1. London Peak
London Peak is named after the famous American author Jack London who stayed at the Wolf Creek Inn, which is located in the community of Wolf Creek, about 20 miles north of Grants Pass, Oregon. The out and back trail is steep, but is easily accessible from the I-5 corridor and a great way to explore the region’s old-growth forest ecosystem.
Wheelchair accessible trailhead on the top of London Peak to the lookout, before you reach the trail through the old-growth forest.
Hike Description:
The trail climbs from the Josephine-county managed Wolf Creek Park ($5 day use fee) to a lookout on London Peak. (Note: a bridge over the seasonal creek is currently out, so you need to wait for low water to cross the creek.) You can also access the trail from the top on land administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Here there is a ½ mile barrier free trail (rated moderately difficult for wheelchairs) that meanders along a forested ridge line to the London Peak Overlook, offering spectacular views of the Rogue/Umpqua Divide, the Wolf Creek Canyon, and the historic Applegate Trail. Once you reach the lookout on the main trail head to the left down a trail through the forest with wooden steps. You will see the interpretive signage along the way. In either direction it is a steep out and back hike through groves of very large old-growth forests.
If you enjoy walking through groves of ancient trees, see a diversity of wildlife habitat, and like a great workout then the lower London Peak Trail is for you. By the time you've completed this two mile hike, you will increase/decrease in elevation by over 1,400 feet!
The trail’s interpretive signs inform hikers about the many values and attributes of old-growth forests. There is information about the type of wildlife and plants that inhabit these forests, and the special characteristics of old-growth.
Bureau of Land Management Forest
The forests that surround the London Peak trail are prime examples of the older forests that were common in this region prior to industrial forest management. These forests are much more rare as a result of private and federal logging over the decades. On BLM administered lands in this region there are many older forests that persist today, but too many are now targeted by the BLM in logging projects.
The Rogue Umpqua Divide
The forests along the I-5 Corridor in the Rogue Umpqua Divide (the ridge system that separates the Rogue and Umpqua River Basins) are known for their importance in maintaining wildlife connectivity. This is an area that wildlife use as they travel between the Cascade ranges to the east and the coastal and Klamath-Siskiyou mountains to the west.
Legacy of Logging
Unfortunately, many of the forests that surround London Peak are either intensively logged by industrial forest companies or are threatened by the BLMs “Poor Windy” timber sales. You may see the markings for the BLM logging project if you drive nearby BLM roads in the area.
Directions:
From Grants Pass, Oregon, take I-5, exit 76. Turn left, proceed under freeway. Go straight through the intersection (stop sign) onto Bridge Lane. Drive two miles and turn right on BLM 33-6-26 ( London Peak Rd.). Drive 1 mile to the first junction and turn right staying on 33-6-26. Continue to the left driving approximately 2 miles ending at the trailhead. (Follow sign to London Peak Trailhead).
Caution:
Always use caution, good planning, and check in with managing agencies before embarking on a trip. Don’t forget to pack maps, extra layers, plenty of food and water, a first aid kit, and a cell phone in case of an emergency. It is a good idea to let someone know where you are going and when you intend to be back. Be aware that weather and road conditions can change in an instant. KS Wild assumes no liability if you intend to visit any of the places featured in our materials.