Monday started with welcoming two new members to the AHG. They are young Tristan from Portland who is spending his summer in Ashland hiking while visiting his grandmother, and Christine settling in Ashland after 30+ years serving in the National Parks.
The weather was spring-like in the low 70s as we started our first hike of the summer. The sky was clear so we had good views down into the valley and of McLoughlin, Shasta, and Mt. Eddy.
Many wildflowers were out adding color to the hike. With the bright sunlight, the Oregon Sunshine shone brightly all along the trail.
We did the Grizzly loop in the usual clockwise direction and stopped on the flat shale for lunch and our group photo. Near the end of the loop, the rockpile that is the 5,900' summit was pointed out to the group, who were generally not impressed.
Descending back down to the parking area, we decided to go look for Lost Creek Falls, also off of Shale City Road. The drive became an adventure as turnoff roads were at first bypassed and approach roads were at first missed. We finally found the TH for Lost Creek Falls and the short hike over several downed trees and the spectacular views of the falls made the side trip worth experiencing.
On the day, the Grizzly hike was 5.5 miles with 900' gain and the hike to Lost Creek Falls added 1.5 miles and 160' gain.
It was a fun day with inspiring views.
Happy Trails,
Rich
Lost Creek Falls