Upper Table Rock
Located just North of Medford, Upper Table Rock rises over 700ft above the surrounding valley. A short hike leads to a rather flat plateau with amazing views of the valley on clear days. Because of its steep rise above the surrounding valley, Table Rock has a very diverse ecosystem with species from many different zones. Included in this is the Dwarf Wooly Meadowfoam, a plant endemic to Table Rock.
Distance/Elevation
1.25 miles one-way/730ft elevation gain
Terrain
The trail switchbacks up the East side of Upper Table Rock. It is relatively mellow with a few steeper sections. Once on top, a large flat area presents itself. Because of it’s rather impermeable andesite, vernal pools form during the spring and summer surrounded by a grassy meadow. There are a couple trail options once on top that can be fun to explore. While exploration here is fun, please stay on the trails. Because of it’s diverse ecosystem, traipsing off trail can cause a lot of damage here!
Skill Level:
Easy/Moderate
Directions & Map:
- From the Ashland Outdoor Store, head NNW on Lithia Way/Highway 99. Take this out of Ashland.
- Just north of Ashland, turn right onto Valley View Road. There will be a sign at this turn indicating I-5 is this way.
- Merge onto I-5 heading North. Follow this through Medford.
- Take exit 33 in Central Point turning Right on Pine Street.
- Turn Left onto Hamrick Road. Follow this around an arching right turn as the road turns into Vilas Road.
- Turn Left onto Table Rock Road. Follow this road for about 4.5 miles.
- Turn Right onto Modoc Road. Follow this for about 1.5 miles.
- The trailhead is a nice parking lot on the left.
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: Sams Valley
- Trailhead Lat/Long: 42° 27' 58.40" N x 122° 52' 54.38" W
- Trailhead elevation: 1310ft
- Plateau Elevation: approx 2040ft
Resources & Links
Weather
Click Here for the NOAA weather forcast for this area.
