LED Headlamps Portland OR

Activities: Hiking, Snowshoeing

Info:
State: Oregon
Location: Rogue River National Forest
Length: One-Way: 2.5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 2740 feet
Maximum Elevation: 4060 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Light

Description: A steep challenging climb, the Soda Springs Trail begins quite leisurely from the temporary lower trailhead on Forest Road 3730. The flood of 1997 has made it necessary to locate this trailhead temporarily. Please excuse the inconvenience until the new trailhead is constructed. Until then follow the signs and respect the privacy of Camp Latgawa as you pass by the area. A stroll along Dead Indian Creek takes you past several mineral springs and traces of an elaborate rockwork fountain built here around 1935. An interpretive sign at the site relates the history of this area. The presence of dozens of game trails’ that cross the Soda Springs Trail, indicates that this area is an important deer migration route from the high summer range of the Dead Indian Plateau to lower elevations along Little Butte Creek. A little over 0.3 miles from the trailhead the trail forks at a junction with the path to Latgawa Church Camp. The Soda Springs Trail climbs steeply on the right to vistas of Dead Indian Canyon and South Fork Canyon of Little Butte Creek. After climbing about 0.4 mile, the trail levels briefly through an invitingly open stand of Oregon white oak Off trail exploration here will reveal several small ponds that are rumored to be poison (arsenic). The rare plant Howells yampah is known to exist nearby. If you have the legs for it, keep going. The trail climbs another 0.6 miles to a pocket of old growth where huge California black oaks reach up to mix with the canopies of Ponderosa Pines and Douglas fir. In the spring and early summer the birdsong is magical. The Californian black oak is distinguished from the Oregon white oak by its darker bark, larger size and toothed leaves. Its acorns were preferred over other species by the Takelma and other local Indians. Continuing upward, the trail traverses an opening created by a timber harvest in 1990 (views of Mt. McLoughlin and Brown Mountain to the east). The trail re-enters the forest on a bench and skirts a cool spring, before climbing the last 0.3 mile to the upper trailhead on Forest Road 2500185. While the Soda Springs Trail is best experienced in the late spring and early summer, the lower trailhead can be accessed most of the year. At peak runoff in the early spring, fording over Dead Indian Creek may be difficult at times. However, remnants of the short footbridge washed out in the 1997 flood help with footing.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Oregon
Location: Willamette National Forest
Length: One-Way: 6.3 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4500 feet
Maximum Elevation: 6500 feet
Best Season: July to October
Difficulty: More Difficult
Usage: Light

Description: The Irish Mountain Trail begins at a junction with the Williams Lake Trail. At Otter Lake, the trail heads towards the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. The Jack Pine Way Trail heads off to the right after short distance and there is a wilderness registration box here. The Irish Mountain Trail enters the wilderness area at the mid-point of the hike. This trail is quite difficult and can be hard to find at times. This trail does not actually ascend Irish Mountain, but veers off and connects with the Crossing Way Trail. There is water available at Otter Lake and many small ponds along the way.

Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking

Info:
State: Oregon
Location: Rogue River National Forest
Length: One-Way: 15 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 5500 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate

Description: This ride is one of the most popular among locals, looping through the National Forest above Ashland. Though not technically difficult, the ride is strenuous, with a total elevation gain of approximately 3000 feet. The decomposed granite surface road is narrow, winding and often rutted. Bikers should control their speed of descent and be especially watchful for oncoming cars and trucks. Carry sufficient water and a snack or lunch. The Lithia Loop is predominantly within the Ashland Watershed, which is the source of the city’s water supply. Special consideration should be given to its protection. The entire watershed may be closed to all entry during the mid-summer and fall when fire danger is high. No camping or campfires are allowed. Riders must stay on the roads. Use of the area is not recommended in rainy weather or when the soils are wet. This route is the beginning of the famous Revenge of the Siskiyous’ Mountain Bike Race. The route climbs uphill from Ashland to the top of Mount Ashland, a distance of 15 miles and 5500 ft. gain in elevation. A very difficult and challenging ride. Total distance is about 30 miles. Starting at Upper Duck Pond in Lithia Park ride up Granite Street along Ashland Creek about 1 mile. When you come to the fork in the road above the siltation dam bear left onto Glenview. Follow Glenview for about 1/2 mile to Ashland Loop Road. Turn right on to Ashland Loop Road, which becomes Forest Road 2060 1.5 miles further up. When Forest Road 2060 turns off to the right, continue left on to Forest Road 200. Follow Forest Road 200 about 4 miles to Forest Road 2080 to the paved mount Ashland access road. Turn right on to the access road and follow it 2 miles to the Ski Ashland parking lot. Continue through the parking lot and enter Forest Road 20. Follow Forest Road 20 for 1 mile to Forest Road 300, which ascends to the summit of Mt. Ashland. Return the way you came. As with the Lithia Loop the first 10 miles of this ride may be closed to all entry during fire season. Mountain bikes are not permitted of roads in the Mt. Ashland area.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Oregon
Location: Willamette National Forest
Length: One-Way: 1.4 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4500 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5100 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Light

Description: The Grasshopper Meadow Trail offers access to the Chuckseny Mountain Road less Area. There are good views of Diamond Peak and the Three Sisters at the intersection of Grasshopper Trail, which is also the end of the trail. There is water available from a seasonal spring, one mile from the trailhead.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Oregon
Location: Siskiyou National Forest
Length: One-Way: 2 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 3200 feet
Maximum Elevation: 3800 feet
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Light
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.

Description: The Bailey Cabin Trail provides a tie between Emily Cabin Trail (#1129) and Bailey Mountain Trail (#1109). The old Bailey Cabin site provides camping near a seasonal spring. Care should be taken not to damage the fragile vegetation in this area.