Boundary Springs + National Creek Falls

Monday was a memorable day for 11 hikers who met at the Boundary Springs TH (18 miles up Highway 230). There we met Bruce and Linda Hope, authors of the highly recommended hiking blog…Boots on the Trail. They had accepted our invitation to join us on this hike.

We set off down the trail at 10:30 after a two hour drive from Ashland. Immediately you enter a vast blackened forest from a 2017 fire. With the shade burned away this beginning and ending part of the hike can be warm. But we did see hundreds of young Pines sprouting from the ground.

It’s a short hike out to the headwaters of the Rogue River; only 2 1/2 miles from parking and about 300′ of gain. As you near the lunch spot the scenery becomes more lush and colorful with ample wildflowers. Brilliant pink Fireweed appeared everywhere in the burnt area. And down on the river bright yellow Seep Mimulus or Monkey Flower grew from the moss that covered hundreds of logs in the water.

The headwaters of the Rogue is a special place both beautiful and serene. And the cold water from the river creates a cool refreshing breeze for lunch.

But the AHG group wasn’t done viewing special places, as we drove 11 miles back down 230 to a left on Road 6530 and out to the turn off for National Creek Falls. As you pull into the 6 car lot the sign says 1/2 mile to the falls. The trail switchbacks down through shady forest to the robust falls spraying a cooling mist on visitors. The invigorating cool air and water had hikers grinning as they soaked their feet and climbed up the side of the falls. This happy place was a great way to end the day’s hiking.

Afterwards we all headed for ice cream at the little shop by Beckie’s.

Next Monday we’ll head back to California for the hike from Park Creek to Cement Bluff.

Hike Leader: Rich Stickle

Photos By: Bob, Linda, Jerry, Randy