Leave from the CVS 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
July 1: Aspen Butte. Hike Leader Bob, Leave at 8:00 AM
TH: Take DIM up to a right on Clover Creek Road just past milepost 28. Follow Clover Creek east for 5.6 miles to a left onto FR 3852 (not sure the FR # is posted, but there is a sign on a tree on the right side of Clover Road pointing at the turn) The lead car will wait after making the turn. Proceed 3.4 miles to the TH at the end of the road staying on the better gravel road and bearing left when in doubt.
Description:This is a spectacular route that climbs through creek-side forest and across volcanic rock fields to reach the rim of a massive, ancient caldera. From the summit of Aspen Butte—the highest point in the Mountain Lakes Wilderness—we’ll have a commanding view of Lake Harriette and the surrounding peaks.
Geological Background Aspen Butte is part of a partially collapsed caldera (1-2.8 Million year old basalts and andesite flows). Unlike the much younger Crater Lake (77,000-10,000 age rocks), this caldera has undergone significant glaciation, which eroded and collapsed many of its original walls, leaving behind the rugged basins and lakes we see today.
The Trail The path follows a creek upward, passing a scenic lake before transitioning into the ash fields near the rim. The final push to the 8,200-foot summit offers one of the best vantage points in the region, looking down into the heart of the wilderness and over Lake Harriette.
Preparation
Drive time EDT: 60 minutes,
Weather forecast. RT mileage: 80 miles.
July 8: Sky Lake Trail to Alta Lake, West side access via Butte Falls Hike Leader Bob Leave 8:00 AM (pg 114 in 100 Hikes, S.Or. 3rd edition)
TH: Drive 1 mile pass Butte Falls turn left on Butte Falls Prospect Rd, follow the paved road for 10 miles turn right on NFR 34 which joins NF 37 at a hairpin creek crossing then go straight onto 80 where 37 makes a sharp left (17mile point) onto 3780 continue 5 mi to dead end and parking lot and Sky Lakes Trail Head at 5257’ elev.
Description: This route offers a journey through a classic alpine landscape, culminating in a spectacular vantage point over the northern deeply glaciated Sky Lakes Wilderness.
Distance: 8.6 miles round-trip (4.3 miles to the lake)
Geological Highlights The trail traverses volcanic rocks dating back 1 to 2 million years. As we climb, we will hike over cobble-strewn sections of glacial moraines and recent "detritus"—the debris left behind by the massive glaciers that carved the Sky Lakes Wilderness. This terrain creates the rugged, lake-dotted basins visible to the east.
The Destination Alta Lake sits at a pristine 6,820 feet and serves as an excellent swimming spot for those inclined to brave the mountain water. Beyond the lake, the overlook north and to the east provides a sweeping view of the wilderness area, where the scale of past glaciation is most apparent. Lake TH Weather
July 15: Mt. Eddy TH to Dead Fall Lake (p. 210 in 100 Hikes) Hike Leader Bob, Leave at 8:00 AM
WE WILL NOT SUMMIT MT EDDY
TH: Drive south on I-5 and take Stewart Springs Road exit (about 1.5 miles after passing the rest area next to Weed); turn right at both stop signs, then left onto Stewart Springs Road; after 4 miles, turn right onto Road 17 for 9.3 miles to the Parks Creek Trailhead. TH. EDT: 105 minutes.
Description: We will hike into the lakes for an extended break. For those who want to keep moving while the rest of the group enjoys a long lunch, there is an optional 0.75-mile extension along the south side of Lower Deadfall Lake and around the corner to a great little cold spring just off the trail. This is a great spot to refill water jugs before heading back to join the main group at Upper Deadfall.
Logistics & Guidelines
Preparation Pack your lunch, plenty of water, and your swimsuit if you’re brave enough for the water! Weather forecast. RT mileage: 150 miles.
July 22: Kangaroo and Bull Lakes Hike Leader Bob, Leave at 8:00 AM
TH: Head South on I-5 to exit 766 (Gazelle). Turn left (south) on Highway 99 for 7 miles to Gazelle. Turn Right in Gazelle onto the Gazelle Callahan Highway. Drive 18 miles to a left turn for Kangaroo Lake (clearly marked) on Rail Creek Road. The TH parking for Fen Trail is on the left in 6.8 miles, just before the main Kangaroo Lake Parking. The TH is just across the Road. EDT: 1:35.
This route climbs to the saddle above Kangaroo Lake before joining the Pacific Crest Trail. From the ridge, the views are expansive, encompassing the Marble Mountains, the Trinity Alps, and the Siskiyou range, alongside Mount Shasta and Mount Eddy.
The Route The first mile is the most demanding, as we climb steeply out of the Kangaroo Lake basin. Once we reach the saddle and turn left onto the PCT, the trail levels out significantly. We will follow the ridgeline to the overlooks above Bull Lake and Robber Meadows.
Note on Bull Lake Our plan is to stay on the ridge for lunch to enjoy the views. We will not descend to the lakeshore unless the group is unanimous about adding the extra mile and 300 feet of vertical climb back to the trail–after lunch. .
Preparation We will be hiking entirely above 6,500 feet. Please be prepared for the altitude and the initial steep grade. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 150 miles