It had been 18 months since we last visited one of our classic local hikes – Grizzly Peak – perched above Ashland, Oregon, with a commanding view of the Bear Creek Valley. Unlike our last visit – during what passed for “winter” over a year ago – this time we walked through expanses of thick, green grasses and annuals, having struck near the peak of the sunny wildflower season. Floral abundance was everywhere – which was kind of surprising given what a dry winter we had. We were also able to do this hike on a weekday, when this immensely popular trail is not very crowded.
The short trail to the peak was lush with vegetation right from the start;
plants that hosted a surprising number of butterflies.
Looking up from Ashland, all you see are sunbrowned slopes, but up here at almost 6,000 feet, we were walking through meadows still green and flower-covered.
The trail swings around the north side of the peak through an area cleared of forest by a wildfire in 2002,
but now sporting colorful patches of flowers.
From the viewpoint overlooking Ashland, there’s the obligate view of Mount Shasta,
but a view of the now nearly snowless McLoughlin is possible only back near the trailhead.
A fun hike with great views and one short enough (5 miles round-trip; only 750 feet of elevation gain) to allow plenty of time for food and brews at Caldera in Ashland! 😀
BOOTS on the TRAIL 