Pacific Crest Trail from Greensprings

Since I live in the Greensprings area of Ashland, my commute takes me through amazing forests and sweeping vistsas of the Rogue Valley. Each day I drive past a very popular area of the PCT at the summit of 66 near Soda Mountain Road. Most evenings you'll find a number of cars parked at the trail head, hikers out to take in the beauty that our mountains have to offer.

A few weeks ago I was having lunch at the Greensprings Inn next to a few endurance riders. When I inquired about which trail they had ridden that day, they told me it was the PCT I pass everyday. They said it was a terrific ride with big views and well worth the time. Of course that got my wheels turning, so Sunday I invited a few friends and we hit the trail. We did the portion that sits north of Highwy 66, towards Hyatt lake. What follows is my review of the trail.

Location:
Pacific Crest Trail, Route 66 out of Ashland, Oregon. Trail head is at the summit, clearly marked and near Soda Mountain Road.

Date Trail Reviewed:
June 13, 2010

Trailer Parking:
There is plenty of room to park your trailer and even turn it around on the northern side of Highway 66. Hikers generally park on the southern side. The surface is hard packed dirt and you can pull your trailer in a circle then park it off to the side. It would probably fit 4-5 trucks and trailers if parked carefully.

Water Source:
A few tiny streams as you travel up the trail, if you go most of the way in, you'll encounter a reservoir with a larger stream at the run off point.

Bathroom Facilities:
None.Yep, that means you'll be either doing the "turn the back" or the "crouch and squat" -- but hey if you're too shy to pee on the trail, whattya doing out here anyway? :)

Length of Trail:
I didn't measure it, but I'd estimate it was about 5 miles to get to the reservoir and from what the maps said, you can continue on to Hyatt Lake.

Footing:
Varies, but this trail is mostly through forested areas so it's soft dirt with pine needles. There was a few places where you had to go around or over some small rocks, but they were minimal. There is small portion that has been covered with small platforms of gravel that stair step down the mountain to preserve the trail.

Sharing Trail With:
Hikers only. No bikes, no motor vehicles.

Difficulty of Trail:
Moderate. In terms of incline or decline, nothing significant. There was still a bit of mud on the trail, so early in the season or after a heavy rain you may want to skip this one. Also about 3 miles in, you'll be traversing a hill that has a pretty decent drop off and narrow trail. It's in the trees but when it's slippery it's still a little scary.

Features of Trail:
The first open meadow shows a view that stretches from the Siskiyou Summit to Southern Medford. Truly an amazing view. You'll go through several other meadows of wildflowers (depending on the season), pass several small ponds and end up at a crystal blue reservoir with a spillway.

Potential Hazards:
Although this trail is incredibly well maintained it is narrow in places, and there are downed trees that can either be jumped (yee haw!) or you can go around them. There is a wooden bridge that's quite wide but still could cause some fear for horses not familiar with it. I counted four gates that were easy to open from foot, a little more challenging from horseback.

Since this trail goes in and out of the sun, probably a good idea to wear bug spray and sunscreen. Bring a light jacket because you go in and out of the trees a lot.


Great Place for Lunch:
We took a break at the reservoir. There aren't any hitching posts, but plenty of trees. No picnic table, but grassy areas that were fine for sitting on. Remember to pack out your own trash!

Stuff Nearby:
Just two miles up the road is the Greensprings Inn. It's a great little cafe that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.There is enough room to park a couple trucks and trailers on the street, or across the street in the fire department's parking lot. Also Hyatt and Howard Prairie lake are nearby and both have equestrian camping.

Nearest Gas:
Chevron and Shell stations at Exit 14.


Directions:
From Ashland take Exit 14, go East on Highway 66 towards Emigrant Lake. You'll drive up a fairly twisty, windy road to the summit. It's completely do-able but take it slow and be considerate for the cars that need to get around you. It will take about 20 minutes to get to the trail head. Not recommended for those who don't have trailer breaks.

From Klamath Falls, take 66 out of Kfalls and you'll drive through Keno, past the Greensprings Inn and arrive at the trail head at about Mile 16. It takes a good hour from this direction.