Jackson County

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 159.

Thousand Springs Sno-Park return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 150.

Mill Creek Bridge return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 160.

Crater Lake National Park return to the top

Crater Lake Road Cam

Crater Lake Park Website

Location: The vast majority of this national park lies outside the boundaries of Jackson County (see Klamath County for a more comprehensive guide to the park). If you are worried about county listing, bring a local map to keep track of your location. From Medford, take Hwy 62 for 54 miles to an area just past Union Creek. Continue on Hwy 62 to the park entrance. If you want to enter the park from the north and go directly to the lake, continue past the Union Creek only take Hwy 230 to the Diamond Lake cutoff. Follow the signs to Crater Lake from here. If you're coming from Roseburg, take Hwy 238 for 86 miles (past Diamond Lake) to Crater Lake N. Hwy. Take this road into the park and on to the lake.

Habitat and Birds: Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. At an elevation of over 6000 feet and more than 500 inches of snow per year, this is truly a mountain lake. Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Red Crossbills mingle in the lodgepole pines while Clark's Nutcrackers and Gray Jays ply the tourists for handouts. Climb the rocky slopes above the lake and check the snow fields for Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches. Pine Grosbeaks are a possibility and Barrow's Goldeneyes might be found in the lake itself or on one of the numerous smaller ponds in the park. Vaux's Swifts nest nearby and Black-backed Woodpeckers occupy the numerous small burned areas.

King Mountain return to the top

Location: From Rogue River, take Pine Street north out of town. This road will become Evans Creek Road. Take Evans Creek for 6.5 miles until you go over a covered bridge. Soon you will come to Pleasant Creek Road. Take Pleasant Creek Road north for 3.1 miles. The road turns to the right here and remains Pleasant Creek Road. Continue on Pleasant Creek for .9 miles to Ditch Creek Road. Turn left on Ditch Creek and travel 7.2 miles. At this point, take the right fork to Upper Grave Creek Road. Go .4 miles and take the BLM road 34-4-5 (county listers - you will enter Josephine County at about 1.9 miles down this road). Go about 3.7 miles and turn on 33-5-26. Go 2.2 miles to King Mt. Road. Take this to the top.

Habitat and Birds: This is a mixed conifer forest. Bird here are what you would expect from a forest like this. Sooty Grouse, Mountain Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Hairy Woodpecker, Red Crossbills, Cassin's Finches, Western Bluebird, Townsend Solitaire, Wrentit, nuthatches, chickadees, and Fox Sparrow are all here.

Trail return to the top

Location: Trail is at the junction of Hwy 227 & Hwy 62 north of Shady Cove. From Medford, travel on Hwy 62 for 21.6 miles (about 2.5 miles north of Shady Cove). Coming from the north on I-5, take exit 98 (at Canyonville) and drive 49 miles on 227 to Trail.

Habitat and Birds: This area is famous for having produced a credible Nuttall's Woodpecker. Anyone birding this area should keep this in mind. Where there is one...... Most of the other birding in this area is typical mountain birding in mixed conifer forest.

McGregor Park return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 162.

Lost Creek Reservoir return to the top

Lost Creek Lake Website

Location: Lost Creek Reservoir is located on Hwy 62 about 20 NE of Eagle Point.

Habitat and Birds: This mountain lake is next to the highway and offers a good break from the long drive between Central Oregon and the Rogue Valley. The birds here are much the same as the other lakes. In the fall, water levels drop and shorebird flats are created. This is an under-birded location and could be very productive as a shorebird hotspot. A Chestnut-collared Longspur was found here in 2001 and Lapland Longspur has been known to frequent this area.

Joseph Stewart State Park return to the top

Oregon State Parks Website

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 161.

Medco Pond (Crane Pond) return to the top

View A Google Map

Park Brochure

Park Map

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 163.

Valley of the Rogue State Park return to the top

Location: This park is located between Rogue River and Gold Hill off of I-5. Take exit 45B and follow the signs to the park. Check out the settling ponds on the west end of the park (you may have to hike to these).

Habitat and Birds: Dry oak woodland that borders the Rogue River. In one recent survey, 90 species were located in this park over the course of one year. Waterfowl can be found at this location as they loaf in the slower regions of the river. Ducks, geese, and herons are found here routinely. Band-tailed Pigeons have been seen at this location as have Acorn Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, and Pileated Woodpeckers. The riparian area hosts Western Wood Pewee, Black Phoebe, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Wrentit, various warblers, 7 species of sparrow, Purple Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. In 1999 an Eastern Phoebe was seen at this location.

Upper Table Rock return to the top

Location: To find the Upper Table Rock trailhead from Interstate 5 take Central Point exit 33 (just north of Medford), drive east on Biddle Road 1 mile, turn left on Table Rock Road for 5.2 miles to a curve, and turn right on Modoc Road for 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the left, just opposite an electric substation (Don't miss the Kirtland Sewer Ponds east on Kirtland Road just before the Rogue River and Modoc ponds just after you cross the river on your right). To find the Lower Table Rock trailhead from here, get back in your car, return 1.5 miles to Table Rock Road, turn right (away from Medford) to milepost 10, and then turn left on Wheeler Road 0.8 mile.

Habitat and Birds: Most people come here for Oak Titmouse and California Towhee. However, the bird life here has much more to offer. Ruffed Grouse have been found on the slopes and Peregrine Falcons have been seen checking out the cliffs. Lewis's and Acorn Woodpeckers have been found along with Hutton's Vireo and Bushtit. Look for Lesser Goldfinches feeding on star thistle. In migration, just about anything is possible on Table Rock.

Lower Table Rock Nature Conservancy Reserve return to the top

Nature Conservancy Website

Location: From Medford take I-5 North to exit 33 (Central Point). Go east about one mile to Table Rock Road. Turn north (left) onto Table Rock Road. Drive 7.6 miles (go past Tou Velle State Park). Turn west (left) onto Wheeler Road and continue for about one mile to the parking lot (look for the sign). The trail to the top of Lower Table Rock is about two miles.

Habitat and Birds: A bird list here includes California Quail, Great Egret, Bald Eagle, Vaux's Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Lewis's WP, Pileated WP, Acorn WP, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo, Oak Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, Varied Thrush, Western Bluebird, Wrentit, Cedar Waxwing, Townsend's Warbler, Western Tanager, Lark Sparrow, and Evening Grosbeak. A Lawrence's Goldfinch was seen here in 1997 and a dead California Thrasher was found on Table Rock Road in 1996.

Whetstone Savannah Nature Conservancy Reserve return to the top

Location: From Interstate 5 take Central Point exit 33 (just north of Medford), drive east on Biddle Road 1 mile, turn left on Table Rock Road and drive 4.5 miles to the Rogue River. Just before you cross the river, take a left (west) on Kirtland Road and drive approximately 2 miles. Turn left on High Banks Road and drive until you come to a right angle turn that takes you left (east) onto Newland Road. Drive approximately 1 mile. It is on the south side of the road, and the signing is rather obscure.

Habitat and Birds: This is dry, scrubby area mixed with oak woodland. Ring-necked Pheasant and California Quail can both be heard calling on a spring morning. Lewis's and Acorn Woodpeckers have been seen here along with Western Kingbird and Cassin's Vireo. Oak Titmouse and Bushtits occupy the bush while White-breasted Nuthatch and Western Bluebirds keep to the trees. Though not to be expected, both Northern Mockingbird and Sage Thrasher have been seen here. California Towhee and Lark Sparrow can sometimes be found. Watch for Brown-headed Cowbirds, Bullock's Orioles, and Lesser Goldfinch.

Tou Velle State Park/Denman Wildlife Management Area return to the top

Location: From I-5 north of Medford, take the Central Point exit (exit 33) and turn east on Biddle Road (some maps show this street as Pine Street initially). Go one mile to Table Rock Road and turn left (north). Go 4.2 miles to the park turnoff which is just short of the Rogue River. Hike or drive east through the park which becomes the Denman Wildlife Area on the east end. You can also cross the Rogue River and park just after the bridge to explore more areas. There is great birding in Denman at various spots along E Gregory Road with many ponds near the park headquarters.

Habitat and Birds: The Denman Area is very marshy and provides the birder with a small glimpse of what was once a much more extensive marshy region in the Rogue Valley. The river provides open water habitat and oak scrubland is common along the river. Common birds seen in this area include Great Egret, Green Heron, Wood Duck, Common Merganser, Osprey, White-tailed Kite (one of the better Jackson County locations for this species), Northern Harrier, Virginia Rail, Greater Yellowlegs, Belted Kingfisher, Acorn Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Wrentit, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Western Tanager, California Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln Sparrow, and Lesser Goldfinch. More unusual sightings have included Black-crowned Night-heron, Ross's Goose, Tundra Swan, Cinnamon Teal, Red-shouldered Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Sora (winter), Common Nighthawk, Say's Phoebe, Cliff Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Black-throated Gray Warbler, American Tree Sparrow (rare county bird), Lazuli Bunting, and Pine Siskin. Common Grackle was found here in 1994 and a Common Moorhen was here in 1982. Source: OFO Publication No. 19, Guide to Birds of the Rogue Valley, Massey & Vroman.

Agate Lake County Park (Harper Reservoir) return to the top

Location: From I-5 in Medford, take exit 30 to Hwy 62. Take 62 to White City (about 5.5 miles). Turn right (east) on Route 140 (Lake of the Woods Hwy). Go about 4 miles and turn right on Antelope Road (this is at the top of the hill past the golf course). The entrance to Agate Lake is about 1/2 mile down Antelope Road on the right and is marked with a sign. This will get you to the west shore. To get to the east shore, continue along Antelope to Dry Creek Road (this is the turnoff to the landfill). Agate Lake's vehicle access has been limited, particularly on the east side for soil protection, in an effort to ban 4 wheel drive damage. There is now a good parking lot on the east side with a restroom, which offers good birding access for walking along the east shore. The county removed much of the brush on the eastside, in an effort to cut down fire danger. Unfortunately, it also removed a good deal of upland bird habitat. Birding is still good there, particularly in the Spring.

Habitat and Birds: This lake is close to Medford and near some of the other, more popular, birding sites in Jackson County. Unlike most of the other large water features in Jackson County, this is not a mountain lake. Oaks and scrub land surround this lake. There are plenty of patches of varied vegetation which create many microhabitats that attract a wide variety of birds. Grasslands, oak savannah, marsh, and blackberry thickets can be found along with the oak woodland. Waterfowl of various kinds visit Agate Lake. White-fronted Geese, dabblers (including Cinnamon Teal), and diving ducks can be seen most of the year. Western Grebe are found here often and American White Pelican has been seen along with Great Egret. Peregrine Falcons can sometimes be found feeding on shorebird flocks. Speaking of shorebirds; eleven species have been documented including Semipalmated Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, American Avocet, Stilt Sandpiper, and Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Needless to say, this is a good shorebird location. This is one of the better locations to find terns and both Forster's and Caspian are seen here. Pipits sometimes occupy the wet shoreline and Lark Sparrows can be found in the meadow. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is rare here but Oak Titmouse is pretty common. Watch for rarities. Four Great-tailed Grackles were found here in 2006 and Tricolored Blackbirds have nested here in the past. Other "goodies" that have been reported here include Black Phoebe, Bonaparte's & Western Gull, Costa's Hummingbird, Northern Shrike, and Ferruginous Hawk. Source: OFO Publication No. 19, Guide to Birds of the Rogue Valley, Massey & Vroman.

Lake Creek return to the top

Location: Lake Creek is located east of Eagle Point on Hwy 140. It's best to access this location from White City. Take Hwy 140 (Lake of the Woods Hwy) for 12.6 miles to Lake Creek Loop. Turn right and take the loop. This road is 2.5 miles long and offers plenty of opportunities to bird the creek and surrounding forest. Half way around the loop, the South Fork Little Butte Creek Road travels south and offers good birding for about a mile. After a mile, take Lake Creek Road for 3.5 miles to Lake Creek Reservoir. Just a quarter mile west of Lake Creek Reservoir is Bradshaw Reservoir #2. If you poke around a bit and work your way west from Bradshaw #2, you can find Nygren Reservoir and Bradshaw Reservoir #1. All of these look like they are very birdy but little information is available about them. We could use updated information if you travel to these sites.

Habitat and Birds: Lake Creek is most famous for a Brown Thrasher found in 2002. More recently, birds seen around this area include Barrow's Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Eared Grebe, Western Bluebird, Gray Catbird (not to be expected), and Varied Thrush. This list will undoubtedly grow as others explore this promising birding site.

Willow Lake return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 164.

Willow Lake County Park return to the top

County Park Website

Location: To reach Willow Lake County Park from Medford, take Hwy 62 north for 14 miles to the Butte Falls turnoff. Turn east on the Butte Falls Hwy for 15 miles to Butte Falls. Go about a mile past Butte Falls and look for Fish Lake Road to the right. Take Fish Lake Road for 6.5 miles to Willow Lake.

Habitat and Birds: This traditional camping area lies at 3200 feet at the base of Mt. McLaughlin. Species here are similar to those at Howard and Hyatt Lakes.

Willow Prairie return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 165.

Fish Lake Trail return to the top

Bear Creek Greenway Website

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 166.

Bear Creek Greenway return to the top

View A Google MapAshland

View A Google MapCentral Point

Bear Creek Greenway Map

Location: ASHLAND - This section of the greenway lies between Oak St. in Ashland and Valley View Road in Talent. To access this section, take exit 19 from I-5 and go south on Valley View Road. At Hwy 99, turn left and drive into Ashland. In the middle of town, turn left on Oak Street and follow it north for about a mile to Nevada Street. Turn right opposite Helman Street onto a one-lane paved road that leads to the dog park (no sign). Parking is available at the dog park and the paved trail starts here. The trail goes past the city waste treatment facility and then winds 2 miles along Bear Creek to Valley View Road. There is a good pond just past the building materials yard that is good for waterfowl. TALENT - This section of the greenway lies between Lynn Newbry Park and Valley View Road in Talent. This wheelchair accessible path goes for 2 miles along Bear Creek and the birding is great. To access this stretch of the path, take exit 19 from I-5 and go south on Valley View Road. Turn right at the light (Hwy 99) and drive about 1 mile to the parking area on the right. Take the trail from here. You can access this stretch from Newbry Park as well. See directions for this access in the Newbry section below. Source: OFO Publication No. 19, Guide to Birds of the Rogue Valley, Massey & Vroman. CENTRAL POINT - Go out East Pine Street In Central Point over I-5 to the Pilot Station which lies along the west side of Bear Creek and the Bear Creek Greenway. There is an undeveloped parking lot on the north side of Pine Street. Park on the east side of the lot, there is a trail leading down to the paved Greenway. Follow the Greenway south under the Pine Street Bridge, the trail is a double lane paved bike trail. The trail goes through hardwood riparian woods, sometimes breaking out into open fields, and passing by some swampy ground. The Kiosk looking over Mingus Pond is about 1.5 miles south and provides good views of waterfowl at close range. One can also pick up a trail that goes around the east side of the pond and ties back into the greenway about 3/4 mile north.

Habitat and Birds: Bear Creek runs from Ashland to Central Point with a virtually unbroken paved path the whole way. Lush riparian growth mixes with oak woodlands to offer a good sampler of Southern Oregon habitats. This is a wonderful place to find a cross-section of Jackson County Birds and a perfect "first stop" if you have never birded Jackson County before. Acorn Woodpeckers, California Towhees, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Oak Titmouse are just a few of the over 100 species you can find on this path. Others to be expected would include Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, Wood Duck, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Ring-necked Pheasant, Virginia Rail, Anna's Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, 6 species of swallow, Empid flycatchers, Oak Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House and Marsh Wren, Wrentit, Cedar Waxwing, MacGillivray's Warbler, California Towhee, Lincoln Sparrow, Purple Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. Not so common are sightings of Eurasian Wigeon, American Bittern, Peregrine Falcon, Sora, Cassin's Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Lazuli Bunting, and Tricolored Blackbird. Source: OFO Publication No. 19, Guide to Birds of the Rogue Valley, Massey & Vroman.

Medford and Bear Creek Park return to the top

Medford City Parks Map

Location: Medford is located in SE Oregon 30 miles north of the California border on I-5. It is 30 miles SE of Grants Pass and 165 miles south of Eugene. I-5 exits 27 and 30 will access the city. To get to Bear Creek Park, take exit 27 and go east two blocks on Barnett to Highland. Turn left and travel 0.25 miles to the park entrance on your left. Take the bike trail north from here along the creek.

Habitat and Birds: Bear Creek Park is an extension of the Bear Creek Greenway and offers good birding in central Medford. See the greenway entry for more bird info. Some of the more unusual birds that have been reported from Medford are Sandhill Crane, Blue Jay, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and Oregon's first Black-chinned Sparrow. More mundane species might include Ring-necked Pheasant, California Quail, Northern Harrier, Anna's Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, summer Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Meadowlark, and winter Evening Grosbeaks.

Prescott Park and Roxy Ann Butte return to the top

City of Medford Park Website

City of Medford Park Brochure

Location: From I-5 in Medford, take exit 27 and travel east on Barnett Road for 2 miles to N. Phoenix Road. Turn left (north) on North Phoenix and go 1.3 miles (just past the big "S" curve) to Hillcrest Road. Take Hillcrest east for 2 miles and look for a sign to Prescott Park. Turn left and bird the dirt roads here to your heart's content. There are two gates that are sometimes locked (the second gate is usually locked). If locked, get out and hike the roads. See the brochure above. A round-trip walk from the second gate is about 4 miles.

Habitat and Birds: Lots of things can show up on this scrubby butte. Mixed conifers are scattered among oak savannah, manzanita, mountain mahogany, and oak woodlands. Oak Titmouse can be found here along with Downy Woodpecker and American Goldfinch. Nesters include California Towhee, Western Wood-Pewee, Ash-throated Flycatcher, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Nashville Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Lazuli Bunting. Unusual sightings include Merlin, Sandhill Crane, Pygmy Nuthatch, Wilson's Warbler, and Lark Sparrow. Even Costa's Hummingbird has been found here in the past. Source: OFO Publication No. 19, Guide to Birds of the Rogue Valley, Massey & Vroman.

China Gulch return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Portland Audubon Link Upper and Lower Table Rocks provide much the same habitat and are much easier to access.

Anderson Butte and Sterling Ditch return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Portland Audubon Important Bird Area Site

Lynn Newbry Park return to the top

Talent Parks

Location: Southeast of Medford, take the Talent Exit from I-5 (exit #21). Before crossing Bear Creek, pull into the park on the east side of West Valley View Road.

Habitat and Birds: Riparian woodlands along Bear Creek provide plenty of habitat for birding at this location. Many come here to view the spawning Coho and Chinook Salmon. Steelhead spawn here as well. Mostly used as a starting point to walk or bicycle along the Bear Creek Greenway toward Ashland. This park has bathrooms and a couple of picnic tables. Head south on the paved path and walk along Bear Creek on the right and various ponds and marshy areas on the left. The path continues for a few miles and provides plenty of good birding.

Grizzly Peak Trail return to the top

Location: From Interstate 5, take the south Ashland exit number 14. Turn east away from town. Follow Highway 66 for less than ¼ mile. Turn left on Dead Indian Memorial Highway. Follow this road approximately 7.0 miles to the Shale City Road, marked 38-2E-27. (This road will occur before you reach the evergreen forests on top.) Look for the Grizzly Peak trail signs. Turn left. Follow the Shale City road approximately 3.0 miles until you reach road number 38-2E-9.2. Look for Grizzly Peak trail signs. Turn left onto this road. At approximately 1.0 mile on this road, you will come to a three way junction. Follow the road leading uphill, which will be the same road you are on. Look for the Grizzly Peak trail signs. Approximately 1.0 mile further, you will reach the trailhead. Parking is available at the trailhead for up to 10 cars. The trail itself is only 3 miles round trip if you go up and back and can make a very good birding/wildflower hike in the spring.

Habitat and Birds: In 2003, there was a fire on this butte and woodpeckers continue to occupy that burn. The rest of the region is relatively open with scattered timber. Near the top, the timber thickens. As recently as 2009, Great Gray Owl was reported from this trail.

Hooper Springs return to the top

Location: Take Dead Indian Memorial Road east out of Ashland. Travel 10.5 miles to Hooper Springs.

Habitat and Birds: Oak Woodland and scrub. Data is needed for this location.

Hyatt Lake (Reservoir) return to the top

Location: From Interstate 5, take Exit 14 in Ashland, Oregon. Turn on Highway 66 toward Klamath Falls. Follow Highway 66 for 17 miles until you reach the Green Springs Inn. Turn north onto the Bureau of Land Management’s East Hyatt Lake Road. Follow the road for approximately three miles until you reach the Hyatt Lake Recreation Complex.

Habitat and Birds: Mixed conifer forest and mountain lake habitat. The lake itself may contain several duck species including American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, and Hooded Merganser. The woods around the lake should have Hairy and White-headed Woodpecker with the occasional Black-backed a possibility. Mountain species like nuthatches, chickadees, and Gray Jay can be found. Finches include Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin, Cassin's Finch, and House Finch.

Howard Prairie return to the top

Howard Prairie Resort Map

Location: From I-5, take Exit 14 in Ashland. Coming from the north, turn left onto Highway 66. Coming from the south, turn right. Drive about a mile east on Highway 66. Turn left onto Dead Indian Memorial Rd. (the signs direct you to the Ashland Airport and Mountain Lakes). Go to just past the 17 mile marker and turn right onto Hyatt Prairie Rd. at the Howard Prairie Resort sign. Go about 3.5 miles to the resort entrance and turn left at the stone & wood Howard Prairie Resort sign. You can drive around part of the lake or walk around it. Wet meadows are found along the road into the resort Just before Hyatt Prairie Road, there is a dirt road on the left (north). This can be a worthwhile walk or drive and will provide the birder with a good mix of mountain species. Check out Lily Glen C.G. and the various side roads can be taken to add to your exploration.

Habitat and Birds: Mixed conifer forest surrounds wet meadows and open water. Common birds that might be expected include Western, Eared, and Pied-billed Grebes, American White Pelican, Green-winged Teal, Common Merganser, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Sharpy & Cooper's Hawks, Sandhill Crane, 5 woodpecker species, Hammond's Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch, American Dipper, Both bluebirds, 11 species of warbler, 14 sparrow species, Bullock's Oriole, and Cassin's Finch. Both Hyatt Lake and Howard Prairie have been somewhat famous for historic records for Spotted Owl and Great Gray Owl. A Bay-breasted Warbler was found here in 1976. Rough-legged Hawk could stop by in the fall and Grasshopper Sparrow has nested here in the past. Source: OFO Publication No. 19, Guide to Birds of the Rogue Valley, Massey & Vroman.

Applegate River & Reservoir return to the top

Location:The Applegate River runs north through western Jackson County. To access the river and, eventually, the reservoir, start in Medford and take I-5 exit 30. Travel west on Hwy 238 to Jacksonville. Continue on 238 through Jacksonville to the little town of Ruch. Here take Upper Applegate Road south to the reservoir. The road follows the river and gives plenty of opportunities to stop and bird. You can also continue on 238 west from Ruch to Provolt. This is the boundary between Jackson and Josephine counties. Most of the river is bordered by private land here and access is very limited along this stretch.

Habitat and Birds: Lush riparian area bordered by oak woodlands. Species seen here include Common Merganser, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Bushtit, Wrentit, and Bullock's Oriole

Lithia Park , Ashland Pond, and 2060 Road return to the top

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

City Information

City Park Information

Lithia Park Map

Location, Habitat and Birds: A walk around the perimeter of Lithia Park in central Ashland is always worthwhile. In the park itself you can look for Dipper under the or around the foot bridges. There are nesting Wood Duck here as well. For the rest of the birding, walk uphill from downtown on Granite Street then loop around the park and return to downtown on the dirt road which you see heading east after you reach the swimming reservoir. This is about a four miles circuit altogether. To shorten it, turn left off Granite just uphill from the park maintenance yard, cross the bridge, and turn left (east) in front of the park headquarters, cross the cul-de-sac and walk east on the dirt path. Riparian vegetation blends with mixed conifer-hardwood forest. You can access Lithia Park from I-5 by taking either exit 14 or 19. Travel to downtown Ashland and take Winburn Way south into the park. Park and walk south through the park. If you go about 1.5 miles, you will come to a water tank and a pond. This is the end of the trail. Birds found in Lithia Park include Great Blue Heron, Canada Geese, Common Merganser, Wood Duck nest here, American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk, Acorn, Downy and possibly Lewis's Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Band-tailed Pigeon, California Quail, Killdeer, Bewick's Wren, Bushtit, Lesser and American Goldfinch, Brewer's and Red-winged Blackbird. In spring and summer: Western Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, Wilson's, Yellow and Orange-crowned Warbler, Robin, Swainson's Thrush, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrow, Junco. During migration any of the local accipiters, Cedar Waxwing (I've seen hundreds in the trees here in May) and summering warblers such as Nashville and MacGillivray's are possible. At night look for Western Screech-owl in Lithia Park.

The 2060 Road makes a 28 mile loop that is closed to motor vehicles and offers terrific hiking, biking, and birding. Take Winburn Way south along Lithia Park to where the paved road curves around a fenced picnic area. Turn right on a gravel road here and drive a short distance to the parking area. This is mixed conifer hardwood forest and offers a good sampling of local birds. Spring and summer are the best times to hike here and a more beautiful walk will be hard to find.

Ashland Pond is worth a visit. From Highway 99 west of the center of town, take North Laurel to the north, turn left on Nevada, then right on Glendower. Park at the end and walk down the dirt path. The pond is in the Bear Creek Riparian corridor. In addition to the birds at North Mountain Park, here you could find Cassin's Vireo, Western Wood-pewee, Lazuli Bunting, Anna's or Rufous Hummingbirds, Green Heron, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo.

Ashland is a gem of a city and many birds may show up in its multiple public locations. Spring and summer: MacGillivray's Warbler, Anna's and Rufous Hummingbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, Tree and Barn Swallows, Vaux's Swift, Flicker, Hairy and Pileated Woodpecker (on the slope north of Granite Street), Lesser Goldfinch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Western Scrub-jay and Steller's Jays, Band-tailed Pigeon, Spotted Towhee, Nashville Warbler, Western Tanager. In May and June the hills must hold hundreds of Western Wood-pewee, their drooping whistle is almost as constant as the nasal buzz of the Spotted Towhee. A Costa's Hummingbird was reported from Ashland in 1980 and again in 1996. A Chestnut-sided Warbler was found here in 1982. Source: OFO Publication No. 19, Guide to Birds of the Rogue Valley, Massey & Vroman.

North Mountain Park return to the top

Location: Take exit 14 from I-5 in south Ashland and travel west on Ashland Street (Hwy 66) to Hwy 99 and then past the campus of SOU to Mountain Street. Turn north on Mountain and drive 1 mile to the visitor center on your right just before Bear Creek. There are several walking trails here and all can be productive birding sites.

Habitat and Birds: Grasslands, oak woodlands, savannah, and riparian wetlands all exist in small pockets producing microhabitats that attract a wide variety of birds. Things you might see here include Great Egret, Green Heron, Wood Duck, Sharp-shinned Hawk, N. Pygmy Owl (winter), Vaux's Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Lewis's Woodpecker, Acorn Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Western Kingbird, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Oak Titmouse, American Dipper, Hermit Thrush, Wrentit, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, California Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Purple Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. Source: OFO Publication No. 19, Guide to Birds of the Rogue Valley, Massey & Vroman.

Oredson Todd Reserve/Talent Irrigation Ditch return to the top

Location: From I-5 in south Ashland, take Exit 14 and travel west on Ashland Street (Hwy 66). Go .7 miles and turn left (south) on Park Street. Take Park to Siskiyou Blvd (Hwy 99), cross Siskiyou with a little jag to the right and continue up the hill on Park Street. From Siskiyou, go .5 miles to where the ditch crosses under Park Street. This is between Crestview and Tamarack Streets. Park here (there is no parking farther up the hill). You can take the trail to the west for 1.5 miles or to the east for .5 miles.

Habitat and Birds: Natural mixed conifer and woodland combined with ornamental yard vegetation. You might expect to see Rufous Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Pileated Woodpecker, flycatchers (Olive-sided, Hammond's, Dusky, Ash-throated, pewee, Pacific-slope), Steller's Jay, Oak Titmouse, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Wrentit, Cedar Waxwing, 7 species of Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, and Lesser Goldfinch. Source: OFO Publication No. 19, Guide to Birds of the Rogue Valley, Massey & Vroman.

Emigrant Lake return to the top

Location: This reservoir is located a few miles east of Ashland. Take I-5 exit 14 on the east side of Ashland and head east on Ashland Street (this is also Route 66). Go 3.5 miles and watch for the sign to Emigrant Lake. This will take you to the campground and the west shore. To reach the east shore, get back on 66 and travel 3 miles and look for a homemade sign that says Green Springs Spur (stop here and check out the overlook which has a good patch of oak savannah). Take this for just under a half mile and you will reach the east shore.

Habitat and Birds: Open water, riparian wetlands, grasslands, ceanothus-manzanita shrub, oak savannah, and oak woodland areas are present. Birds here include 3 species of grebe, Great Egret, Greater White-fronted Goose, Snow Goose, 13 species of duck, White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, Northern Harrier, Merlin, Greater Yellowlegs, peeps, dowitchers, Common Nighthawk, Acorn Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Ash-throated Flycatcher, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Wrentit, Orange-crowned Warbler, California Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, and Lesser Goldfinch. Source: OFO Publication No. 19, Guide to Birds of the Rogue Valley, Massey & Vroman.

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument return to the top

BLM Web Page

Monument Poster and Map

Location: This is an extremely large area and can be accessed in many ways (see the poster and map above). Contact the BLM office in Medfordfor details

Habitat and Birds: Portland Audubon Important Bird Area

Mt Ashland return to the top

SummitPost Website

Location, Habitat and Birds: See the summit-post link above to find directions to Mt. Ashland. Birds here include Sooty Grouse, Mt. Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Vaux's Swift, White-headed Woodpecker, Dusky Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Gray Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Brown Creeper, Townsend's Solitaire, Hermit Warbler, Brewer's Sparrow, Cassin's Finch, and Lazuli Bunting.

Pilot Rock return to the top

Location: South of Ashland, take the I-5 exit 6 (Mt. Ashland exit) and go south (straight) on Old Hwy 99. Go past the turnoff to Mt. Ashland and go under the freeway. Travel a short distance and find the BLM sign on the left for Pilot Rock. There are no further signs past this point but stay on the road with the most apparent use and keep going uphill until you reach the parking area below the rock (The BLM road is 40-2E-3). About .1 miles in, there is a junction. Stay left here and then keep to your right for the rest of the way and that should help. The Pacific Coast Trail crosses the road at the parking area. It's about 2 miles from the freeway. Don't be in too much of a hurry to get to the parking area. The birding on the way is terrific. Immediately after the turnoff area there is good oak habitat and later on, meadows (on private land) can be viewed from the road. Look for a dip in the road and an old quarry. This is a good place to park and explore.

Habitat and Birds: Coniferous forest and mountain meadows. Birds that can be expected here include Mountain Quail, Hairy Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Cassin's Vireo, Steller's Jay, Mt. Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Western Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Cassin's Finch, and Pine Siskin. Examples of less common species would be Wild Turkey, Lewis's Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Hammond's Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Gray Jay, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Townsend's Solitaire, Hermit Warbler, California Towhee, Green-tailed Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole, and American Goldfinch. Source: OFO Publication No. 19, Guide to Birds of the Rogue Valley, Massey & Vroman.

Birding Locations

Huckleberry Gap	Thousand Springs Sno-Park	Mill Creek Bridge
Crater Lake NP	King Mountain	Trail
McGregor Park	Lost Creek Reservoir	Joseph Stewart State Park
Medco Pond	Valley of the Rogue State Park	Upper Table Rock
Lower Table Rock	Whetstone Savannah Reserve	Tou Velle State Park
Agate Lake County Park	Lake Creek	Willow Lake
Willow Lake County Park	Willow Prairie	Fish Lake Trail
Bear Creek Greenway	Medford	Prescott Park/ Roxy Ann Butte
China Gulch	Anderson Butte/Sterling Ditch	Lynn Newbry Park
Grizzly Peak Trail	Hooper Springs	Hyatt Lake
Howard Prairie	Applegate River & Reservoir	Lithia Park/Ashland
North Mt Park (Ashland)	Oredson Todd/Talent Ditch	Emigrant Lake
Cascade-Siskiyou NM	Mt. Ashland	Pilot Rock

Huckleberry Gap return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 159.

Thousand Springs Sno-Park return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 150.

Mill Creek Bridge return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 160.

Crater Lake National Park return to the top

Crater Lake Road Cam

Crater Lake Park Website

King Mountain return to the top

Trail return to the top

McGregor Park return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 162.

Lost Creek Reservoir return to the top

Lost Creek Lake Website

Location: Lost Creek Reservoir is located on Hwy 62 about 20 NE of Eagle Point.

Joseph Stewart State Park return to the top

Oregon State Parks Website

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 161.

Medco Pond (Crane Pond) return to the top

View A Google Map

Park Brochure

Park Map

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 163.

Valley of the Rogue State Park return to the top

Upper Table Rock return to the top

Lower Table Rock Nature Conservancy Reserve return to the top

Nature Conservancy Website

Whetstone Savannah Nature Conservancy Reserve return to the top

Tou Velle State Park/Denman Wildlife Management Area return to the top

Agate Lake County Park (Harper Reservoir) return to the top

Lake Creek return to the top

Willow Lake return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 164.

Willow Lake County Park return to the top

County Park Website

Habitat and Birds: This traditional camping area lies at 3200 feet at the base of Mt. McLaughlin. Species here are similar to those at Howard and Hyatt Lakes.

Willow Prairie return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 165.

Fish Lake Trail return to the top

Bear Creek Greenway Website

Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding TrailsWebsite. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. McLoughlin Loop Guide. Section 166.

Bear Creek Greenway return to the top

View A Google MapAshland

View A Google MapCentral Point

Bear Creek Greenway Map

Medford and Bear Creek Park return to the top

Medford City Parks Map

Prescott Park and Roxy Ann Butte return to the top

City of Medford Park Website

City of Medford Park Brochure

China Gulch return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Portland Audubon Link Upper and Lower Table Rocks provide much the same habitat and are much easier to access.

Anderson Butte and Sterling Ditch return to the top

Location, Habitat and Birds: Portland Audubon Important Bird Area Site

Lynn Newbry Park return to the top

Talent Parks

Location: Southeast of Medford, take the Talent Exit from I-5 (exit #21). Before crossing Bear Creek, pull into the park on the east side of West Valley View Road.

Grizzly Peak Trail return to the top

Hooper Springs return to the top

Location: Take Dead Indian Memorial Road east out of Ashland. Travel 10.5 miles to Hooper Springs.

Habitat and Birds: Oak Woodland and scrub. Data is needed for this location.

Hyatt Lake (Reservoir) return to the top

Howard Prairie return to the top

Howard Prairie Resort Map

Applegate River & Reservoir return to the top

Lithia Park , Ashland Pond, and 2060 Road return to the top

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

City Information

City Park Information

Lithia Park Map

North Mountain Park return to the top

Oredson Todd Reserve/Talent Irrigation Ditch return to the top

Emigrant Lake return to the top

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument return to the top

BLM Web Page

Monument Poster and Map

Location: This is an extremely large area and can be accessed in many ways (see the poster and map above). Contact the BLM office in Medfordfor details

Habitat and Birds: Portland Audubon Important Bird Area

Mt Ashland return to the top

SummitPost Website

Pilot Rock return to the top