Photo Blog: Lower Table Rock

Photo Blog: Lower Table Rock

By Andy Harris

What an epic day we got this past weekend. It was sunny and beautiful in Ashland, so my partner and I decided to head up to Lower Table Rock, with promises of sublime views of Mt. McLoughlin and the Rogue Valley.

As we were approaching Medford, we could see a thick fog hovering over town. I sighed briefly, thinking what a shame it was to leave Ashland and the many hikes we could have taken simply walking out of our front door.

We continued on though, imagining at the very least we’d take an eery and mystical hike up the well maintained trail at Lower Table Rock, with a slight chance that we’d actually hike above the fog line.

We arrived at the trail and started through the thick but beautiful, low lying clouds. After about 25 minutes or so, there appeared to be the slightest blue peaking through high above our heads.

Could it be? Will it happen? Will we get high enough? I can just imagine what the views would be like if…we…could…just…get…above…the…fog……..

Still in the dewy fog on Lower Table Rock Trail

The fog starts to lift on Lower Table Rock Trail

We arrive above the cloud line to views of Upper Table Rock and Mt. McLoughlin

The trail on the plateau of Lower Table Rock

Bird of Prey lands in a tree on Lower Table Rock

An example of the famous vernal pools of Lower Table Rock

A view from the cliffs of Lower Table Rock as the fog descends below the tree line

The fog descends further…

…and further…

A view of the Rogue Valley toward Rogue River and Grants Pass from Lower Table Rock

An auspicious view of sun and fog

As the sun descends, it leaves amazing hues above Medford – view toward Ashland

Mt. McLoughlin at sunset

The setting sun

Upper Table Rock and Mt. McLoughlin as the light fades and we start our descent and trip back to wonderful Ashland

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