You can find all of us who work at Northwest Nature Shop on the trails when we’re not working. Many high elevation hikes are still covered in snow at this time so here’s where the Northwest Nature Shop crew likes to hike in these early Spring months:

Terence is always looking for a good place to take his dogs. An avid birder, hiker, and cyclist. Terence knows the backroads of Southern Oregon and Northern California like no other. His recommended Spring hikes are:

1.)  Greensprings Mountain Loop. There is a spectacular view when you emerge from the forest to the grassy slopes above Route 66. It’s relatively close and not too long. Possibly snow on the north facing or shady areas, but the southern exposures clear early.

Northwest Nature Shop’s Best Spring Hikes near Ashland, Oregon

2.)  Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge just a couple miles east of the town of Montague in California. Great views of Mt Shasta, birds and quiet are the attractions. You do need to purchase a $5.00 daily use pass or a 26.00 year pass (can purchase with your phone at the entrance.) Dogs must be kept on leash. There are several miles of uncrowded dirt roads to walk and three large lakes with lots of birds and other wildlife.

Nolan is in the MS Environmental Education program and gets to spend time on trails for work and play. Here are his go-to trails in Spring:

1. Emigrant Lake– South Shore – Drive out to the end of the Old Greensprings Highway all the way to the edge of Emigrant Lake. There is a nice trail from here leading out along the edge of the lake. The landscapes are dramatic with oak savanna and oak woodland with the mountains and lake as a backdrop.
2. Table Rocks– Late April through May is peak wildflower season, and a good time to see the vernal pools on top of Table Rocks.
3. East Applegate Ridge Trail– is a scenic walk along a ridge covered in wildflowers in the spring.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth, works at the Nature Shop and is a dedicated academic tutor. She loves the Rogue River Trail because of its “beauty, mild climate, ability to camp right by the river, the Spring wildflowers and the chance to see otters!”

Jessica

Jessica, recently graduated with her MS in Environmental Education at SOU.  She knows the best places to find native wildflowers.

Bandersnatch trail: This trail is full of color from an artist’s sculptures and from wildflowers alike. As you ascend the trail you encounter orchids, California ground cone, mariposa lily, and much more.  Pack a lunch to stop at the picnic table at the top of the ridge.

Oredson-Todd Woods: Early on in this trail you’ll find coralroot and further down, bright red and yellow columbine pop out. Lush, green ferns become more prominent as you approach the waterfall at the end of the trail.

Kathy

View of Mt Ashland from Lewis Loops

Kathy co-founded the Northwest Nature Shop 36 years ago. Her favorite Spring hikes are those that are close enough so she can fit in a few miles on the trail before going to work at the shop. On the top of her list is the Mike Uhtoff Trail, followed by Wonder Trail, Red Queen, Lewis Loops and Oredson-Todd Woods.

If you want more detailed information on any of these hikes, stop by the shop to ask us personally and check out our maps and guide books.

100 Hikes in Southern Oregon by William Sullivan