The morning started with a thick fog in Ashland, but the weather forecast for Buck Prairie predicted a sunny day. And the forecast was correct, as soon as we started up DIM Road the fog cleared and we had sun for our first snowshoe outing of the winter. Temps started in the 30s but warmed as the day went on.

Our group of 11 arrived at the crunchy, snowy parking area by 9:30 and after figuring out how to connect snowshoes, we headed up the long trail to the snow-covered prairie. We stopped for many great pics of Mt. McLoughlin and neighboring mountains on the way up.

We made it to the map signboard by 11:30 and decided to have lunch with another great view of McLoughlin. We had the brilliant white prairie to ourselves and enjoyed our time together. Randy found a shelter just off into the forest and some of us went to see it. It was a lean-to with icicles dropping through the roof.

After a group shot with the mountain in the background, we started back down the snow-covered trail.

On the day, we covered 4.5 miles in the snow with about 500′ of gain.

We were back at the parking lot by 1:30 and everyone decided to meet at the Rogue Valley Roasting Company for post-hike refreshments and conversation.

It turned out to be a very pleasant day.

Happy Trails,
Rich