Lithia Park
Included in the National Register of Historic Places, Lithia Park is famous for its charm and beauty. Visit its unique lithium water spring, walk along Ashland Creek, stop and smell the flowers or the flowering trees, and keep an eye out for families of deer. Trails run along both sides of Ashland Creek with wooden bridges connecting them. Picnic tables, restrooms, benches and playground equipment are located along the trail. Lithia Park is a great place to bring the whole family.
Distance/Elevation
There is very little elevation gain from one end of the park to the other. The main trial is less than a mile long, but with so many connecting trails it's easy to walk for as long as you like. If you're looking for a slightly more challenging hike, head uphill where the main trail ends, and follow the steep hillside trails to the reservoir.
Terrain
The park is beautiful, with multiple ponds and our magnificent Ashland Creek. The swimming reservoir at the very top is worth a visit, as are the hiking trails further south. These lead up past the park and into the watershed - the higher you go, the steeper it gets! Watch for poison oak. Identification signs posted throughout the park area make this fairly simple. If unsure, definitely ask before tromping off trail.
Skill Level:
Easy
Directions & Map:
- From the Ashland Outdoor Store, take Lithia Way/Highway 99 NW.
- Turn Left onto Church St. across from Beasy's On the Creek. This will bring you to Main St/Highway 99.
- Turn Left onto Main St./Highway 99.
- Turn Right onto N Main St. This is the road right by the plaza.
- Straight ahead is Lithia Park.
Recommended Equipment
- Day Pack
- 1-2L of water/person
- Windbreaker
- Fleece, Down, Primaloft (depending on season/weather)
- Sunscreen
- Sun glasses
- Sun Hat
- Collapsible Hiking Poles (optional, but helpful!)
- Energy Snacks
- Lunch
Food & Water
For water, 2L-3L per person for a day trip is recommended. As for food, several small snacks throughout the day are recommended. Big meals are fun but bog you down. Small snacks allow for a continual flow of energy to your body. For your snacks, try to balance sugars, fats, proteins, and carbs so your body is continually fueled. This helps reduce crashes in energy during the day.
Additional Info
- Topo Maps: Ashland, OR
- Trailhead Lat/Long: 42° 11' 47.73" N x 122° 42' 56.20" W
- Trailhead elevation: 1910ft
Resources & Links
Weather
Click Here for the NOAA weather forcast for this area.




