Woodruff Bridge to Takelma Gorge

Here’s an old hiker’s quote, “… when Mother Nature gives you a lemon, make lemonade!”

We drove up Highway 62 through low clouds and fog that caused drizzle on our windshields, but when we got to the TH for Takelma Gorge at Woodruff Bridge the mist had stopped and the temperature had warmed to the mid-40s.

But to our surprise, a 3-inch coating of snow greeted us at the bridge parking and on the trail!

I must praise our Monday hikers as they were all business getting ready to hike, and no negative words were said as we started our hiking adventure.

Of course, we had no snowshoes or Yaktrax as we were not expecting snow. So we set off not knowing how far down the trail we could go. I was hoping we could make it to the scenic Takelma Gorge for lunch.
As it turned out the entire hike was scenic. The forest was glistening with green plant life from earlier moisture and the contrast against white snow made for brilliant scenes along the way.

We found our way to Takelma Gorge following old footprints in the snow. We reached the Gorge just before noon for lunch. The clouds had broken and some blue skies and sunlight graced us the rest of the hike.

Our photographers gave wonderful pics of the forest plant life (mushrooms and lichen) and images of the Upper Rogue River between Woodruff Bridge and River Bridge, where we had parked a shuttle car.

Our group shot was taken in front of River Bridge.

On this bonus snow day, our 13 hikers went 4.6 miles along the Upper Rogue River Trail #1034 and gained 200′ some over rocky old lava flows.

Next Monday, we’ll hike a loop in Lithia Park that includes the New Wonder Trail and have lunch on the Plaza. We’ll meet at the Bandshell parking at 9 am to start the hike. (No hike the following Monday, Christmas Day).

Hike Leader: Rich Stickle

Photos By: Randy, Linda