Upper Table Rock Trail Trip Report

My wife and I have just moved to southern Oregon and of course, I have to hike the two most obvious geological features of the Rouge River Valley, Upper and Lower Table Rock. In this report I cover Upper Table Rock, Lower Table Rock report will be post when I've done that trail. First some facts about these mesas:

1. The names 'Upper' and 'Lower' don't refer to their height, the names refer to their location along the Rouge River. Upper Table Rock is upstream from Lower Table Rock along the Rouge River.

2. How did Upper and Lower Table Rock form?  Well, about 7 million years ago the land looked very different.  The plateau top is actually the river bottom of where the ancient Rouge River flowed.  A volcano near where Lost Creek Lake is now, erupted in a slow lava flow that filled the river valley.  It formed a hard and erosion resistant bed that as the millennia passed stayed in place as the softer rock and sediment around it eroded away and formed the Rouge Valley we see today.  So, the plateau went from being the bottom of a riverbed, to being the top of a mesa as the ground around it was washed away by rain, wind and gravity. 

At the entrance you'll notice a couple of signs that dogs are not allowed on the trail.  Dogs aren’t allowed because Upper Table Rock is one of the most ecologically sensitive places in Southern Oregon, and even well‑behaved dogs can unintentionally damage the rare species that live only on the summit.

It’s about one and a half miles to the summit and once we reach the plateau, there’s about a mile of official trails.  Please note that I wrote 'official trails', more on that later. All told, you can expect a four-mile to four and half mile round trip on this hike. 

Elevation gain is only 744 feet, and the trail is in excellent condition with a mild rate of incline.  The last 10^th of a mile is a little rocky but not challenging.

It didn’t take me long to break out my umbrella hat.  I saw a lot of folks calmy hiking up and down the trail as if it were a walk in the park.  Having done all my hiking in the Pacific NorthWET, this felt more like a grueling hike in the desert.

There are two benches and one picnic table on the way up to take in the views and sit down for a break.  Since the journey is half the reason for my hikes, I made sure to use them.

The views as you advance up the trail get better and better.  Mt McLoughlin dominates the landscape in the distance, and the Rouge Valley spreads out below you as you gain elevation. Don't be distracted by the sweeping views, take some time to check out the flowers, unusual bark formations of the madrona trees and the basalt outcroppings on the way up. Also, keep an eye out for snakes, lizards and squirrels.

It being June when I did this hike, the flora had progressed to its summertime colours.  The grass was dry and khaki coloured, and most of the flowers were past their bloom.  I’m looking forward to doing this hike again in the fall, winter and spring to see how the flora changes with the seasons. I'll be sure to post those videos on Amputee Outdoors and of course if you want to see this hike check out the video here: https://youtu.be/PdKS8CtrMEI

I found arriving at the summit to be a little surrealistic as I’ve never hiked a mesa like this.  Spread out before me was a perfectly flat landscape with just a few short trees along the edges.

There are three official summit trails leading to the south, west, and north edges. I went along the trail to the west. This leads you to a view of the Rouge River Valley and Medford. There are a few low outcrops of rocks to sit on and have lunch while you check out the view.

It’s quite a sight to look down on the valley with no trees to block your view.  Watching hawks and turkey vultures glide along the thermals below and above me was a treat. If you've brought kids along with you, make sure to keep them from the edge, some of it hard basalt, some of it is dirt and gives way easily and its long way down.

I mentioned the official trails, well, I found that there are many unofficial trails that are so frequently used that you can easily believe they must be part of the official trail.  There are low split rail fences to guide you, but they don't completely demarcate the official trails leaving folks to wander about.

Not realizing my mistake, (and the mistake or intentional hiking of others) I wandered here and there along trails until I reached the northern edge of the plateau that looks out to the other side of the “V” shape that forms the Upper Table Rock plateau. Beyond it you can see Lower Table Rock.

After taking in the view for a while I followed the north/south trail that leads back to the trail that brought me up the hill.  It lines up almost directly with Mt McLoughlin. 

I rate this hike as an easy hike with the caveat that once you're at the top, having sunblock, sunglasses, and a hiking umbrella is a requirement if you're a fair skinned red head. :)

Poison Oak and How to Spot It, Avoid It, and Treat It

Spring is here so we can all get back out there on the trails, (winter hikers never left them, but that's a different story). I've recently moved to southern Oregon where, unlike western Washington, there's Poison Oak. Knowledge is the most important thing we take with us into the wild, (see my article 3 Principles of Hiking and Backpacking), so I've done my research on it. Many of you may already know all this, some may not, in either case, it's good to brush up on the subject and learn about it.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Plant Worth Learning About

Poison oak is native to western Oregon and thrives in brushy roadsides, forest edges, dry slopes, creek corridors, and overgrown trails. It can appear as a low shrub or a climbing vine, and its leaves usually grow in clusters of three.

The plant changes with the seasons, which makes identification tricky: new growth may look reddish, summer leaves are usually green, and fall foliage often turns red or bronze.

If you see any leaves like these, DON'T TOUCH THEM.

The old warning still applies: “Leaves of three, let it be.” That simple rule is not perfect, but it is a useful first filter when you are moving through brush.

How to Recognize It

Poison oak is variable, which is part of what makes it so frustrating. The leaflets may be glossy, dull, rounded, or more lobed, and the plant may blend in with surrounding vegetation. In southern Oregon, it is especially common in sunny openings and along trails where people are least expecting it.

How To Avoid Poison Oak

The best defense is clothing. Long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes can prevent the plant from touching your skin in the first place. On hikes, stay centered on the trail and avoid brushing against tall grass, shrubs, or vine-covered edges when possible.

After being in likely poison oak country, treat your gear like it may be contaminated. Shoes, socks, pants, backpacks, gloves, and even dog fur can carry the oil that causes the rash. If you suspect contact, wash skin quickly and keep contaminated items away from your car seats, furniture, and bedding until they are cleaned. These bath sponges were recommend to me by a guy I met on a trail. He carries a couple in his pack and has some more in the car for when he gets back to the trailhead. You just pour a little water on them and then scrub down your pack, pants, hiking poles, etc.

What To Do After Exposure

Poison oak rash is caused by urushiol, an oily substance that binds to skin quickly. The faster you wash it off, the better. Use soap and cool or lukewarm water as soon as possible, and scrub under fingernails and around wrists, ankles, and other exposed areas.

Clothing should be handled carefully. Put contaminated clothes in a separate bag or hamper until they can be washed and wash them separately from other laundry. Clean trekking poles, boots, gloves, tools, and pet gear as well.

If It Reaches Your Skin

A reaction usually shows up as itching, redness, swelling, and blisters. The rash often appears in streaks or patches where the plant brushed the skin. It may not appear immediately, which can make it hard to connect the rash to the exposure right away.

For mild cases, cool compresses, oatmeal baths, and over-the-counter anti-itch products may bring some relief. Avoid scratching, since that can worsen irritation and increase the risk of infection. If the rash is severe, widespread, or affects your face, eyes, mouth, or genitals, get medical help.

When To Seek Medical Care

Most poison oak cases can be managed at home, but some situations need prompt attention. Seek care if you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or swelling of the face or throat. You should also get help if the rash is severe, infected, or if exposure came from burning plant material, since inhaling smoke can be dangerous. And of course, the best medical care is prevention, and that means learning how to avoid poison oak.

As with any adventure in nature, there are inherent risks. Avoiding them and enjoying a hike or backpacking trip relies on knowledge and carrying the right gear. Check trail reports, read about or watch videos about the trail or area you will be hiking. Set yourself up for a great experience by educating yourself and being prepared. See you out there!

Trails Across the USA: The Bottom Three

The top ten states for hiking trails shouldn't surprise anyone, and they get lots of attention. So, let's talk about three states with the least number of hiking trails.

NOTE: Before reading this, scroll down and find your state in the complete list.

Why Some States Have So Few Hiking Trails — And Where You Can Still Find Accessible Ones

If you look at hiking statistics across the United States, a clear pattern emerges. States like California, Colorado, and Washington dominate the list with the most hiking trails.

At the opposite end are Delaware, North Dakota, and Louisiana. Delaware’s position is easy to understand—it’s one of the smallest states in the country. But North Dakota and Louisiana are much larger. Why do they still have so few hiking trails?

The answer comes down to geography, land ownership, and terrain. The good news is that even in these low-trail states, there are still excellent outdoor experiences available—including several accessible trails.

North Dakota: Big Land, Few Trails

At first glance, North Dakota seems like it should have plenty of hiking opportunities. It’s a large state with dramatic landscapes in places. But several factors limit trail development.

Flat prairie dominates the landscape

Much of the state consists of open prairie and agricultural land. While beautiful, these wide, flat landscapes don’t create the kind of natural features—like mountains, waterfalls, or deep valleys—that typically attract large trail networks.

Most land is privately owned

Nearly 90% of the state is privately owned farmland or ranchland. Hiking trails are far more common on public lands such as national forests, parks, or wilderness areas. North Dakota simply doesn’t have many of those.

Trails are concentrated in a few areas

The state’s best hiking is clustered in its rugged Badlands region, including:

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• Little Missouri State Park

• Maah Daah Hey Trail

The Maah Daah Hey Trail alone stretches roughly 140 miles through the Badlands and is widely considered one of the most scenic long-distance trails in the central United States.

Climate also plays a role

Long winters, high winds, and short shoulder seasons reduce the demand for extensive trail systems compared with milder western states.

Louisiana: Too Much Water

While North Dakota lacks terrain, Louisiana has the opposite problem—too much water.

Wetlands dominate the state

Large portions of Louisiana are made up of:

• marshes

• swamps

• bayous

• floodplains

These environments are rich in wildlife but difficult for traditional hiking trails. Instead, the state has developed many paddling trails for kayaks and canoes.

Frequent flooding

Major rivers such as the Mississippi regularly reshape the landscape, making trail construction and maintenance challenging.

Very little elevation

The state’s highest point is Driskill Mountain, which rises only 535 feet above sea level. Without significant elevation, there are fewer natural features that typically drive large hiking trail systems.

Delaware: Small State, Limited Space

The reason Delaware has fewer trails is straightforward: there simply isn’t much land to work with. Despite its size, however, the state has invested heavily in well-maintained parks and wildlife areas.

Accessible Trails in Low-Trail States

Even though these states rank low in total trail miles, they still offer excellent accessible outdoor experiences. For hikers with mobility limitations, these trails are worth knowing about.

Delaware Accessible Trails

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge offers accessible wildlife observation areas and flat trails where visitors can see migratory birds, wetlands, and coastal marsh ecosystems.

Killens Pond State Park

Several paved and packed-surface trails circle the pond and pass through forested areas. The park also offers accessible recreation facilities and boardwalks.

North Dakota Accessible Trails

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The park includes accessible overlooks and short trails that allow visitors to experience the dramatic Badlands scenery without needing to tackle rugged backcountry terrain.

Little Missouri State Park

While known for rugged backcountry routes, the park also provides accessible scenic viewpoints and easier trail segments near the visitor facilities.

Louisiana Accessible Trails

Fontainebleau State Park

This park features accessible boardwalk trails along Lake Pontchartrain and through coastal forests.

Barataria Preserve

One of the best accessible swamp experiences in the country, the preserve includes long boardwalk trails through cypress swamps, marshes, and bayou ecosystems.

Fewer Trails Doesn’t Mean Fewer Adventures

States like California, Colorado, and Washington have natural advantages when it comes to hiking—mountains, vast public lands, and a long history of conservation.

But states with fewer trails still offer something unique:

• North Dakota provides rugged Badlands solitude.

• Louisiana delivers wildlife-rich swamp and bayou ecosystems.

• Delaware offers compact but well-designed parks and coastal habitats.

• 
  

For outdoor enthusiasts—and especially hikers seeking accessible trails—these states prove that quality experiences don’t always require thousands of miles of trail.

Sometimes the best adventures happen in the places people overlook. 🌲🥾

How does your state rank?

State	Trail Miles
California	18,467
Colorado	11,516
Washington	10,590
Oregon	7,652
Arizona	6,540
Massachusetts	5,752
Utah	5,478
New Mexico	5,237
Pennsylvania	4,840
Maine	4,490
New York	4,447
Wyoming	4,102
Michigan	3,588
Minnesota	3,238
Virginia	3,194
Texas	3,170
Wisconsin	2,872
Idaho	2,854
Florida	2,670
North Carolina	2,634
Alaska	2,408
Montana	2,176
Georgia	2,152
New Hampshire	2,085
Connecticut	2,036
Maryland	1,975
Nevada	1,964
Illinois	1,749
Missouri	1,703
Iowa	1,697
Ohio	1,528
Vermont	1,525
New Jersey	1,494
Tennessee	1,262
West Virginia	1,163
Alabama	1,042
South Carolina	827
Indiana	738
Hawaii	725
Arkansas	633
Kansas	547
Rhode Island	519
Oklahoma	502
South Dakota	424
Nebraska	393
Kentucky	364
Mississippi	337
Delaware	215
North Dakota	200
Louisiana	181