This time of year, a lot of the higher elevation hikes are still deep in snow. After a longer, snowier winter than we’re accustomed to, we’re more interested in hikes where we can enjoy spring wildflowers. And oh boy, has this ever been a year for wildflowers.
It surprises me that after all our years exploring southern Oregon, there are still new hikes to be found. Last fall, we heard tales of the Enchanted Forest Trail from friends who had discovered it the previous year. As soon as the weather warmed enough for the flowers to emerge, we set out with said friends and long-time hiking buddies Linda, Steve, Judy, and John, to see what we could find.
The Enchanted Forest
Click on any photo for a larger image
It was all we had hoped for and more. As we wound our way through stands of gnarled oaks and madrone, we came upon wave after wave of magenta shooting stars, pure white trillium, cobalt blue hound’s tongue, and clutches of delicate lavender fawn lilies. We often see these ephemeral flowers in early spring, but rarely in such abundance. Enchanted forest, indeed.
Henderson’s fawn lilies
To reach the trail, head west from Jacksonville on Highway 238 for 15 miles. Turn right on North Applegate Road then continue about 4-1/2 miles, then go briefly right on Kubli Road for about 200 yards before turning onto Slagle Creek Road. The paved road ends in about 1-1/2 miles where the trailhead begins.
More excellent trails near Ashland where you can be assured of finding wildflowers in season include the Jacksonville Woodlands Trails and Upper and Lower Table Rocks.
Jacksonville Woodland Trails
Upper Table Rocks Trail
OK, I’m going to have to go on that Enchanted Forest Walk next year. That looks really sweet. And I’m so glad I know that those cute fuzzy flowers are called Pussy Ears now! How are the owlets doing??
Janet, you will love the Enchanted Forest in early spring. The fields of shooting stars are just stunning. We’ve been checking on our neighbors (the owlets) daily and they’re doing great! :-)
Makes me homesick for Oregon. I miss the trillium, the abundant erythronium, and the Garry Oak Habitat.
Sheila, I agree, Oregon is pretty special. So is Lopez. :-)) Let’s go hike Turtleback Mountain on Orcas this summer — I remember the stands of Garry Oaks as being especially beautiful there.
Beautiful. It’s hard to believe there are areas still under snow in the same state. Crazy. Anyway, looks like a perfect place for a spring hike!
Laura, I can see the snow capped mountains from our windows — but I’m happy that it’s sunny and springlike here in the valley. Not in the mood for any more cold and snow right now.
Stunning! Thanks for the new-to-me trails, we’ve only done Table Rock of those you mentioned. Can’t wait to do some southern OR hiking!
Lisa, be sure to check out the Jacksonville trails — the hikes are really sweet and it’s fun to end up back in town at South Stage Cellars for wine tasting. There are so many great trails in and around Ashland — if you’ve never hiked Hobart Bluff, I highly recommend it. I know you’ve hiked Mt. Ashland and Grizzly Peak, two more of our favorites.
So beautiful – just the right amount of purple :-))) No elephants? Not like you can leave him in the car!
Haha, we have no idea why they posted that sign! Someone has a sense of humor. Jodee, you know my thinking — there can never be too much purple. :-)
It is so nice to see all those smiles on the trail again:) I’ve seen any of those wildflowers. They are so cool! Tolmie’s Pussy Ear is so cute!!! So glad there were so many flowers for you to enjoy:)
Pam, it’s GREAT to be back on the trails! We have the entire summer to prepare for hiking North Cascades and Glacier in September. We love hiking with wildflowers — one of the most amazing wildflower hikes we’ve done was a year ago May in Pipestone Canyon near North Cascades. :-)
It seems the entire west is enjoying an abundance of wildflowers this year. Some of the varieties you captured are new to me…so cool! It is wonderful to see your smiling faces and know you are enjoying your travels again. We just had a winter storm come through Yellowstone so the wildflowers won’t be showing themselves for a bit yet around here.
LuAnn, I’m happy I could share some new wildflowers with you. This was the first time we’ve seen the Gentner’s fritillary — it’s one of the rarest wildflowers in the world, and it’s only found in southwest Oregon. Brrrr….sounds cold in Yellowstone! But beautiful, I know. :-)
That snowy mountain is a real contrast to the stunning flowers. I am so envious of everyone who was anywhere in the west this year. Super bloom seemed to be all over. I think perhaps you girls should get the same haircut so you can match the guys with the same beards!!
Sherry, this has been an outstanding year for wildflowers. It must be the payoff for all the rain we had in the winter. Haha, never realized the guys all have the same beard styles!
Friends,wild flowers and a good hike. Sounds like a perfect day.
Debbie, it was a perfect day, made even more so by stopping at a wonderful winery in the Applegate Valley on our way home.
Oregon continues to amaze, as do your wonderful pictures Laurel. Glad you found something new to you. Happy trails as you get on the road again.
Thanks for your good wishes, Sue. Glad you enjoyed the photos. Oregon is a special place — I’m happy to call it home.
Oh how gorgeous!! What a sight. And such an incredible color. Thanks for sharing! Spring is definitely my favorite season and I do miss it here in the tropics.
Peta
Peta, I think I would miss spring, too. But your tropical climate sounds pretty idyllic!
I know with lots of rain, your trek up north will be filled with wonderful wildflowers. Hope they will still be in bloom when you get to GNP.
The field of shooting stars are just gorgeous especially that Tolmie’s Pussy Ears (perfectly shot)
MonaLiza, this does seem to be an especially good year for wildflowers. I hope we still have blooms in September in GNP, too! I know you love wildflowers as much as I do. :-))
What perfect posts! The wildflowers are simply amazing, many of which I have never personally seen! The western states certainly are blessed with beauty beyond compare. So happy that Eric has made such a good recovery. Hugs!!!
Thanks, Loretta. Eric is doing really well! We need to meet up in Ashland one of these days and we can do some hiking together. Hugs to you both, too.