In the heart of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, southeast of Ashland you’ll find the world renown Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT, which takes dedicated hikers on the 2,650 mile trek from Mexico to Canada, passes through Southern Oregon allowing for some world renown hiking opportunities for locals.
From the parking area travel down what appears to be a dirt road for approximately .17 miles. At the left will be the trail to the loop. You will see a sign on your right point to the trail. From here you can decide to go clockwise or counterclockwise. There is no real advantage to either direction but note that the majority of those who are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail will be traveling clockwise along most of this portion. As you hike you'll encounter beautiful wildflowers within the forest areas, meadows and overlooks.
This hike will take you to great views of Mount Ashland and Pilot Rock with panoramic vista views of the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument. There are several great places to stop along the way to sit on a log or in the meadow to enjoy a snack or take some beautiful pictures of the area.
No matter which way you go please be sure to follow the trail signs as there are portions where you may inadvertently continue to travel along the Pacific Crest Trail or miss the loop altogether. This is especially true if you are traveling counterclockwise from the trail head. It is best practice to carry some sort of tracking or GPS hiking app such as AllTrails to help you along the way.
Green Springs Mountain Loop
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Average Distance: 3 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 331 feet
Restrooms: Pit Toilets near trailhead in the summer
Optimal Season: April - October
Great for older kids, day hiking, bird watching, photography, dogs allowed with leash, equestrian along PCT section only, all or four wheel drive recommended but not required. Watch out for poison oak and some steep ledges.
Take I-5 south toward Ashland. Take exit 14 and turn left on OR-66 East/ Ashland Street. Continue on OR-66 for 15 miles. Turn left at Little Hyatt Road (follow the signs) and travel .8 miles, then turn left. Follow the road for approximately a half mile to the parking area.
