Leave from the Safeway parking lot in Ashland 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
November 7: Mt. Ashland to Wagner Butte New Hike TH: take Mt. Ashland Road / FS 20 about 1.7 miles past the Grouse Gap turn to the clearing / parking lot on the right side of the road after the big loop; EDT: 60 minutes. Description: A whole new way to get to Wagner Butte and a last chance at the high elevations before winter. Starting at the base of McDonald Peak follow the Split Rock trail along the ridge line up and down and over and around past Split Rock to Wagner Glade Gap where we pick up the trail to the Wagner Butte lookout. It's partly trail and partly cross-country where the old trail is no longer discernable, but not particularly difficult as long as we avoid the manzanita patches; views are spectacular. Weather Forecast. Distance: 9 miles RT; It is up and down both ways; total climbing about 1,500 feet.
November 14: Upper Rogue: Hersberger Bridge to Natural Bridge - Meet at 8:30 AM. TH: Take Highway 62 East from Medford towards Crater Lake; on the way, leave a shuttle car at the Natural Bridge picnic area. At the Highway 62 / Highway 230 junction continue straight on Highway 230 for 0.9 miles to the first left on Hersberger Road, cross the Rogue River and proceed 0.6 mile to the TH on Hersberger Road. EDT: 90 minutes. Description: Take the Rogue River Trail (1034) down the North and West side of the Rogue River to the Natural Bridge campground. Lots of big old trees on this hike. We will be crossing Flat Creek on the bridge rather than attempting a ford. Distance: 8 miles; elevation gain: mostly downhill with small ups and downs. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 150 miles.
November 21: Mule Mountain Trail to Baldy Peak (Applegate Valley) (p.228 in 100 Hikes) TH: On left hand side of Upper Applegate Road, just past the 12 mile marker (5.5 miles beyond the Star Ranger Station); park off pavement wherever you can; EDT: 60 minutes Description: Lovely trail that winds its way unremittingly up the hillsides above the Applegate Valley. Distance: 8 miles RT; elev gain: 3,000 feet. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 70 miles.
November 28: 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: 8 miles; elevation gain: 1,000 feet of climbing; Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 35 miles.