Hiking in South Oregon? (Medford, Ashland: farms, car, best)

[KelseyAZ]

Hi there,

I'm going to be doing a roadtrip up the 5 towards Seattle, and the area that works out best with my driving times is around Grant's pass/Glendale, OR to stay for the night. I wanted to ask the locals what they thought of any hiking around that area? I do see some mountain areas on the map near it. I wanted to do a moderate hike the next morning before I leave, maybe a few hours total. I like hikes with a decent incline and good views. I find flat hikes boring.

Does any one have any recommendations for me on hiking trails? Or if that is even a good place to stop and have hiking to begin with?

Thanks a bunch!
--Kelsey

[hamellr]

There aren't a lot of hikes down in that area. Most hikers I know in Southern Oregon tend to use Forest Service and Logging roads.

I do highly suggest the following hikes though:

LocalHikes - Detailed Hike Information

LocalHikes - Detailed Hike Information

[KelseyAZ]

Originally Posted by hamellr

There aren't a lot of hikes down in that area. Most hikers I know in Southern Oregon tend to use Forest Service and Logging roads.

I do highly suggest the following hikes though:

LocalHikes - Detailed Hike Information

LocalHikes - Detailed Hike Information

Thank you so much for the links/feedback! They are both north of where I plan on staying the night, so I can always pack up my car real early, drive a little ways up the 5, and stop for my hike. That might actually even be better to split up my driving so I'm not sitting all day. I will definitely keep those in mind...Getting personal suggestions is better than me randomly picking something offline and realizing it's not that great of a hike. So I appreciate it!

[WolfBoy914]

Originally Posted by KelseyAZ

Thank you so much for the links/feedback! They are both north of where I plan on staying the night, so I can always pack up my car real early, drive a little ways up the 5, and stop for my hike. That might actually even be better to split up my driving so I'm not sitting all day. I will definitely keep those in mind...Getting personal suggestions is better than me randomly picking something offline and realizing it's not that great of a hike. So I appreciate it!

You might want to think of staying in Medford and hiking the Tablerocks. They offer a spectacuar view of Mt McLaughlin and the surrounding Rogue Valley. While you're in town swing by the Rogue Creamery if you like world class blue cheese or Lillie Belle Farms if you like chocolate. Both are in Central Point near the TableRocks.

Have a great hike and trip!

[bluebird39]

Hmmm there really aren't very many hikes close by. Mountain roads can be snowy and aren't generally paved there. Your best bet, might be Valley of the Rogue State park, along the river. Rainy Falls (sp?) is beautiful, but you'll have to drive a bit to get to a place to park, and at least a few years ago, it's not well marked, and the hike is more of a whole day hike.

The Table Rocks are 2 great hikes, near Medford. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses close to I-5 near Mt Ashland, but unless you have x-coutry skis, it wouldn't do you any good. There's a nice nature trail through Lithia Park, in Ashland, and Bear Creek Trail, along the river in and around Medford. Jacksonville, OR has some nice close-to-town trails too.

[Hawk J]

Imho, don't hike to Rainie Falls when it's SNowing or the weather is BAD.

It's Quicker & closer to Graves Creek Bridge, if you go thru Merlin, then along the 'Rogue River' to the Bridge..

I use a walking stick & watch where i walk.

LocalHikes - Detailed Hike Information