We’ve just hiked our way to the top of a plateau known as Upper Table Rock and the view is breathtaking! It’s so quiet I can hear my heart pounding as it settles back into a normal rhythm after our ascent. The dark gray rain-filled clouds are hovering and ready to burst. The air is cool while the birds soar in silent flight.
On Top of the World
Off in the distance we can hear the forlorn sound of a train whistle and the picturesque patchwork views of the pear orchards, in the valley below, hold our focus. For two years we’ve been talking about making this hike and we finally found ourselves on what seemed to be the top of the world.
Making the Ascent
It took us about 45 minutes to make the ascent to Upper Table Rock. With a well-maintained trail and an elevation climb of 720′ it is not a strenuous climb, but I felt embarrassingly sloggish when an “older” couple jogged right passed us.
Upper Table Rock
The plateaus known as Lower and Upper Table Rocks once provided sanctuary to the Takelma Indians. In the spring the wildflowers are glorious and it’s the best time to make the hike. During the summer months the heat of the day would be brutal as it can reach temperatures well into the high 90’s.
On The Plateau
Once we reached the plateau we began to follow the rim trail, taking in the views from different perspectives. While watching the changing views we also had to pay attention to where we were walking as the terrain was very rugged and twisting an ankle was not an option!
A Race Against the Rain
We pushed our luck a little too long and lost our race against the rain. The area around the trail though is thick with overhead growth so we were able to quickly make our way back down without getting drenched.
Upper Table Rock is the first stop in our series of southern Oregon highlights. Stay tuned!
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Sounds like a great hike. I really love catching wild flowers at the right time and good tip to avoid the heat later in the year. I liked the pics and the narrative helped me imagine taking the walk.
If you find yourself in southern Oregon, the hike is well-worth making time for. Thanks so much for reading, Randy!