May 31: Grizzly Peak and Lost Falls Hike leaders: Steve and Maria