Leave from the CVS parking lot (Previous Rite Aid) 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
December 1: Woodruff Bridge to Takelma Gorge Leave CVS lot at 9:00 AM
TH. North on I-5 to Exit 30, then 52 miles up Highway 62 to the Wooddruff Bridge left turn off, parking on the left before the bridge.
Description: View the Fall color change of Dogwoods and Vine Maples to Reds and Yellows along the Rogue River Trail. 7 miles RT.
Weather Forecast. 140 miles RT.
December 8: Roxy Ann PeaK, from top Parking Lot Leave CVS lot at 9:00 AM
TH: North on I-5 to Exit 24. Right on North Phoenix Road, Right on Cherry Lane, Right on Hillcrest, Left on Roxy Ann Road to upper parking by Porta Potties. EDT: 30 minutes.
Description: Follow trail and roads up to the summit, for 360 degree views of valley and mountains. 5 miles RT, 1,000' gain. Visit Roxy Ann Winery post-hike. Weather forecast. Mileage: 30 miles RT.
December 15: Lithia Park & Wonder Trail (part one) meet by the Band Shell parking, 9:00 AM
From parking near the Band Shell, cross the road to view the fountain and the Japanese Garden. Then hike up the path from the Pickleball courts to the upper duck pond then continue up to view Ashland Creek from the auto bridge.Take the trail up to the swimming reservoir, then continue to the Wonder Trail and turn around at the 2.9 mile intersection. While completing the loop of the Park, you can stop for lunch on the Plaza. Weather forecast.
December 22: Buck Rock Tunnel, Leave CVS lot at 9:00 AM
TH: From CVS parking lot, take Highway 66 nine miles to a right on Buckhorn Springs Road then a quick right up Emigrant Creek Road for two miles to the parking area on the left. EDT: 25 minutes. Description: Go around the gate across the road from the parking area and continue up the Buck Rock Trail. The first split off trail to the left takes you 2 miles up to the East portal of the tunnel project. Go out and up to the main trail for another 2 miles to the West portal for lunch. Back down the main trail to the parking area. 6+ mile loop with 800' gain. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 30 miles.
December 29: Pacifica/ Garden & Nursery (Williams)
TH: From Jacksonville drive 21 miles up Highway 238. Turn left onto Water Gap Road and drive 2 miles to a left into Pacifica parking lot. EDT: 1 hour. Description: Charming pastoral countryside. The trail will take us around the perimeter for 4.3 miles first over forested hills then through flat pastures with reservoirs along the way. About 300' gain. Weather forecast. 100 miles RT.