HIKING & BIKING TRAILS IN SOUTHERN OREGON

This is a beautiful day-use park located on the bank of the Rogue River and at the foot of the geologically prominent Table Rocks. You can fish, swim, hike, watch wildlife and experience nature at its finest. An ideal spot for family gatherings or group picnics, the site has a large picnic shelter with cooking utilities. There's a smaller picnic kitchen and three sites with water and electricity. Denman Wildlife Refuge is next to this park and teems with local and migratory wildlife -- a bird viewing paradise.

In 1846, a wagon train led by Jesse Applegate traversed southern Oregon along what became known as the Applegate Trail. Tub Springs Wayside is one of the stopping points before you head down the mountain pass into Ashland. Take a moment to stop here amid the towering fir and sense what it was like 150 years ago. Breathe in the fresh mountain air. There's an interpretive panel at the wayside describing the difficulties faced by these pioneers. The name Tub Springs is derived from the tubs that were installed in the 1930s to provide spring water for travelers. The tubs have been renovated and are still functional today. The same springs that provided early settlers with plentiful fresh water still flow.

This short, lovely hike through the brushy foothills of the little Applegate is ideal for a sunny afternoon in summer, or winter, with a picnic basket and all the kids you can round up. Wildflowers abound in spring. The described route, the Tunnel Ridge Trail, is a connecting link to the Sterling Mine Trail, a 26-mile path under development along an old mining ditch. From the 1870s to the 1930s, the ditch channeled water to the gold mines on Sterling Creek. The highlight of the 26-mile engineering feat is the 100-foot tunnel through Tunnel Ridge. Highlight: An unusual, low-elevation, year-round hike following a historic mining ditch. Magnificent spring wildflowers.

Wagner Butte towers directly above the Bear Creek Valley immediately west of Medford and Ashland. At 7,140 feet, it’s right next to and only 200 feet lower than Mount Ashland, the Siskiyous’ highest peak. If you’ve ever wished there were a wilderness trail to the top of Mount Ashland instead of a network of roads, consider tackling Wagner Butte. The trailhead lies just 10.5 miles from downtown Talent. Highlight: The highest hikeable mountain overlooking Bear Creek Valley.

Willow Lake, a wooded escape set at the base of Mt. McLoughlin, offers an accessible retreat from the hustle and bustle work week. Just 7.5 miles east of the City of Butte Falls, Willow Lake is a short drive and an excellent opportunity to enjoy a peaceful day at the lake and take in the picturesque views. With an expansive 927 acres, including 4.4 miles of lake frontage, recreational activities include hiking, swimming, fishing for trout, bass or crappie, camping and boating. Willow Lake can accommodate anyone from the most avid outdoor enthusiast to someone just wanting to escape for a while.