OU T D O O R S HIKING
ONE FOOT AFTER THE OTHER With landscapes like these, how could anyone resist a hike? Journey across forest and desert, to the ocean and along rivers, taking in amazing scenery as you go. Historic Lithia Park in Ashland has miles of gravel and paved trails through both landscaped and wild grounds, perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful walk. Meander along Ashland Creek, enjoy the Japanese garden and don’t miss the sycamore grove. Lithia Park also connects to numerous trails and fire roads for those looking to hike further afield, surrounded by nature, beauty and peace. To get a look at Jacksonville’s 1,100-acre Forest Park, take a stroll on the Jacksonville Woodlands Trails. Twenty miles of trails offering grand vistas, small creeks, interpretive markers and signs of old mining activity lie one mile west of downtown in the hills overlooking the historic town. The JackAsh Trail is a community effort to connect the already existing trail systems in Jacksonville, Ashland and the Applegate Ridge. This non-motorized system includes Bald Mountain, Point Mountain and Anderson Butte.
Tate Creek, Rogue River Trail
Indian Sands Trail, an offshoot of the Oregon Coast Trail PHOTO TOP TO BOTTOM CANNON PHOTOGRAPHY LLC / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, IMAGEBROKER / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, SEAN BAGSHAW
The legendary North Umpqua River Trail is comprised of seventynine miles of forested, riverfront beauty begging for a long walk or an overnight backpack. Some sections are more difficult than others to traverse, but all are gorgeous and rarely crowded. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including elk and osprey. One of the most famous hikes in the state, the Rogue River Trail was built for gold miners and their pack mules. The forty-mile trail covers the rugged terrain of the Wild & Scenic Rogue, with historic sites and plenty of pine forests and cliffs along the way.
PHOTO TOP SEAN BAGSHAW
The Oregon Coast will make you want to slow down...way down. The incredible 382-mile Oregon Coast Trail journeys across sandy beaches, through forest corridors and over majestic headlands, every bit of it hikeable. Choose a section and soak up the coast.
32 southernoregon.org
Lithia Park
