Explore the Table Rocks with Free Guided Hikes

MEDFORD, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management and The Nature Conservancy are offering free educational hikes at Upper and Lower Table Rocks during April, May, and June. Learn about wildflowers, bees, and the history of Camp White, or take a walk at dusk to look and listen for bats and owls. There’s sure to be something for everyone.

This popular hike series promises spectacular views of the Rogue Valley, an abundance of wildflowers, and expert information from specialists about the Table Rocks.

Hikers will meet at the designated trailhead for the 2.5- to 3.5-mile roundtrip hike. The trails are a moderate grade, gaining about 800 feet in elevation. Hikes to the top of Table Rocks may last three to four hours. Participants should dress for the weather and terrain and bring water and snacks. Restrooms are available only at each trailhead; there is no drinking water available on site. Due to limited parking at the trailheads, carpooling is encouraged. To help protect this special place, dogs, bicycles, and motor vehicles are not allowed on the trail.

All hikes are free to the public, but reservations are required as space is limited. Information about the hikes is available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/oregon-washington/tablerocks

Please contact the BLM Medford District at 541.618.2200, M-F, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. to reserve your spot.

The Nature Conservancy and the Bureau of Land Management have protected and managed the Table Rocks for more than 40 years. Join us as we discover and renew with nature this spring at the Table Rocks.

Uncovering the Botanical Treasures of the Table Rocks 
Saturday, April 19, Lower Table Rock, 10 a.m. 
Join Karla Alvarado, BLM botanist, for a botanical foray at Lower Table Rock. Dive into the fascinating world of vernal pool flora, identifying plant species with remarkable adaptations that allow them to thrive in these unique seasonal wetlands. With a little luck we might encounter the Dwarf Meadowfoam (Limnanthes pumila ssp. pumila), a threatened vernal pool plant found exclusively at the Table Rocks. 

Nature Rocks! 
Saturday, April 26, Upper Table Rock, 9 a.m. 
Join Chamise Kramer, USDA marketing and publications specialist, and Molly Allen, BLM environmental education specialist, on a general information hike suitable for the whole family. The hike will cover a little bit of everything from wildflowers, ethnobotany, geology, wildlife, ecology and cultural history of the Table Rocks. Bring your curiosity.

Camp White: “The Alcatraz of Boot Camps”
Saturday May 3, Upper Table Rock, 9 a.m.
Travel back in time to the WWII era with Jennifer Sigler and Dakota Slaton, BLM archeologists. During the war, Southern Oregon was a major training center for the U.S. military. Participants will explore of the remains of the Camp White “Fortified Zone,” which includes pill boxes designed to practice infantry drills. Because there is no trail, wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Limited to 15 individuals.

Bee Dazzled by Bees
Sunday, May 18, Lower Table Rock, 10:00am  
Join Amanda Huffman, BLM wildlife biologist and volunteer with the Oregon Bee Atlas, on a hike to discover what all the "buzz" is about native bees. Observe them hard at work on the flower lined path, and up close in a jar! Each participant will be taught the basics of safe catch and release, and will have their own net and jar to use so they can see and learn about these fascinating creatures up close! Limited to 15 individuals. 

Whooo Comes Out at Night?
Saturday, June 14, Lower Table Rock Loop Trail, 8 p.m. 
Look and listen for who comes out at night while hiking the Lower Table Rock Loop Trail (1/2-mile accessible trail) with Steve Godwin and Emma Busk, BLM wildlife biologists. They will attempt to lure pygmy, great horned, and screech owls, as well as other creatures of the night. Learn fascinating information about bats and their importance as they fly overhead. (No guarantees with wild animals!) Bring flashlights and wear good hiking shoes.

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The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.

Working in 76 countries and territories—37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners—we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.