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Joint Announcement
The Nature Conservancy
Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington

Medford, OR—Lace up your boots and grab your hat! It’s time to explore our public lands in Southern Oregon. Whether you are interested in learning about plants and animals, geology or cultural history, we’ve got a hike for you. “Explore More!” at the Table Rocks and discover something new.

Every weekend this spring, The Nature Conservancy and Medford District Bureau of Land Management are offering free, guided educational hikes. Hikes are led by specialists from around the region who will share their knowledge about the unique natural and cultural environments that make the Table Rocks such an integral part of our region’s landscape. Dig deep into nature and enjoy the magic of nature’s classroom at the Table Rocks!

Hikers will meet at the designated trailhead for a 2.5–4.5 mile round trip hike up 800 feet along a moderate grade trail. Participants should dress for the weather and terrain and bring water and snacks since hikes to the top may last 3 to 4 hours. Restrooms are available only at each trailhead; there is no drinking water. Due to limited parking at the trailheads, carpooling is encouraged. To help protect this special place, dogs and vehicles are not allowed on the trail.

Guided hikes will be offered on weekends in April and May. All hikes are free to the public but reservations are required as space is limited. Information about the hikes and online reservations will be available at https://TableRockHikes2018.eventbrite.com. Registration for April hikes begins Thursday, March 15 and for May hikes on Monday, April 16. For information, contact the Medford District BLM at 541-618-2200, M-F, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Rising dramatically 800 feet above the Rogue River, the iconic Upper and Lower Table Rocks—formed by a lava flow about 7 million years ago—are prominent features of the Rogue Valley. The wildlife and more than 200 wildflower species, including the extremely rare dwarf wooly meadowfoam that grows nowhere else in the world, are protected by the Table Rocks’ designation as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.

Did you know? A few facts about the Table Rocks

• The 4,864 acres of the Table Rocks are jointly owned, managed and protected by The Nature Conservancy and Bureau of Land Management.
• The area around the Table Rocks was inhabited by Native Americans at least 15,000 years prior to any European-American settlement.
• The Rocks are named for their location along the Rogue River – Upper Table Rock is upstream and Lower Table Rock is downstream.
• There is an airstrip on Lower Table Rock that was built in 1948.
• More than 50,000 visitors annually hike the Table Rocks making it one of the most popular hiking locations in Southern Oregon.
• The Rocks are home to more than 70 species of animals and 340 species of plants including 200 species of wildflowers.
• The vernal pools at the top of the Rocks are one of the few places that are home to a federally threatened species of fairy shrimp, Branchinecta lynchi.