Mt Ashland Trail Report: Steep Up, Shallow Down

Mt. Ashland is one of those trails that, if you live in the Ashland, Jacksonville, Medford triangle, you're sort of required to hike it. It's up there with Upper and Lower Table Rocks and Roxy Ann. Even if it wasn't, you'd still want to hike up there.

Like many folks, I started this trail at the Mt. Ashland Ski Area, which is good, because from there you can see the iconic "soccer ball" and hints of the views you'll enjoy at the summit. Looking south you can see Mt. Shasta in the distance.  

You can start the trail at a few other points, Mt. Ashland Road, Grouse Gap or Bull Gap trailheads. Those are longer and I'm probably going to do those later in the year. Since this was my first time at Mt. Ashland, the starting point at the ski area was fine.

The sign at the ski area tells you the peak is one mile which seems very doable, but keep in mind that you're going to gain about 1,400 feet in the one mile. The trail starts on that elevation gain just past the ski area buildings.

As you work your way up the trail, you're going to pass several ski lifts, sitting motionless waiting for the winter snows and skiers. Sometimes, like the day I was there, you'll see and hear the folks that maintain the ski runs working on clearing downed trees or cutting trees to make the ski runs wider and safer.

Looking back down the trail, it becomes very clear how quickly you're gaining altitude. The trail up puts you in a northeast facing position, so you have a view Mt. McLoughlin and the range of hills ending at Roxy Ann and the Rogue River Valley below them.

The climb is steep, but you'll keep getting views of the bright white "soccer ball" at the peak to inspire you. Shade is few and far between on the trail up, so a good wide brimmed hat, sunglasses or an umbrella hat is a good idea.

The trail has three switchbacks on the way up to make the ascent a little easier and you'll be crossing several ski runs with some of the names related to Shakespeare plays. It's Mt. Ashland so Shakespeare references are to be expected.

It being July when I did this hike, the spring flowers were all gone but there were a few hardier summer flowers along the way to provide a little colour here and there.

When you reach the topmost ski lift and the "soccer ball", go past the ski lift and look to your right. You'll see two basalt rock outcroppings with a building and a red coloured antennae between them. Head there before making the climb up to the peak.

The outcropping on the right gives you a northeast view of the Rogue River Valley and Medford. The one on the left looks southwest toward Mt. Shasta and the Pacific Coast ranges. I took a break at the outcropping on the left. Mt. Shasta still has snow on it even in July and looking at it reminded me of Mt. Rainier.

Northeast View

Southeast View

Walk back down the road toward the "soccer ball" and up the hill to it. The massive white ball contains microwave relay equipment, radio antennas, and signal routing gear, basically it's a huge telecom hub built to withstand Mt. Ashland's extreme winter snows and winds.

At the ball, turn right up the trail to summit. It's a little steep but not challenging. The view is of course spectacular. Unlike the viewpoint at Roxy Ann, there was no backup of other hikers wanting to enjoy the view, so I stayed there for quite a while soaking in the view.

I also spent some time thinking about the hike back down. The trail would only be a mile long, but the steep decline would be a little hard on the knees and my prosthetic leg doesn't hand steep declines very well. I checked my AllTrails map which showed a small trail that connected the access road going down the other side of Mt. Ashland to the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT then connected back to the access road at the Mt. Ashland campground and then it was just a short walk back to the Mt. Ashland Ski Area. This looked very inviting, so I started the walk back down along the access road.

The walk down the hill is very exposed. There's no shade whatsoever. However, it is an easy walk, and you have a view of the valley to enjoy.

At the bottom of the access road is where AllTrails showed there was a connecting trail to the PCT. I couldn't find it. I walked up and down the trail a couple of hundred yards, but found nothing that even looked like a bushwhacked social trail. I could have hiked around to the Grouse Gap trailhead and connected to the PCT there, but that was another mile, I was down to my last liter of water, and it was HOT.

So, along the road to the Mt. Ashland campground and the ski area I walked. It's almost flat making it an easy walk. The only problem is the occasional car or truck that goes by. 99% of the folks driving by slow down to minimize the road dust they kick up, but there is that 1% who don't.

The Mt. Ashland campground has nine campsites, bathrooms for men and women and the campsites have steel BBQ grates, a picnic table and just enough room for a two person tent, maybe a 3-4 person in a couple of the larger sites. Looking at them from the perspective of a hammock camper, I saw that the sites would be challenging.

Continuing along the road you'll soon see the ski area and your car waiting for you.

The trail back down isn't as interesting as the hike up and the views at the summit, (which are horizon spanning and awe inspiring), but I recommend doing this as a loop starting up at the ski area anyway to save your knees.

In the end, Mt. Ashland isn’t just another “must‑do” local hike. If you’re a hiker in Southern Oregon, make time for this one. Go slow if you need to. Take breaks. Wander over to the basalt outcroppings. Let the wind hit your face. Let the views remind you how lucky we are to have landscapes like this in our backyard. And when you reach the top, stay a while. Soak it in. Mt. Ashland rewards anyone willing to hike it.

Trail Report List

Upper Table Rock - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/upper-table-rock-trail-report

Lower Table Rock - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/lower-table-rock-trail-report

Green Springs Loop Trail - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/green-springs-mt-loop-trail-report

Lithia Park - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/lithia-park-ashland-or-trail-report

Roxy Ann Peak - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/roxy-ann-peak-it-s-all-about-the-views

Roxy Ann Peak - It's All About the Views!

Trail Report: Roxy Ann Peak — Prescott Park, Medford, Oregon

Video Trail Report on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s9c1iD_3f1U

Length: About 3-5 miles, depending on the route

Elevation Gain: ~682 feet

Type: Out‑and‑back or loop

Estimated Time: 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on route and pace

From my backyard — and honestly from my whole neighbourhood — Roxy Ann dominates the eastern skyline. The peak stands at 3,576 feet and overlooks the entire Rogue Valley, from the Table Rocks all the way down toward California. On a clear day, you can even spot Mt. Shasta from the main viewpoint.

Before you even hit the trail, let’s talk about the drive. There are no guard rails, and the drop‑offs are serious. You’ll also meet quarry trucks going up and down, so stick to the posted 15 mph. It’s not a road you want to rush.

Roxy Ann sits inside Prescott Park, named for George J. Prescott, who died in the line of duty in 1933. There’s a memorial plaque for him at the picnic area. I parked at the second lot — the first one is more of a drive‑up viewpoint if you just want scenery without hiking. Keep in mind the park closes at 9 p.m., so sunset chasers should plan accordingly.

From the second lot, you’ve got two ways to reach the main trail. Head right for the Oak Trail, which connects to the Ponderosa Trail, or go left along the Loop Road to reach the Ponderosa Trail from the picnic area. I chose the Loop Road this time because I wanted to check out the picnic area. The road is dirt, exposed, and hot on sunny days — bring sunglasses, a hat, or even an umbrella hat, plus sunblock.

You’ll pass dog‑bag stations along the way. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed — and there’s plenty out here to tempt them off trail.

The views start early. Even before the picnic area, there’s a bench overlooking the valley. I always stop at these benches. I’m hiking for the experience, not the speed.

Just past that bench is the Roxy Ann Picnic Area and the Prescott memorial plaque. Off to the left is a split‑rail fence — go take a look. Behind it is a rock‑lined basin with stairs on both sides. It looks like it might have been a pond or water source, but it’s almost certainly a CCC or WPA structure from the 1930s–40s. No one seems to know its exact purpose. The picnic area itself has three tables set on flagstones. One table has an extended end that looks wheelchair‑friendly, though the uneven stones might make access tricky.

Across the road and slightly uphill is the Ponderosa Trail. This is your route to the peak. The trail is well‑maintained with packed fine gravel.

Not far up, there’s a spur to the left leading to an older picnic site with a stone barbecue — same vintage as the basin. It looks like it hasn’t been used in a long time and would need a serious cleanup.

A little farther on, another bench sits along a short detour. Take the detour. The views and cloud‑watching are worth it.

After a switchback, you’ll hit another bench with another expanding view. The higher you climb, the bigger the valley becomes. This trail is all about the scenery.

One more bench after that, and the trail comes close to Tower Road. Don’t take the road yet. Stay right until you see a spur trail heading off to the right. Follow it to a picnic bench with fantastic northwest views of the Rogue Valley. It’s quieter than the main viewpoint, so you can enjoy it longer.

Head back to the Ponderosa Trail and continue to Tower Road. Go right toward the cell towers, pass them, and you’ll find another picnic table and a shaded path leading down to der Höhepunkt der Wanderung. At the end is a bench and a jaw‑dropping view. On clear days you can see Mt. Shasta to the south, Table Rocks to the north, and the mountains beyond. It’s popular — only 20 minutes from downtown — so expect company. I had hikers stacking up behind me, so I didn’t linger too long.

On the way down, I took Tower Road and connected with the Loop Road to make it a loop. Good choice. Along the way I spotted a sign for the North Roxy Overlook, which AllTrails doesn’t mention. Curiosity won. The trail leads left to stone steps, a covered bench, and another viewpoint — this one looking straight at Upper and Lower Table Rock and the mountains beyond. It’s quieter than the main viewpoints, so I stayed a while before heading back. Eventually I figured my wife would start wondering where I’d gone, so I wrapped it up and returned to the parking lot.

Medford has some excellent trails with views in every direction, and this one is easily among the best. If you haven’t hiked Roxy Ann yet, do yourself a favour and check it out.

TRAIL REPORTS:

• Upper Table Rock - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/upper-table-rock-trail-report

• Lower Table Rock - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/lower-table-rock-trail-report

• Green Springs Loop Trail - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/green-springs-mt-loop-trail-report

• Lithia Park - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/lithia-park-ashland-or-trail-report

• Roxy Ann Peak - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/roxy-ann-peak-it-s-all-about-the-views

Lithia Park, Ashland, Oregon Trail Report

You can check out the video trail report here: Lithia Park, Ashland, Oregon Trail Report - Amputee Outdoors

Lithia Park is one of those rare places where you can simply slow down and let nature set the pace. You can wander as far as you like, turning it into a longer outing if the mood strikes, or you can stay close to Ashland Creek and enjoy an easy, soothing walk beneath the trees. On this visit, I chose the quieter path — no steep climbs, no dramatic vistas, just the simple pleasure of moving through a beautiful, thoughtfully designed park. And honestly, that’s exactly why it remains one of my favorite places to unwind.

The main path follows Ashland Creek in a gentle loop, one side up and the other back down. Along the hillside edge, you’ll notice a few side trails branching away. They’re technically outside the park boundary, but they’re easy to reach if you feel like exploring a bit more. If you’re curious, here are the AllTrails links:

• Bandersnatch, Oregon - 417 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

• Tolinda and Waterline Trail, Oregon - 357 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

• Hitt Road and Acid Rocks, Oregon - 302 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

If you’re visiting Ashland, Lithia Park is something you shouldn’t miss. It’s a perfect way to stretch your legs after breakfast or lunch. Starting from Main Street, you’ll see the park entrance at the end of a small loop road lined with cafés and shops — ideal for grabbing a drink before your walk or treating yourself afterward.

I began on the right side of Meyer Memorial Lake. (A quick note: dogs aren’t allowed anywhere inside Lithia Park except ADA-compliant service dogs, and violations can result in a fine. If you’re walking with a dog, there are designated alternatives nearby.) The first bridge I reached became an easy pause point — one of the things I love most about this park. Standing above Ashland Creek, listening to the water slip between tree-lined banks, you can feel the whole world slow down.

Lithia Park’s story stretches back to 1892, beginning as an 8‑acre space and later shaped by John McLaren, the landscape designer behind San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Over the years, floods reshaped the creek and vegetation, prompting restoration and careful planning. In 2014, the American Planning Association named Lithia Park one of the top ten Great American Spaces — and when you’re walking here, it’s easy to understand why.

Wildlife is part of the charm. On this walk, I crossed paths with squirrels and a deer; on other days, I’ve shared the trail with wild turkeys. Take your time — the park rewards anyone who slows down enough to notice the small details. You’ll pass a children’s playground, a gazebo, a small amphitheater, and plenty of benches tucked into quiet corners. Trees, shrubs, and seasonal foliage give the park a different personality throughout the year. (The trail shifts from pavement to packed bark shortly after the playground.)

I continued up to Black Swan Lake — no black swans, of course, but a few ducks gliding across the water and a shaded bench that practically invites you to sit for a moment. I stayed there for a while, just taking in the stillness of the pond.

On the return path, I recommend circling Meyer Memorial Lake before you leave. It’s beautifully landscaped and wonderfully peaceful. And once you’ve finished your walk, treat yourself to a coffee and pastry from one of the nearby cafés. It’s the perfect way to end a gentle morning or afternoon in one of Ashland’s most beloved spaces.

Lithia Park, Ashland, Oregon is located off E. Main St. Parking is limited but you can also access the park from several other parking lots along Winburn Way and Granite St.

TRAIL REPORTS:

• Upper Table Rock - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/upper-table-rock-trail-report

• Lower Table Rock - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/lower-table-rock-trail-report

• Green Springs Loop Trail - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/green-springs-mt-loop-trail-report

• Lithia Park - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/lithia-park-ashland-or-trail-report

• Roxy Ann Peak - https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/post/roxy-ann-peak-it-s-all-about-the-views