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Table Rocks beckon hikers for guided trips By PAUL FATTIG Mail Tribune If you have spring fever, go take a hike, says Molly Sullivan. But the botanist and local stewardship coordinator for The Nature Conservancy says it with a smile. The group and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is teaming up again this year to offer guided spring hikes of the Table Rocks north of Medford. Beginning Monday through the first week of June, BLM employees, as they have done for the past 20 years, will lead school and community groups on weekday hikes to the famed rocks. Weekend spring tours led by specialists, first held 13 years ago, begin April 7 this year. The interpretive hikes must be reserved and invariably fill up fast. Each hike is limited to 30 people. "It's a rite of spring for a lot of people," said Sullivan, who leads the first weekend hike. "They want to get up there and see the flowers. "The Table Rocks are also an important local landmark for people," she added. "There is a lot of pride for those incredible rocks." In addition to getting spectacular views of the Rogue Valley, hikers will see a variety of wildflowers: Henderson's fawn lily, purple grass widows, shooting stars, hound's-tongue and buttercups. Rare meadow foam should be blooming in a week or so, Sullivan said. "We're going to have a really good wildflower year," she predicted. "Last year, the meadow foam population was down because of the drought. But we should have a really good show this year." Vernal pools atop the rocks should still have a few endangered fairy shrimp, providing the waterfowl haven't gobbled them all, she added. And there are flocks of birds as well as an occasional reptile to see. "There is great diversity right here in our backyard," she said. During the hikes, experts will discuss the flora and fauna as well as the area's geologic features and cultural history. Participation is free. You can sign up for weekday hikes by calling BLM project coordinator Britney Shull at 618-2327. Each weekday hike begins at 9 a.m. and is usually held Tuesday through Friday. Weekend hike reservations can be made by calling 618-2200. Each hike takes about four hours. Hikers should dress for the weather and bring water and a lunch. No pets are allowed. The hikes cover three to five miles on moderately difficult trails. Be respectful of the wildlife as well as those who have yet to hike the Table Rocks, Sullivan said. "We ask that people stay on the trails and take out what they bring in," Sullivan said. "And please don't pick the flowers." Both Table Rocks are off Table Rock Road north of Medford, with the Upper Table Rock trailhead along Modoc Road and the Lower Table Rock trailhead along Wheeler Road. A restroom is available at each of the trailheads. The trails are open year round from dawn to dusk. No camping is allowed. Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.