The weekly dope

Earhart Rd Trail, Rogue River, OR- Day Hike

nosfer — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 10:53:16 +0000

This is about a 1.5 mile trail each way. If you go straight up Earhart Rd out of Rogue River, OR the road dead ends about 1/2 mile in. Park to the side of the gate and walk up the logging road (also open to MTN bikes.) About 200 ft up the logging road the trail starts to the left. It is a nice trail to get out for a bit or take your mountain bike or even horse. Its a 1.5 mile long trail that zigs and zags to the top and ends at a nice view of a secluded mountain valley. From there you can either follow the road back down or return the way you ascended.

Other things to do along the way is geo-cache as there are three stashed along the trail. You can find coordinates to these caches at www.geocaching.com . You can also search for Morel mushrooms in the spring or photograph some cool aspects of nature. While walking these trails you may see the remains of old extreme mountain bike jumps and stunts. This was in insane trail that would make you awe at the thought of making these jumps and was actually open until a few years ago when someone was injured and died from the jump accident.

This trail is open to: Mountain Biking, Horse Riding, Hiking

Rating( out of 5): 3
Location: Near Rogue River, OR
Camping: No
Time of Year: Any
Distance: about 1.5 miles each way

Fishing Lake Selmac, OR

nosfer — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:13:26 +0000

Springtime at Selmac

Although locking into a homebound steelhead in the midst of a river is a thrill and exceptional feat; occasionally we just want to go out to the water on a nice day and enjoy the weather and catch some fish. Well if catching fish is what you want to do then this is the article you are looking for, as the lake selmac stocking system is effective and delivers killer fishing opportunities for young or old.

If I were given one lake to take a beginner to catch fish it would be lake Selmac all fish are stockers at 8-12” and the fishing is only good from Februrary through June. Fishing is poor right after a strong rainstorm as it murks the water and makes visibility and scent for fish near impossible.

If possible fish from a boat directly out from the dam spillway as it is deep and a popular place for a high density of fish to hold. Fishing along the dam face from the bank is fairly effective as well.

Basically stay straight on road for the deeper parts of the lake versus veering right where the lake is shallower and not as great of trout fishing; however the first floating dock placed for fishermen is a good bet for trout from the bank. My other surefire spot is to go straight on road until you get to a pullout with chain around it which is directly across from lake marina. Fish in the open parts of the bank.

Best bet for equipment is a very small treble hook (I prefer size #20) followed by a 3 foot leader and enough weight to launch it out a bit and tip the hook with powerbait, any flavor works but chartreuse is my favorite.

Helpful Links and Info…

Lake Selmac Marina- http://www.lakeselmac.com/

State/County Campground- http://www.co.josephine.or.us/page.asp?navid=492

Oregon Trout Stocking Schedule- http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/trout_stocking_schedules/ ( if fishing the stocking charts wait about a week for fish to bite, if you fish right after a stocking trolling lures will be most effective)

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2532861935781

Lost Creek Lake Mtn Biking, OR

nosfer — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:06:04 +0000

Mountain Bike around Lost Creek Lake

This is a long bike loop around Lost
Creek Lake it will take you a few hours and we (the team) considers
it best to plan your day around this loop. Although we did not
measure the distance our guess was approximately 20 miles, lots of
ups and downs, weaving back and forth, and some soft gravel spots.
Overall this is a very enjoyable trail that is great in summer or
winter as typically there is no snow around the lake when other
hikes/bikes are snowed in and there is lots of shade and water in the
summer.

Although the trail can be accessed from
many points, the trailhead actually starts at the first boat ramp
which is accessed from the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery road. Simply
continue to the end where there is parking for boats and off to the
side you will see a gravel parking lot where bicyclist, hikers and
geo-cachers are parked. Speaking of Hikers please be careful and
respect others just imagine hiking the trail asa Mtn. Biker hauls ass
right past you nearly forcing you off the edge of the trail. Go at a
reasonible pace and take it easy around corners.

Plan on a few hours for this ride if
you are going almost non-stop other than some photos along the way.
You will weave through forest, steep banks that drop off to the lake,
open oak knolls, a gravel logging road, across the inlet bridge
(highway) and through some peaceful lake campgrounds.

As far as wildlife goes, you will most
definitely see some fish rising, you will probably locate some ducks,
i’ve seen a few deer over the five or six times i’ve biked the trail,
there are many squirrels and finally eagles and osprey are not
uncommon.

Conclusion, this is currently my
favorite mtn biking trail and has been ever since i’ve started. You
get a good long ride in as well as a good workout, yet it seems
fairly easy and you are able to cover lots of ground at a fairly good
pace. If you live in Southern Oregon or more specifically
Medford/Grants Pass area its an awesome quick hit that is sure to
please. If you decide to hit this trail bring water, a snack bar
and a cell phone as there is service around the lake.

Location: Near Shady Cove

Rating (out of 5): 4

Time of Year: All Seasons (in most
cases), Preferred (Late Spring/Summer)

Distance: Over 20 miles, less than 30

Camping: Yes… In fact there are some
awesome camping options at the state park.

More Information: Please visit

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_30.php

for campground info.

Fishing
Report: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/southwest/

Directions from Medford:

For Directions follow the Google Maps
I’ve composed which will give you step by step directions to the boat
ramp. Google.maps.com/oregonoutdoordude/lostcreeklake

Lower Table Rock, OR

nosfer — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 11:58:54 +0000

Lower Table Rock,

If you were to go to the biggest
city in Southern Oregon and ask, “ hey whats a good easy hike
nearby?” probably 80% of the people you asked would say Table Rock,
often referring to Lower Table Rock which is the most impressive and
the most common. Now without going into great detail about this
trail I will try to explain the terrain, the views and the other
important information.

Lower Table Rock in itself is an
easy hike that is very popular and common among locals and families.
The rock is convienent due to the fact its within 15 minutes of
Medford and only takes about 35-40 minutes to reach the viewpoints.
There is a pit bathroom in the paved parking area, but no running
water or drinking water available. If you watch the newspaper or
research online there is often group hikes and/or interpretive hikes
in the Spring and Summer, which is a great alternative for those who
prefer hiking in groups.

Although a fairly short distance hike
and the fact that I would classify it as easy the Table rock trail
still can be a great after meal workout for the calves and cardio.
The trail is 5.5 miles round trip, and the first mile is ascending in
elevation through a series of zig-zags which initially bring you to
the perfectly flat top of the table. Once on top of the table you
walk about ½ mile on an old air strip to the WSW face of the table
from this point you get to view much of the Rogue Valley.

Winter, this is the most uncrowded
time of year to ascend the table which I sometimes prefer; however
the grass is dead, the leaves are off the trees, there is less
wildlife and primarily the puddles that form on the top of the table
can be slightly annoying if not prepared correctly.

Spring, probably the best time to
climb the mountain as it is very lush and green, the sun feels great
but not too hot and lots of gorgeous flowers to view, and keep in
mind you will not be the only ones on the mountain as it is a busy
time of year.

Summer/Fall, nice at morning or lake
evening, but not my cup of tea.

Looking for a fun hit thats close to
town, maybe try Lower Table rock its one of those trails that you
just have to climb if you are living in or around southern Oregon. I
personally hike both of the Table Rock’s about 8 times a piece every
year and always enjoy coming back for more. Check out my Fun
Challenge page where I write about climbing both Upper and Lower
Table Rocks in one day. If I climb the rocks I prefer to do both as
more of a personal challenge.

Dogs: No dogs allowed on trail

Location: Near Medford, OR

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 5.5 mile round trip

Camping: No

Rating (of 5): 3.5

Directions:

From
Grants Pass, drive south on Interstate-5 for 26 miles (or 4 miles
north of Medford) and take exit 33 toward Central Point. Go east on
Biddle Road for one mile and turn left at Table Rock Road for 5.2
miles. To reach Upper Table Rock, turn right at Modoc Road for 1.5
miles to a parking lot. For Lower Table Rock Road, continue on Table
Rock Road and follow pointers.

Fish Hatchery to Whitehorse Park Steelhead Float

nosfer — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:42:11 +0000

Applegate River, Fish Hatchery Park to Whitehorse

Although this float could be made soley with the idea of just having fun, we recommend and completed the float in the winter while winter steelhead fishing. The Applegate river is notorious for big, bright steelhead and although you cannot fish from a boat in this river, you may float the river to access some really great fishing holes along with covering more water, but perhaps the best reason for taking a boat is that you get to have loads of fun even if fishing isn’t the best that day.

Basically your best option is to use a pontoon boat aka cataraft because their small and lightweight nature makes them perfect for taking out and putting in at places you could never set a drift boat in the water.

This float takes a few hours to complete (more or less depending on how much you fish.) You will find many spectacular fishing holes along with unique one of a kind scenery, as the title says you put in at Fish Hatchery park on the Applegate river and near the end of your float you tie into the Rogue River where you float about a half mile to Whitehorse park boat ramp. While fishing the applegate bring your entire assortment of gear as bait, lures, flies and all other general methods are legal.

You may only keep hatchery fish on the Applegate, and please respect peoples property.

On our recent float in the very beginning of February we fished three people and pretty intensely in our riffles, by the end of the float we had 3 steelhead hooked up, but had yet to land one. Bring an assortment of gear and be ready for anything, for the day you float the Applegate the fish may be on fire!

Location: Near Grants Pass
Rating (out of 5): 3.5
Season: January-March
Camping: No
Distance: N/A about 2.5-3 hours of straight floating

Directions to Fish Hatchery:

View Larger Map

Directions to Whitehorse:

View Larger Map

Roxy Ann Peak, OR, Day Hike

nosfer — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:10:39 +0000

Roxy Ann Peak

Those who do and those who don’t, if
you are one that “does” and live in Southern Oregon you have
probably done most of the hikes in the area and you are getting bored
with the same day hikes time and time again. Well… thats exactly
why this website has been published this page that helps you that
“do” expand your list of feats and accomplishments.

Roxy Ann Peak near Medford Oregon this
is a rather unknown trail basically rising directly above the busy
city of Medford. Although this trail is not my favorite it is
definitely worth hiking once and the views are pretty amazing. While
driving in the city of Medford on a clear day you can look at the low
mountains and see a domed mountain coming directly up from the valley
floor, and on top of this dome is a cell phone tower, which yes is
Roxy Ann Peak. Roxy Ann has a trail that zigs, zags and weaves to the
top of the mountain, and much of the distance you are following an
access road that goes to both a semi-active mine and the cell tower
on top. During the winter gates close at 5 pm and in the summer
gates close at 9 pm, because its a city park hiking is allowed 24
hours a day, but there are no campsites available.

This mountain is accessible year-round
and is popular among hikers, bikers, dog-walkers and photographers
although most stunning in the spring it offers wonderful views any
time of year. In the summer months watch for rattlesnakes, and any
time of year keep your eyes out for deer, as its pretty cool how many
of these guys call this mountain home.

The climb up is pretty much a
consistant incline to the top and the summit is only 2200 ft in
elevation. On the climb you will experience lots of grassy/oaky
knolls and lots of small wildlife. There are many routes to make it
to the top, but the primary route is the road that travels to the
summit.

Roxy Ann got its name from a
homesteaders wife back when the area was getting settlers from the
east. Another interesting fact is that Roxy Anne Peak is a now
inactive volcano, the only volcano that lies in the town of Medford
Oregon.

Location: East Medford, Oregon

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance: My best guess is 2-2.5 miles
each way

Time of Year: Year-round

Rating (out of 5): 3

Directions: Finding
Roxy Ann Peak is easy. It is the volcano you can see on the east side
of the City of Medford. Interstate 5 bisects Medford. Take either
exit from I-5 and follow one of the options below.

Option
1: Take the north I-5 exit (exit 30) and head north towards Crater
Lake National Park on Hwy 62. At the second signal (about 1 mile from
I-5) turn right on Delta Waters Rd. Roxy Ann Peak is straight ahead
at this point. Stay on Delta Waters until it ends (about 1.8 mile) at
Foothill Rd and turn right. Go 1.3 miles to East McAndrews Road, go
under the bridge and turn right on the clover leaf to go east on
McAndrews.

Option
2: Take the south I-5 exit (exit 27) and head east on Barnett Rd.
Stay on Barnett, pass the Rogue Valley Hospital, and at the signal at
the intersection with Foothill Rd, turn left (about 2.0 miles from
I-5). Go 2.0 miles to East McAndrews Road, turn left before the
bridge onto the clover leaf that will take you east on McAndrews
Road.

Once
you are on East McAndrews Rd heading east towards Roxy Ann Peak, go
1.6 miles to where McAndrews ends and Hillcrest continues up the
hill. Go another 1.0 miles and turn left on Roxy Ann Rd

Guided Snowshoe Trip, Crater Lake, OR

nosfer — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:07:34 +0000

Fun Hit!

This winter when you’re
trying to think of something to do look no further. After taking a
recent trip to crater lake I was surprised at the opportunity the
National Park offered, for along with letting you enter the park for
free during winter months; the park also offers a very fun family outing. The national
park service puts on a free guided snowshoe tour that last about two
hours and is fun along with very informative. The tours go all winter
long and start every weekend at 1 p.m. You do not have to bring anything as
the park service supplies snowshoes for all.

I believe children over 8 years of
age are allowed, but either way its a good idea to check out their
website as they supply updates on road conditions and open trails
(http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
)

For directions on how to reach the
park see the above link, and please check the weather before going to
the lake, as it is extremely high in elevation and when its raining
in the valley its snowing at Crater Lake not to mention the views are
less desirable when its cloudy/foggy weather conditions.

Making a list of fun hits that are
easy for Oregonians to visit is tough, as most fun outings cost a lot
of money and/or time to accomplish. Putting Crater lakes guided
snowshoe trips on the list was a simple and sure decision. Before
heading to Crater Lake don’t forget to bring some warm clothes, a
full tank of gas, and lastly a camera.

Location: Near Union Creek, OR

Rating ( of 5) : 4

Cost (1 worst/10 best): 7

Accessible: Whenever there is snow
pack- November-May

Camping: No

Accommodations: Cafe/ Gift Shop

Directions: See the following link: http://www.oregonoutdoordude.com/2012/01/winter-west-rim-trail-crater-lake-cross.html

Winter, West Rim Trail, Crater Lake, Cross Country Skiing.

nosfer — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 12:05:58 +0000

Rating (out of 5): 4

Location: Crater Lake Ntnl. Park

Distance: 5.0 mile round trip

Open: Year Round Check this website for road closure: http://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/current-conditions.htm

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard ( only for me because I am just learning to CC ski, and at it several times.) Easy for snowshoers.

Camping: No

Accommodations: Gift Shop & Restaurant (great java!)

This was my brother and myself first attempt at cross country skiing. I’m not going to lie it was rather comical and quite amazing as a first experience. First, if you are like me and just want to rent some skis pull in at Union Creek (store on the way) where you can rent them for like $8– a set and see how you like it. This trail takes you up and down in elevation along the 2.5 mile trail. You will get to burn some calories skiing up some moderate inclines, and then get to enjoy sweeping down a beautiful glistening slope as a reward for the hard work put in on the prior climb. There are several awesome views of the lake and some very fun sections of the trail. As a beginner I would not recommend taking the entire trail as some places have steep drop-offs and it can be quite dangerous with clumsy people on slick skis.
Either way this trail is worthwhile and if you haven’t been to Crater Lake during the winter its a worthwhile perspective.

Directions: From Grants Pass

- Merge onto I-5 S via the ramp to Medford 11.8 mi
-Take exit 43 toward Gold Hill/Crater Lake/Oregon 234/Oregon 99 0.2 mi
- Turn left onto Main St 0.2 mi
- Turn right onto OR-234 E/Rogue River Hw
Continue to follow OR-234 E 2.4 mi
- Turn left onto Gustaf St 390 ft
- Take the 1st right onto 4th Ave 0.5 mi
- Continue onto OR-234 E 14.8 mi
-Turn left onto OR-62 E/Crater Lake Hwy 41.4 mi
-Slight right to stay on OR-62 E/Crater Lake Hwy 15.9 mi
- Turn left onto Munson Valley Rd 3.9 mi
-. Turn left to stay on Munson Valley Rd 2.8 mi
-Turn left onto Rim Dr 3.7 mi
Crater Lake National Park
Oregon

Once you Reach the lodge, the West Rim Trail, starts directly across from the bathrooms.

View Larger Map

Stout Grove, Boy Scout Trail (Hiking), N. Cal

nosfer — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:52:24 +0000

Rating (Out of 5): 4.0

Open: Year-round ( some blow-downs across trail during winter.)

Location: Near Crescent City, Calif.

Distance: 5.5 miles round-trip

Difficulty: easy/moderate

Camping: Nearby, Jedediah Smith

Info on this trail is also available on Zachs adventures, http://web.thedailycourier.com/zachsadventures/hikes/hikes.html?i=67

     Boy Scout Tree Trail,

       Yet another easy hit for weekenders wanting to get out of the fog or just go to the coast. Maybe you just at at a restaurant and need a quick hike to work it off, or maybe your wanting to explore Northern Californias Giant Redwoods. either way this is a great trail to checkout. It overs tons of awesome photo ops for massive redwoods. You will feel like a little person amongst these god-like trees.

This trail is fairly easy, nothing about the trail is technical except for slight elevation gain on the way back. About 2.8 miles each way. As you hike you will find the biggest redwoods in the first mile, until the very end where some more monsters rest. You follow a small stream for the last section which takes you to the end of the trail for an awesome reward. Fern Falls, a spectacular water fall that marks the farthest point of your trail. You then backtrack to the trailhead.
A great fun-hit for the family and either on the way to or back from the coast. Check it out and you won’t be disappointed.

From Grants Pass
, follow Redwood Highway 199 for 70 miles south into California. Take a left on South Fork Road (427) and cross a bridge over the Smith River. Follow South Fork Road for 1.5 miles and take a right onto Douglas Park Road, following pointers to Stout Grove. Continue on Douglas Park road until it becomes Howland Hill Road, a rough, dirt road that runs into Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park. Continue a few miles ( Feels farther) past Stout Grove to a turnout on the right side of the road and the trailhead.

Prairie Creek Redwoods, MTN BIKING, N. Cali

nosfer — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:57:13 +0000

Rating (Out of 5): 4.0

Open: Year-round, however quite challenging during the winter… Due to puddles and ponds that form.
Location: 25.5 mi. South of Cresent City.
Distance: 20-28 mile loop

Difficulty: Intermediate

Camping: At Campground, lots of close by alternatives.

After looking through the trails on Zachs website I decided to make a weekend hit on the “Ossagon Loop” Posted on Zachs website (See link Here). I arrived at Prairie Crk Redwoods, on Drury B Scenic Hwy where there where many groves and several linked trails. Although I could not find any maps on paper there are maps posted along the road in several locations. You will find this is a very extensive link of trails and the Ossagon Trail is only like a 1.6 mile trail which ties into the Pacific Coastal Trail and eventually back to the highway. After starting the trail you make a slight uphill climb for maybe 1/4 mile you then dart down a run of trail that is fast and furious, so you basically haul ass all the way to the Pacific Coast Trail. You will follow the coastal sands for several miles, this is where I encountered several problems for instance there were several large downed trees across the trail which I was required to hike around. The biggest downer was the large ponds that had formed from the recent rains, where I was literally up to my knees in water to cross them. You will want to keep your eye out for elk as there are several in the area and I nearly ran into two bulls while riding my mtn. bike.

Eventually you come to a small stream that you have to cross, once crossed there are picnic tables and a parking area. Keep trucking down this road quite a few miles until you reach a climb on the road. You climb for probably a full mile, and soon there should be a trail “Dunnagon praire” to your left, however it was under construction as of when I went through. I was required to go much further down the road to a nice rest area that appears on your right, then look to your left, there is a small gated road. Take this road all the way back to Prairie Crk Campground. Follow the Road Back to your truck.

Directions:
Follow Highway 101 south of Crescent City, Calif., for 25 miles. Turn right onto Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Follow this road a few miles to Ossagon Trailhead (milepost 302.7.4) on your right.