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WILD SIDE Top five day hikes within reach of Ashland Comment By Joseph Vaile DailyTidings.com By Joseph Vaile Posted Apr. 8, 2015 at 2:00 AM Updated Jun 25, 2015 at 7:16 PM By Joseph Vaile Posted Apr. 8, 2015 at 2:00 AM Updated Jun 25, 2015 at 7:16 PM » Social News The most beautiful country in the west is right here in southern Oregon and northern California.  If you are willing to drive two or three hours from Ashland, you can see phenomenal extremes in nature — the tallest trees in the world are redwoods found on the drenching wet California Coast, while the east side of the Cascades are reminiscent of the southwest desert. There is little bit of everything for a nature lover’s palate.  If you only have one day to hike and witness the natural gems in the region, there are plenty of places that will allow you to get back to Ashland in time for dinner or a nightcap.  I put the question to the staff of KS Wild — What are the five best day hikes near Ashland? We have biologists, climbers, river rats, and plant geeks here at KS Wild, so I got quite a variety of responses. Of course, the climbers came back with five mountain climbs and the river rats, five streamside jaunts.  I include some easy strolls and some heart-pounding marches — some near lush waterways and others at the top of the world with views that don’t end. Remember to be aware of the weather and bring plenty of water, a good map or a good hiking guide helps too. I recommend Sullivan’s 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon. If you want to visit some of these areas, KS Wild offers several hikes throughout the year. My top five picks:  • Castle Crags are dramatic granite domes that tower in Northern California, just like their name implies. The core area is a state park, but nearby Forest Service land is also filled with cirque lakes that form the headwaters of the Sacramento River. Hiking up Castle Dome is not for the faint of heart, but the 3.5-mile roundtrip hike to Indian Springs is also quite enjoyable.  Getting there: I-5 south from Ashland 80 miles to the exit for Castella about 6 miles south of Dunsmuir. There is a parking fee at the state park.  • Takelma Gorge on the Rogue River is a spectacular hike along the upper Rogue River where the entire river flows through a narrow canyon in dramatic, churning fashion. This is an easy hike and if you have a shuttle car you can hike the entire 4.5-mile stretch to Woodruff Bridge without having to backtrack.  Getting there: I-5 north to Highway 62 exit. Stay on Highway 62 for 46 miles and turn left on Forest Rd 64 to the Upper Rogue River Trail.  • Grizzly Peak is the most visible mountain ridge from Ashland. Part of the “Old Cascades,” Grizzly Peak and its springtime green meadows are inviting. It is an easy 5.5-mile loop that showcases high elevation forests, wildflower meadows and a recent forest fire area that is bursting with new life.  Getting there: From Ashland Exit 14 take HWY 66 for .7 miles and turn onto Dead Indian Memorial Rd. After 6.7 miles turn onto Shale City Road for 3 miles and then left onto BLM Road 38-2E-9.2. It is well signed.  • Pilot Rock is probably the most iconic hike within a stone's throw of Ashland. The climb to the very top of this old volcanic plug can be a bit challenging for some, but the easy hike up an old road and the trail is worth it even if you don’t summit the rock. Pilot Rock was named by early settlers to help guide them across the easiest path across the rugged Siskiyou Mountains.  Getting there: I-5 from Ashland to Exit 6 to old HWY 99 south to Pilot Rock Rd (40-2E-33). After 2 miles there will be a large old gravel quarry, now the trailhead and parking area.  • Frog Pond Loop is a very special place in the heart of the Siskiyou wildlands, with botanical diversity on display. There are a variety of nearby trails to explore Red Buttes Wilderness Area and Middle Fork of the Applegate River. Also nearby are popular swimming holes.  Getting there: From Jacksonville and take Highway 238 to the town of Ruch, turn left onto Upper Applegate Road for 19 miles. After the reservoir turn left on Applegate Road for 1.2 miles, then left onto Road 1040 for 5 miles to a junction, turn left, staying on Road 1040 for 7 miles to the third trailhead on your left. Joseph Vaile is executive director of the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center (KS Wild, 541-488-5789, www.kswild.org). His Wild Side column appears every three weeks. By Joseph Vaile DailyTidings.com By Joseph Vaile Posted Apr. 8, 2015 at 2:00 AM Updated Jun 25, 2015 at 7:16 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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