Buck Rock Tunnel

The day started cold and windy at the Rite Aid parking, but after a short 8 miles east on Highway 66 and then 2 miles up Emigrant Creek Road, we debarked from our SUVs to calm wind with the sun coming through the surrounding Oak Grove.

Our group of 15, went across the road and around the gate to head up the old decommissioned BLM Road towards the Buck Rock Trail Loop. The ground in the shade was frosty but eventually, we broke out into the warming sun as we gained elevation.

On this hike, we explored the abandoned tunnel project of the Oregon & California Railroad built in 1884 and the loop trail that went up to around 4,000′ adjacent to the Buck Rock summit before coming down near the west portal of the tunnel.

The trail was beautiful and serene with a gold carpet of Maple and Oak leafs, occasional views of green hills, and the sun coming through the forest.

We found the east portal and climbed up to it for our group shot. Then we hiked out from where it was hidden in the forest and back to the main trail that headed up near the summit. On top, we were surprised to find some purple Asters blooming in late autumn as well as some yellow flowers.

We headed down the west side of the trail until we came to the arrow made of branches pointing to our turn-off for the more developed west portal of the tunnel project. This portal is about 20′ high and 15′ wide and goes back about 150′. We have had lunch there on past hikes, but with the sun out warming temps to 60 the group decided to climb up the north hillside of the tunnel for lunch with a view of I-5 heading up towards Siskiyou Pass.

After lunch, we waved goodbye to Jerry, Randy, and Linda who were heading back up to the summit to climb Buck Rock for its views of the valley. (Note: very limited space on top with only room for 3 or 4).

Back at the TH parking, after scraping the mud off our boots, some of us headed to Rogue Valley Roasting Co. for refreshments.

Next week we’ll head back to Grants Pass for a hike in the Cathedral Hills, followed by a stop for pie at Pennington Farms.

Note: After a meeting between AHG leaders and the Siskiyou Mountain Club you can now get a discount when you shop at their underground Outdoor Store at the corner of 3rd and Main St. Just identify yourself and an AHG member and fill out their ID clipboard.

Keep on Hiking,
Rich

Hike Leader: Rich Stickle

Photos By: Linda, Randy