Leave from the CVS (previous 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: Nanci
Website: https://ashlandhiking.org
January 7: Lost Creek Lake (North Shore) (p.82 in 100 Hikes) Hike leader: Nanci
TH: Drive across the high bridge on the north side of Lost Creek Lake and make an immediate left on Lewis Road and continue for 1 mile to the TH; EDT: 60 minutes. Description: "generally level", pretty trail through the woods along the north shore of Lost Creek Lake past the spur to the Blue Grotto and on to our usual lunch spot at the bench below a rock outcrop overlooking the lake; return the same way. Distance: about 10 miles RT; 900 feet of up. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 110 miles
January 14: Jacksonville Forest Park Hike leader: Nanci.
TH: North on I-5 to Phoenix, exit 24. Head west to a right on OR-99 for 1.4 miles to a left onto South Stage Road then into Jacksonville pass the Library then head out Highway 238 to Jacksonville Reservoir Road. Head to Parking area P1A. Start at the parking area and go across the dam. From there head up the trails to Pipssisewa Summit. Return by continuing on the Pipssisewa trail to Halls of Manzanita and back on the rail trail to the parking lot. About 6 miles and 1,800 feet of change. Weather forecast: RT mileage: 40 miles
January 21: Bolt Mountain Hike leader: Nanci
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.
January 28: Viewpoint Mike. Hike leader Nanci.
TH: From Medford drive Highway 62 past the turn off for the Lost Creek Lake fish hatchery and take the next right (Crowfoot Road) a few hundred yards later onto a paved road. The parking area is soon after on the right and for the trailhead, cross the road at the back left of the parking area and you will find a sign marked Viewpoint Mike. EDT: 60 minutes. Description: very nicely laid out trail parallels Highway 62 as it climbs through varied terrain to a large rock outcrop with a stone wall looking down on Lost Creek Lake. Hike through the forest for lunch and views to the east. Distance: 6-7 miles RT; elevation gain: 1,200 feet. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 100 miles