Narrative: Lithia Loop starts and ends in Ashland's Lithia Park (elev. 1,950'). From the Upper Duck Pond, ride up Granite Street along Ashland Creek about one mile. When you come to the fork in the road above the station dam turn left onto Glenview Drive and follow it 1/2 mile to Ashland Loop Road. When you reach the National Forest Boundary Ashland Loop Road becomes Forest Road #2060. Road 2060 loops above the East and West Forks of Ashland Creek, reaching an elevation of 5000', and reenters the City of Ashland above the station dam. Follow Granite Street back to your starting point. Total distance is about 28 miles -beginning with a steep 6 mile uphill, followed by 15 miles of level and rolling grade and ending with a steep 7 mile descent (average riding time 3 to 5 hours). To avoid the steep climb and descent, drive the first 6 miles to 'Four Corners,' at the junction of Road #2060, #2080600, and #2080200. Park here and ride the easier section out and back.

Attractions & Considerations: 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 or 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 must 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 when soils are wet.

Access: From the Ashland Ranger Station, drive west on Hwy 66 for 1 mile to Siskiyou Blvd. Turn right onto Siskiyou Blvd. and continue another mile; Siskiyou Blvd. becomes Lithia Way (one way). Continue a few blocks to North Pioneer St. and turn left. Continue on North Pioneer to East Main. Cross East Main and jog right toward the Plaza. Turn left onto Winburn Way and follow it up through the park to the Upper Duck Pond.

Recommended Use:Mountain biking
Length: 15 Miles (One Way)
Difficulty: Moderate (Road 20) to More Difficult (Road 800)
Season: July-October

Narrative: The Siskiyou Crest Mountain Bike Route begins at the Mt. Ashland Ski Area parking lot (elev. 6600') and follows Forest Road 20 for 14 miles along the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains to Jackson Gap. From the Gap road 800 ascends on the right about 1.5 miles to the summit of Dutchman Peak (7,418 feet). Total distance from Mt. Ashland parking lot to Dutchman Peak and back is about 31 miles. Road 20 is a decomposed granite surface that is maintained each year, but may be rutted or contain rock fall in places. Road 800 to Dutchman Peak is more primitive, and requires some technical ability.

Attractions & Considerations: Part of this ride is on the route of the famous "Revenge of the Siskiyous" Mountain Bike race, but don't be alarmed, the race doesn't derive it's reputation from this section. The route winds along the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains. The sub-alpine scenery is terrific, and you can tailor the ride to your fitness level or schedule by turning around at any point. Carry sufficient water and a lunch or snack.

There is a picnic area and campground about 1/2 mile from the ski area parking lot. Another 1/2 mile farther out is road 300 to the right which will take you on a side trip to the summit of Mt. Ashland (7533'). Back on road 20 again at about the 2 mile point, a short road to the left leads to Grouse Gap Shelter, a nice place for a picnic with a view of Mt. Shasta. About 11 miles out is Wrangle Gap; here road 2030 goes downhill to the right about 1/2 mile to Wrangle Camp, a good lunch spot with picnic tables, shelter, and a vault toilet. At the top of Dutchman Peak is one of the very few 'cupola style' fire lookouts left in the Pacific Northwest. The lookout was built in 1927.

A brochure entitled The Siskiyou Loop is available for $1.00 at the Ranger Station. Designed as an auto tour guide, bikers will also find it useful and very interesting.

Please note that the Pacific Crest Trail, which parallels Forest road 20 most of the route, is closed to bicycles. Bicycles are not allowed on the ski slopes at Mt. Ashland.

Access: From the Ashland Ranger Station, drive east on Hwy 66 to Interstate 5. Take l-5 south 9 miles to the Mt. Ashland exit (exit 5). Follow the sign to the Mt. Ashland Access Road (0.7 miles). Turn right onto the Mt. Ashland Road and continue 9 miles to the Ski Ashland Parking Lot.

Recommended Use:Hiking, mountain biking
Length: 0.5 Miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Season: March through November
Level of Use: Light
Elevation: 3500'

This is a nice, short hike for the entire family with historical and scenic interest. It's open 10 Mt. bicycles too, but is more of a side trip since it's a short dead-end route (please keep speed to a minimum on this trail).

The trail offers panoramic views of Ashland Creek, Reeder Reservoir, and Wagner Butte. Relics from past mining activity are visible along the way. Trilliums, tiger fillies, asters, and scarlet gilia dot the hillsides in early spring to mid-summer.

Beginning at the parking area on the Loop Road (2060) the trail follows portions of an old mining ditch built sometime in the early 1900's to bring water from Ashland Creek to power a 'stamp mill. located on upper Tolman Creek road. The ditch-trail passes by one of the old 'adits' (tunnels with one entrance) of the Lamb Mine, excavated into the granite slope in the search for gold.

The trail ends at a scenic vista point overlooking Reeder Reservoir and the Ashland Municipal Watershed. Please use care to protect this sensitive environment. Do not leave the trail. No camping and no campfires are permitted in the watershed. Access to the trail may be closed in summer when fire danger is extreme. Watch out for poison oak!

Access: There are two ways to get to the Lamb Mine Trail both are described on the back of this guide. Access route # 2 is the shortest, but is generally unsuitable for low clearance passenger vehicles. Route #1 is a little longer, but the road is a bit better.

Route #1: From the Ashland Ranger Station, drive west on Hwy. 66 for 0.1 mile to Tolman Creek Road Turn left onto Tolman Creek Road, which will eventually become Forest Service Road #2080 (graded dirt road), and go 7.7 miles to Forest Road #2080/600. Follow #2080/600 to the right for 1.1 miles to Four Corners . Turn right onto Forest Road 2060 and follow it 1.7 miles to the Trailhead Parking area on the left.

Route #2: From the Ashland Ranger Station, drive west on Hwy. 66 for 1 mile to Siskiyou Blvd. Turn right onto Siskiyou Blvd. and go 3/4 mile to Morton Street. Turn left onto Morton and follow it up to the top of hill (Morton St. takes a couple of jogs so watch the signs). Turn left onto the Ashland Loop Road (a dirt road); this is a 'hard left that is more than 90 degrees (very difficult for long wheelbase vehicles). Once you've made the turn, proceed a little over 2 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right. The going gets a little rough along the lower segment of the Loop Road, but is graded from the National Forest Boundary where the Loop Road turns into Forest Road #2060.

Recommended Use:Hiking
Length: 2.1 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Season: May - October
Level of Use: Light
Elevation: 4500'

The Beaver Dam Trail offers an opportunity to leisurely explore the edge between two different types of habitat; streamside and forest. The setting is the confluence of three small creeks which drain the southern Dead Indian Plateau. Beaver Darn Creek, Daley Creek and Deadwood Creek flow lazily through an area of grassy banks, willows, false hellbore, and Beaver ponds. The trail connects Beaver Dam and Daley Creek Campgrounds, forming a partial loop. A range fence encloses the area, protecting the riparian environment from range cattle.

As you walk along the Beaver Dam Trail, you are shaded by large Douglas-fir, white pine and white fir with an understory of pacific yew - recognized by its reddish, peeling bark and dark green, flat, short-pointed needles. The pacific yew is poisonous; eating the foliage or seeds (contained in bright red berries) can result in death. Despite its small size, the yew has proven very useful over the years. Native Americans used the wood for archery bows and canoe paddles. Today, a local craftsman makes bows for violins and cellos. No wood is more resistant to decay and the yew is favored for fence posts. In recent years, the bark has been used with promising results in cancer research. The yew is a shade loving tree which dies when the canopy overhead is removed. Once abundant, it is now found primarily among pockets of old-growth forest along stream banks and canyons.

It you hike the trail in early season, look for wildflowers including bleeding heart, calypso orchid and trillium. You will also see several dead trees or snags' that have become the home for a variety of cavity-nesting birds such as the large and colorful pileated woodpecker and the red-breasted nuthatch, whose call (a low nasal sounding, yaahnk....yaahnk) can almost always be heard in these woods.

Watch overhead, above the creek, and listen for the raucous chatter of the betted kingfisher who makes his livelihood by capturing small fish in a headlong dive into the water. The bank of the creek will reveal evidence of beaver-gnawed branches. If you quietly walk the trail in early morning or evening you may be the lucky one who catches a glimpse of this furry engineer at work on one of several active dams visible from the trail.

Access: From Ashland Ranger Station, drive east on Highway 66 for 1/2 mile to Dead Indian Highway. Turn left onto Dead Indian Highway and follow for 22 miles to the junction with Forest road #37 (Big Elk Road). Turn left onto Road #37 and proceed 1.5 miles to Beaver Dam and Daley Creek Campgrounds. You can begin in either campground.

Recommended Use:Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
Length: 5.3 miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: Mid May -October
Level of Use: Light
Elevation: 4850' (Road 3705) 5650' (Road 3640)
Connecting Trail: Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (#2000)

The Brown Mountain Trail is 7.8 miles in length and runs from Lake of the Woods on the Winema National Forest to Forest Road #3705 on the Rogue River National Forest. This guide describes only the 5.3 miles on the Rogue River National Forest.

This section of the Brown Mountain trail is 8 delightful hike or horseback ride along the southern flanks of Brown Mountain. Passing through a shaded, old-growth forest, the trail offers opportunities for morel mushroom hunting in the late spring; shade-loving wildflowers such as orchids and trilliums blanket the forest floor in early summer; good huckleberry picking in late summer; brilliant fall colors. Water sources are untested and should be considered unsafe to drink.

Beginning on Forest Road #3705, the trail follows the South Fork of Little Butte Creek. At 1.5 miles the trail crosses road #500 and continues through the forest alongside the creek, which now becomes swampy and abounds with willows. At 2.5 miles you cross road #560 and at 2.9 miles you cross the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. While the trail skirts the massive lava flows of Brown Mountain, the mountain is mostly hidden from view by the forest. Between 3.6 and 3.9 miles the mountain and lava flows can be viewed through the trees. At 5.2 miles the trail forks; the trail to the, !left continues to Lake of the Woods (2.5 miles); follow the trail to the right 0.1 as to road #3640.

Access #1 (Forest Road #3705): From Ashland Ranger Station, take Highway 66 east for 1/2 mile to Dead Indian Hwy. Turn left onto Dead Indian Hwy. and travel 22 miles to Forest Road #37 (Big Elk Rd.). Turn left onto Road #37 and proceed 6 miles to Forest Road #3705. Turn right onto Pd. #3705 and continue 3.5 miles to the trailhead. Parking is available for 4-5 vehicles using turnouts on the rosa.

Note: If you have two vehicles, leave one vehicle here and shuttle the second vehicle to Access #2. Park the second car there and hike a gentle downhill grade back to the first car! (Note that trail description oust now be read in reverse.)

Access. #2 (Forest Road 3640): Follow directions to the trailhead in Access #1. From this trailhead, proceed southeast on Road #3705 for 1 mile to the Junction with Forest Road #3720. Turn left onto Road #3720 and continue for 1.5 miles to the junction with Road #700. Turn left onto Road #700 and proceed 3 miles to Road 3640. Turn left again, and continue 1.5 miles to the intermediate trailhead. There is no developed parking, but a spur road about 200 ft. north of trail is adequate for 2 cars.

Recommended Use:Hiking, mountain biking
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy - More Difficult
Season: June through October
Elevation: 5520' at trailhead

Description: Bull Gap is a prominent saddle on the ridge between Neil Creek and Ashland Creek. From the mid 1930's to early 1960's the route of the Bull Gap Trail was part of the old "Mt. Ashland Loop Road." Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it was the only route to Mt. Ashland from town. There was once a picnic area and fountain (abandoned cat 1971) at the site of the present trailhead. The old road had been closed to motorized traffic for many years and became popular with mountain bikers and nordic skiers. In 1993 it was converted to the trail system and the picnic site was reconstructed to provide trailhead parking. It's still a pleasant picnic spot, and you 11 find a rustic table there.

The old road, narrowed and grown over some with vegetation, is a nice walk as well as a prominent mountain bike route. From the trailhead it winds 2.5 miles and climbs 1100 feet to the Mt. Ashland Ski Lodge and parking lot.

When traveling the route in reverse begin at the Mt. Ashland parking lot near the ski lodge, look for the trailhead sign near the closed gate between the Lodge and Rental Shop. Follow the dirt road marked with blue diamonds (nordic ski trailblazers) and traverse just below the lodge to the north. Stay on the road: bikes are prohibited on the ski area slopes! Just below the ski area boundary the trail enters the forest: from this point the blazers leave off, and the trail is easily followed down to Bull Gap.

Attractions & Considerations: The Bull Gap Trail can be incorporated into longer mountain bike loops or descents using Forest Road 2080 (Tolman Greek Road); or 2080200 and 2060 (part of the 'Revenge of the Siskiyous' mountain bike route).

The trail is located within the Ashland Watershed. which is the source of the city's water supply. Special consideration must be given to its protection. No camping or campfires are allowed. Bicycles must stay on the trail. Use of the trail by bicycles is not recommended in rainy weather when soils are wet.

When fire danger is high the Ashland Watershed may be closed to all entry. Under these conditions the Bull Gap Trail will remain open for hikers and mountain bikers. However, the 2080200 road to the north will be closed; so if you are descending to town, use the Tolman Creek (2080) road to the east.

Access: From the Ashland Ranger Station, drive west on Hwy 66 (Ashland St.) one block to Tolman Creek Road (stop light). Turn left and continue up Tolman Creek Road about 1 mile before crossing Siskiyou Blvd. Continue up Tolman Creek road another 15.6 miles, mostly good gravel road, to the trailhead at Bull Gap. Note that once Tolman Creek road enters the National Forest it is designated as Forest Road 2080.

Recommended Use:Hiking
Length: 1.5 Mile (one-way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: May-October
Level of Use: Light
Elevation: 3700' (Trailhead) - 2400' (South Fork Little Butte Creek)

Rebuilt by Sierra Club volunteers and Forest Service trail crew in August of 1990, the Dunlop Trail takes you past some beautiful meadows, an interesting old homestead site, and some of the grandest Ponderosa Pines that you will ever see. The trail ends in the canyon of the South Fork of Little Butte Creek, where fishing for small cutthroat and rainbow trout is usually very good, although the way up or down stream from the trail's end is quite rugged. Horses are permitted only as far as the meadows, beyond the meadows the trail is designated hiker only.

The Dunlop Ranch was said to have been settled by a bootlegger referred to as ol' man Dunlop in the 1920's. During the 1930's a family named Nickerson "got bye." raising mohair goats, whose hides were used for car upholstery and convertible tops. The site has been abandoned since the late 1930's.

Access: To get there from the Ashland Ranger Station, drive east on Hwy 66 to Dead Indian Hwy. Turn left onto Dead Indian Hwy and follow for 18 miles to the Shell Peak Road (just past Lily Glen Horse Camp). Turn left onto the Shell Peak road and stay to the right at the first fork in the road and you will soon come to the National Forest Boundary (approximately 1.6 miles since leaving Dead Indian Hwy). Once on the National Forest the Shell Peak Road is #2500100; follow it another 5 miles to the trailhead on the right. There is parking for 5 or 6 cars.

Eastview Mountain Bike Trail, # 1012

Recommended Use:Mountain biking, hiking
Length: 2.5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Season: June-October
Elevation: 4720' (upper trailhead) - 4320' (lower trailhead)

Description: From the lower trailhead on Forest Road 2080 the first 2.0 miles of the Eastview Trail winds up Forest Road 2080700 (closed to motorized use) with panoramic views of the upper Bear Creek Valley and Emigrant Lake. At 2.0 miles the road forks and the route continues to the right another 0.1 mile before leaving the road. The single track trail heads uphill on the left and meanders another 0.4 miles up to meet Road 2080 at the upper trail terminus. Along the way you'll pass beneath some huge old sugar pine sentinels.

The East View Trail was constructed as a mountain bike tie trail to provide a loop off of the popular Tolman Creek Road (Forest Road 2080). The trail can be ridden or hiked in either direction (2.5 miles one-way). It can be used in conjunction with Road 2080 to create a 4 mile loop, or it can be incorporated into a longer ride originating in Ashland (17 miles from Siskiyou Blvd. up Tolman Creek Road [2080] to upper terminus, down the trail and back to starting point).

Special Considerations: The Eastview Trail is closed to motor vehicle use, however, administrative traffic (fire patrol, reforestation contracts, etc.) occurs routinely on the 2060700 road, so be alert for oncoming vehicles.

If you're riding one of the loops keep in mind that Road 2080 receives a fair amount of vehicle traffic. Bikers should control their speed of descent, and be especially watchful for oncoming cars or trucks. Carry sufficient water and a snack or lunch.

Access: From the Ashland Ranger Station, drive west on Hwy 66 (Ashland St.) one block to Tolman Creek Road (stop light). Turn left and continue up Tolman Creek Road about 1 mile before crossing Siskiyou Blvd. Continue up Tolman Creek road another 6.5 miles, mostly good gravel road, to the trailhead on the left. Note that once Tolman Creek road enters the National Forest it is designated as Forest Road 2080. Ample parking is available in the landing located on the opposite side of Road 2080. Please do not park in front of the gate at the trailhead on Road 2080700.

Recommended Use:Hiking, mountain biking
Length: 5.0 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Season: May-October
Level of Use: Moderate
Elevation: 4560' (Road #37) - 4950' (PCNST)

The Fish Lake Trail offers many opportunities, from a short stroll along the shore of Fish Lake or the North Fork of Little Butte Creek, to a day long excursion from the trailhead to the Brown Mountain Lava flows along the connecting Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCNST). Bicycles are allowed on the Fish Lake Trail but prohibited on the PCNST.

Beginning at the parking area across Rd #37 from the North Fork campground, the trail moseys along the North Fork of Little Butte Creek, passing through a corridor of old-growth forest opening into small riparian meadows dotted with wildflowers. Brook trout feeding on insects dimple the water in the morning and evening hours. At 0.5 miles a side trail to the right takes you to the base of the Fish Lake Dam. The main trail turns left, leaving the creak and winding North through the woods before following the North shore of Fish Lake (look for Bald Eagles and Osprey).

The Picnic areas at Doe Point and Fish Lake campgrounds (parking, toilets and water) are good midpoints to begin a hike either direction on the trail. Continuing thru the campgrounds the trail takes you past the Fish Lake Resort (cafe, store, pay phone), a good place to pause for refreshment.

Leaving the resort, the trail skids the end of the lake then heads east through a forest edged with large openings of blocky basalt lava. At about milepoint 4.8 an interesting geologic phenomena can be viewed. In the early 1900's, the eleven-mile Cascade Canal was built to carry water from Fourmile Lake to Fish Lake and subsequently to Medford. At this point near the trail, the water from the canal disappears into a lava tube and enters Fish Lake one mile away. Appearing as a small pond when the canal is flowing, the deposit of sediment has created a meadow at the edge of the lava when the canal is any.

The trail continues east another 0.4 miles to its terminus at the junction with the PCNST (bicycles prohibited!). If time permits, consider walking south (turn right) on the PCNST for another one to two miles. This is a very unique section of trail which contours the lower slope of Brown Mountain through the massive gray lava flows. Fine views of rugged Brown Mt. and Mt. McLoughlin are offered (carry water). To return to Fish Lake or the trailhead at road 37 you must backtrack the same way you came.

If your group has two cars, one-way tripe are possible by leaving one car at the trailhead on road 37 and driving to the Summit Trailhead (PCNST) on Hwy 140. Follow the PCNST south crossing Hwy 140) about 0.5 mile to the Fish Lake Trail.

Note for Equestrians and Bicyclists: Pack and Saddle stock are not permitted in the developed recreation sites of Fish Lake, or on the Fish Lake Trail except between the PCNST and the tethering area provided at the east end of Fish Lake. Stock can be led to the lakeshore for watering via the posted path. Bicyclists are expected to reduce speed and ride courteously. Bicycles are prohibited on the PCNST (2 miles east of Fish Lake). Mountain bikers may find the 900 road system an interesting side trip. Turn right onto the 900 road and follow the blue diamond nordic ski markers (Ski trail maps are available from the campground hosts and Fish Lake resort). A bicycle trail connecting Fish Lake to Lake of the Woods is scheduled for construction in 1994/95.

Access: From Ashland Ranger Station, take Hwy. 66 east 1/2 mile to Dead Indian Hwy. Turn left onto Dead Indian and follow for 22 miles to the junction with Forest Road #37 (Big Elk Rd.). Turn left onto Road #37 and proceed 7 miles to the North Fork Campground. Trailhead parking is on the right, opposite the campground.

To begin at Doe Point or Fish Lake Campground proceed 1 mile to the junction with Hwy. 140. Turn right onto Hwy. 140 and travel 2 miles to the Fish Lake turnoff. Turn right and follow signs. Park at either of the day-use picnic areas.

To begin at the Summit Trailhead, continue 2 miles past the Fish Lake turn off on Hwy 140 to the trailhead on the left.

Recommended Use:Hiking
Length: 0.5 Miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Easy
Season: March through November
Level of Use: Light
Elevation: 3500'

This is a nice, short hike for the entire family with historical and scenic interest areas. The trail offers panoramic views of Ashland Creek, Reeder Reservoir, and Wagner Butte. Relics from past mining activity are visible along the way. Trilliums, tiger fillies, asters, and scarlet gilia dot the hillsides in early spring to mid-summer.

Beginning at the parking area on the Loop Rd., the trail follows portions of an old mining ditch built sometime in the early 1900's to bring water from Ashland Creek to power a "stamp mill" located on upper Tolman Creek road. The ditch-trail passes by one of the old "edits" (tunnels with one entrance) of the Lamb Mine, excavated into the granite slope in the search for gold.

The trail ends at a scenic vista point overlooking Reeder Reservoir and the Ashland Municipal Watershed. Please use care to protect this sensitive environment. Do not walk off the trail. No camping is permitted in the watershed. The trail may be closed in summer due to high fire danger. There are no water sources along the trail.

Access: From the Ashland Ranger Station, drive west on Hwy. 66 for 1 mile to Siskiyou Blvd. Turn right onto Siskiyou Blvd. and go 3/4 mile to Liberty Street. Turn left onto Liberty, and go 1 block to Iowa St. Turn right onto Iowa and continue to Terrace St. Turn left and follow to the top of hill. Turn left onto the Loop Road and proceed 2.5 miles to the parking area on the right.

Recommended Use:Hiking, horseback riding
Length: 3.5 Miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Easy
Season: June through October
Level of Use: Light
Elevation: 6200' (Forest Boundary 6400' (Grouse Gap)

The Grouse Gap section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail is an enjoyable, easy day-hike close to the Rogue Valley. The trail offers wonderful displays of wildflowers in mid-summer, and outstanding vistas of Mt. Shasta, the Marble Mountains and the Trinity Alps to the south. Several springs are found along the trail; however, the water has not been tested' and may be unsafe to drink.

Beginning at the Rogue River National Forest Boundary sign, the trail begins a gradual ascent along the southern flanks of Mt. Ashland passing through a mixed conifer forest. Interesting granite rock formations are seen along the edge of the trail. Small mountain meadows start to appear, gradually opening to a large cirque basin blanketed with columbine, scarlet gilia and Indian paintbrush, lupines, and mountain gentians. Deer are frequently seen in this area when flushed from cover in the cool, shady draws.

This section of the PCNST ends at Grouse Gap. A nice loop can be completed by hiking along Forest Road #20 south to the Mt. Ashland Ski Area and back to your car via the access road. Picnic facilities are available at the Mt. Ashland Picnic Area, 1/2 mile west of the Ski Area.

Access #1 (Forest Boundary Sign): From Ashland Ranger Station, drive south on Interstate 5 for 10 miles to the Mt. Ashland exit. Turn right and drive 1/4 mile to Mt. Ash' and Road Turn right onto the Mt. Ashland Road and continue for 7.2 miles to the Rogue River National Forest Boundary sign. Parking is available for 3-4 vehicles in the turnout area. The trail begins just to the left of the highway, signed with a large PCNST marker.

Access #2 (grouse Gap): Follow above directions to the Mt. Ashland Road Turn right onto the Mt. Ashland Road and follow for 11.2 miles to the junction with Forest Road #40S30 (Grouse Gap Shelter is 1/4 mile from this junction). The trail crosses #40S30 at this road junction and proceeds south to the Forest Boundary (Access #1).

Recommended Use:Hiking, horseback riding
Length: 3.8 Miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: June through October
Level of Use: Light
Elevation: Begins 6496' (Wrangle Cap) - Ends 5879' (Siskiyou Gap)

This section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic trail traverses the northwestern flanks of Red Mountain. It offers exceptional views of Mt. McLoughlin, the Rim of Crater Lake, and Dutchman Peak Lookout. Wildflowers are usually in full display by mid-summer. There are no water sources along the trail route.

For those wishing to camp overnight in this area, Wrangle Campground is located 1 mile west of Wrangle Gap. Facilities include picnic tables, firepits, and vault toilets.

Beginning at Wrangle Gap, the trail traverses a gradual, northwestern contour along the flanks of Red Mountain. The trail passes through a Shasta red fir and mountain hemlock forest as it continues to contour the ridgeline. Mt. McLoughlin, a 9495 feet composite volcano, looms to the north with good views of Brown Mountain and the Mountain Lakes Rim to the east.

The trail soon emerges into open country, and small meadows blanketed with wildflowers. Thick mounds of beargrass dot the mountainside. Look for signs of wildlife - deer, black bear, and coyote are frequently seen in the meadow areas. The trail contours above Monogram Lakes before beginning its moderate descent to Siskiyou Gap. This section of trail ends on Forest Road #20, at the "true" Siskiyou Cap, about 1 mile west of the junction of Forest Road #22.

Access #1 (Wrangle Cap): From Ashland Ranger Station. drive south on interstate ; for 10 miles to the Mt. Ashland exit. Turn right and drive 1/4 mile to Mt. Ashland Road Turn right onto the Mt. Ashland Road, and continue for 20 miles on Forest Road #20 to Wrangle Cap. The trail begins to the right of the junction with Forest Road 20 and Road #2030. Wrangle Campground is located 1 mile west of this junction on #2030.

Access #2 (Siskiyou Gap): Follow the directions as above to the Mt. Ashland Road Turn right onto the Mt. Ashland Road and drive 17 miles to where the PCNST crosses Road #20, 1 mile west of the junction with Forest Road 22 and Road 20. There is parking for 2-3 vehicles in a turnout area.

Note: If you have 2 vehicles, this is a good trail to shuttle a car and hike one way. Leave a car at access #2 and begin your hike at access #1.

Recommended Use:Hiking
Length: 2.5 Miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Difficult (steep) Season Year long (from Soda Springs)
Level of Use: Light
Elevation: 2740' (Trailhead on Road 3730800) - 4060' (Trailhead on Road 2500185)

A steep and challenging climb, the Soda Springs Trail begins quite leisurely from the lower trailhead on Forest Road 3730800. A stroll along Dead Indian Creek takes you past several mineral springs and the traces of an elaborate rock-work fountain built here ca. 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 mile 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 the 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 hers will reveal several small ponds that are rumored to be poison (arsenic). The rare plant Howell's yampah (perideridia howellii) is known to exist nearby.

If you have the legs for it, keep going. The trail climbs another 0.6 mile to a pocket of old growth where huge California black oaks reach up to mix with the canopy of Ponderosa Pines and Douglas-fir. In the spring and early summer the bird song is magical. The California black oak is distinguished from the Oregon white oak by its darker bark, larger size, and toothed leaves. It's acorns were preferred over other species by the Takelma and other local Indians.

Continuing upward, the trail traverses an opening created by timber harvest in 1990 (views of Mt. McLoughlin and Brown Mt. 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, the short footbridge over Dead Indian Creek may experience temporary flooding.

During the summer of 1992 an abandoned segment of the former Dunlop Trail was reconstructed to become part of this 'new' Soda Springs Trail. The work was done by the Northwest Youth Corps and Ashland District Trail Crew who hope that you enjoy your visit!

Access: There are three ways to get to the Soda Springs Trail:

1) To get to the lower trailhead from Ashland: Drive east on Hwy 66 to Dead Indian Hwy. Turn left onto Dead Indian Hwy and go 13.5 mites to Conde Creek Road (paved). Turn left onto Conde Creek Road and go 11.3 miles to the junction with Lake Creek Road Turn right and go about 3.7 miles to Forest Service Road 3730800. Turn right, crossing the bridge over the Southfork of Little Butte Creek and continue 0.6 mile to a small trailhead turnout. There is parking for 34 cars.

2) To get to the upper trailhead from Ashland: Drive east on Hwy 66 to Dead Indian Hwy. Turn left onto Dead Indian Hwy and go 18 miles to the Shell Peak Road (just past Lily Glen Horse Camp). Turn left onto the Shell Peak Road 2500100 and follow it 5.7 miles to spur road 185 and the trailhead on the left, The former rockpit site provides plenty of parking area.

3) To get to the lower trailhead from Medford or when there is snow on the Dead Indian/Conde Creek route: Take Hwy 62 east from Medford 6 miles to Hwy 140. Turn right onto Hwy 140 and go 1 2.6 miles to Lake Creak Road on the right. Follow Lake Creek Road 11.5 miles to the cattleguard at the National Forest Boundary (the pavement ends here). Continue another 2.1 miles on good gravel road to the junction with Forest Service road 3730800. Turn right, crossing the bridge over the Southfork of Little Butte Creek and continue 0.6 mile to a small trailhead turnout. There is parking for 34 cars.

Recommended Use:Hiking
Length: 5.2 Miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Difficult w/steep grades
Season: June through October
Level of Use: Light
Elevation: Begins 4960' (Road 22) - Ends 7140' (Wagner Butte)

This is a nice hike close to the Rogue Valley that offers panoramic views of the Rogue and Little Applegate Valleys and surrounding mountain peaks. Displays of wildflowers may be seen in early summer. Due to the difficulty in crossing a landslide area, stock are not recommended on this trail at this time. Water along the trail is not tested and may be unsafe to drink.

Beginning on Forest Road 22, the trail crosses a small timber sale unit before following an abandoned roadbed for 1.2 miles to the edge of a massive land slide area -follow the pink flagging for the correct trail route. After crossing the slide, the trail climbs steeply for about 2 miles to Wagner Glade Gap, passing through old-growth stands of Douglas, noble and white fir, Deer and bear are frequently sighted in the glade area, From Wagner Glade, the trail turns to the left and gradually ascends the western flank of Wagner Butte for 2 miles, ending at the base of an abandoned lookout.

Wagner Butte was the site of a former Forest Service lookout originally built in the 1920's, and replaced with a cupola style lookout in the 1960's. The lookout was removed in the 1970's as aeroplane surveillance became a more efficient way to locate forest fires, The mountain is named for an early settler, Jacob Wagner, who lived in the Talent area and operated the flour mill near the Ashland plaza.

Access: From Ashland Ranger Station, drive west on Hwy. 66 for 1.4 miles to Siskiyou Blvd. Turn right onto Siskiyou Blvd. and continue for 6 miles to Rapp Road in Talent (Siskiyou Blvd. eventually becomes Hwy. 99 north). Turn left onto Rapp Road and drive 1 mile to the junction with Wagner Creek Road Proceed straight ahead on Wagner Creek Road and drive 8 miles to the junction with Forest Road #22. Turn left onto Road #22 and continue 2 miles to a large parking area on the right. The trailhead begins to left of the road.

Recommended Use:Mountain biking, hiking
Length: 2.3 Miles
Difficulty: More Difficult
Season: Year long (except when soil is wet)
Elevation: 3100' (Road #2060) - 2400' (Park Street)

Description: The White Rabbit Trail connects the Rogue River National Forest to Ashland via Siskiyou Mountain Park (Ashland Parks and Recreation). From the upper trailhead on Forest Road #2060 the trail follows a shaded fuel break up the ridge then drops off the ridge to the east into Siskiyou Mountain Park. There are several short loops that add some spice; Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, March Hare and Cheshire Cat all return to the main trail. Near the bottom there are connector trails to the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy Todd-Oredson Woods and to Park Street.

Primarily a mountain bike route, this is a challenging ride in either direction. Most will ride it downhill from the Road #2060. Horses are permitted on the trail, but not recommended.

Special Considerations: The White Rabbit Trail is a cooperative effort of the Hamilton Creek Coordinated Resource Area, a partnership between federal and local land management agencies and private landowners. Please respect private property and stay on the trail. When fire danger is high access may be restricted. No camping or campfires are allowed. Bicycles must stay on the designated trails. Bicycle or horse use is not recommended in rainy weather when soils are wet.

Access: To begin at the upper trailhead on National Forest Road #2060: From the Ashland Ranger Station, drive west on Hwy. 66 (Ashland St.) for 1 mile to Siskiyou Blvd. Turn right onto Siskiyou Blvd. and go 3/4 mile to Morton Street (just a couple of blocks past the Triangle Park). Turn left onto Morton and follow it up to the top of the hill (Morton St. takes a couple of jogs so watch the signs). Turn left onto the Ashland Loop Road; this is a "hard" left that is more than 90 degrees (very difficult for long wheelbase vehicles). A short distance ahead the pavement ends; proceed a little over 1 mile on the rough unsurfaced road to the trailhead parking area on the left (just past the gate at National Forest Boundary). Parking for 2 or 3 vehicles. The White Rabbit Trail can also be accessed from the top of Park Street in Ashland, at the green gate entry point to Siskiyou Mountain Park. Parking is limited to on-street.

Move on to Trail Finder: Rogue River National Forest