Fourteen of us met up at Ashland CVS and then stopped to rendezvous with those in Medford at Fred Meyer gas station lot. We were happy to welcome Lynn to our group. We headed up to Lewis Road TH where we began our hike in the open forest of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine and black oak. We crossed the old bridge to Fire Glen Camp for a stop and visit. Continuing beyond the beach area, we ventured along a cliff of lava boulders to delight in the great views on a sunny day. When we reached the relatively new, beautiful bridge, Elisabeth stayed put to take care of her Achilles tendonitis. Alison and Sue picked up to lead. When they reached the intersection with the rocky climb to the Blue Grotto, all but three climbed up to the Grotto to see if there was water falling off the cliffs. We’d heard from Monday group hikers who did the same journey that the falls were non-existent. More moisture must have developed in the meantime, because our group was regaled with a showy waterfall. Poison oak was very abundant, including 5-6’ stands, but it was not yet hanging onto the trail. We enjoyed the early spring wildflowers, with shooting stars most abundant. We saw blooming Oregon grape, purple flowering hounds’ tongue, fawn lily, and more, but finding some red bell fritillaria was the most thrilling. The hike was about 5 miles RT with 150’ elevation gain without counting the climb to the Grotto.
Elisabeth
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Andre and Bonnie at Grotto
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Debi and Sue - Grotto
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Fawn Lily
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Frittalaria
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Grotto descent
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Group
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Hound's Tongue
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New Bridge over Lost Creek
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Poison Oak
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Shooting Star
