Leave from the CVS (previous Rite Aid) parking lot on Ashland Street 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 mileage; PCT = Pacific Crest Trail; DIM = Dead Indian Memorial Highway. 100 Hikes is 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon, 3rd edition
Hike Leader: Rich Stickle: 541-326-6108
Website: https://ashlandhiking.org
May 4: Illinois River Valley, New Monday Hike, Leave from CVS lot at 8:30 AM
Directions: N I-5 to Exit 55 in Grants Pass, which becomes Highway 199. Stay on 199 to 3 miles past Selma, turn right onto the 8 Dollar Road, go one mile to a right turn for the 8 Dollar Mountain Botanical Area.
Description: Explore the biodiverse environment of serpitine soil. We start on the boardwalk to view many wildflowers, including Azaleas and California Cobra Lilies,
Then drive back down and across the main road for parking for the Jeffrey Pine Trail and the Little Falls Loop Trail, with views of the Illinois River. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 120 miles.
May 11: Grizzly Peak
TH: Up DIM 6.5 miles to left onto Shale City Road, to Left at Grizzly Peak sign, 3 miles out to parking.
Description: Up a flowered trail through the forest to the top. Hike the trail clockwise, and stop for views down into the valley and surrounding mountains. 5.5 miles RT, 1,200' gain. Then follow Shale City road around to the turnoff for Lost Creek Falls a short hike with big scenic returns! Weather forecast. 30 miles RT.
May 18: Castle Craig to Castle Dome (CA), 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. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 180 miles.
May 25: Mill Creek Falls Scenic Area (Prospect)
TH: Take Highway 62 north from Medford towards Union Creek. Past Mile Post 42 turn right to visit the Mill Creek Falls Scenic Area near Prospect. EDT: 1:40. Description: At the stop at the Mill Creek Falls Scenic Area we will do a hike to view Mill Creek Falls, Barr Creek Falls, and Pearsony Falls as well as the Avenue of Giant Boulders. About 5 miles and less than 300'. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 140 miles.