Just south of Medford Oregon and north of Northern California is Ashland. While we have been to this town already a handful of times, this week was the first time we dedicated the trip to hiking.
I love it when you show up some place and you’re genuinely surprised by the beauty of it. That was the feeling when we got to the Ashland Creek Trailhead.
The greenery and lushness of Oregon was a welcome sight from the dry campground we have been staying at in California. Tall trees were overhead and beautiful bright flowers were mixed into the plants below them. Butterflies fluttered around in such a soft and flowy way. The ground as well had a softness to it. A softness that begged one to go barefoot and explore it’s forest paths.
This place was already feeling magical and we were only at the trailhead. Luckily the magic continued as we went further in.
We couldn’t decide where to go first, and so we went a little to the right. Up and over a rise in the forest floor, ducked under a tree and climbed up on a large moss covered boulder. Then back to the left to follow the path by the creek.
And wouldn’t you know it, we found something perfect for this magical place. Between us and the creek, at the base of a tree, adorned with flowers and sticks, a felted mushroom, and even a lemon, there was a lovely fairy home.
The creek
But we couldn’t stay on that path for long. We needed to be closer to the water. There were rocks in the creek that were perfect to use as steps and so we went in a line from rock to rock going up the creek.
The water was so clear and the sound it made so beautiful that I just couldn’t resist. I needed to be in it.
“Oh”, with a positive sigh, it was so nice to feel that water. Why hadn’t I taken off my shoes sooner?
And so we continued up that creek aways with Ellie joining me in the barefoot experience.
We went by shallow spots. We went by places deep enough to swim. We passed moss covered rocks that felt amazing on our feet. It felt exactly like walking on soft carpet. We passed a few spiders who where dangling from their webs and dipping down to drink water from the creek. I think that may of been the first time we ever saw something like that before.
Eventually we decided to turn back, but not before admiring the spot we were in and wishing we had on swimsuits. We were at a spot that the sun was shinning through the branches of trees (as it had been off on on the whole way), there was a small rock beach to our side, and in the creek was the most perfectly flat boulder that one could lay on while having the water flow over oneself.
This creek was not the only place to hike at Ashland Creek trail. We also took the path that was about half way up the hill. Again so pleasing to be barefooted and enjoying the beauty of the area. Taking little side shoots was fun and at times slightly slippery as the hill could get quite steep. It was nice that these side paths wouldn’t get you lost as they were short and would connect to the main trail.
Close by there were other hiking trails. We noticed that people brought their dogs and there were even people on bikes.
The park and surrounding area
Ashland Creek hiking trail is so close to Lithia Park, it seems as if they are one. Which is an added bonus because it allows you to do many “park like” activities including picnicking. If you get the chance, I highly recommend bringing a picnic to extend your time outdoors and enjoying nature. If you forget your picnic there are some delicious eateries at the base of the park.
One of those eateries is Greenleaf, and even though we brought our camp stove and cooked our breakfast before our hike, we could not stay away from their delicious berry muffins.
Things to Consider
As you go up the hill and away from the creek, we noticed Poison Oak. Even though we were able to avoid it, it is still something you should be aware of.