Bolt Mountain
The Bolt Mountain Trail is under 7 miles out and back on a rocky, lightly shaded uphill trail.
Driving
– The Bolt Mountain Trail is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Ashland. Head north on the Interstate 5 towards Medford and exit at the Phoenix exit. Turn left and then right onto route 66 again and quickly you will see South Stage Road. Turn left there and head towards Jacksonville. Route 66 jogs right and left at Griffin Creek Road, and becomes ‘California Street’ as it passes through Jacksonville, but you know what makes sense… it becomes Route 238 after Jacksonville. (sarcasm alert. Doesn’t make sense!)
Drive past Ruch and it’s big yellow house. You are heading into Wine & Weed country. At the city of Applegate you will cross the Applegate river on the big green bridge. Continue on Route 238 past Williams and towards Grants Pass.
At the little town of Murphy (before you cross the Applegate River again) you turn left on Murphy Creek Rd and quickly turn right on Southside Road. A few miles on that will take you too an odd intersection where you hit a stop sign, turn right onto a bridge over the Applegate River, and then left onto Wetherbee Drive. That will dead end into Fish Hatchery Park.
Parking
– Pay your $5 at the metal post with a slot in it down towards the river. You can either park by the river in the large, paved lot or just park in the dirt up by the trail head. However, dirt parking still costs $5.
The Adventure
– Remember that there are a number of nature trails along the river and you can check all those out – but later. At the beginning of our Bolt Mountain trail they just add a little confusion so pay attention.
From the paved parking area you will walk back up the way you drove in and the trail head is at the top of the hill to your left. The trail starts out as a wide road and then quickly becomes a nice single track. There are some laminated signs but they are not super helpful. After about 1/4 mile there is a definite intersection with the Bolt Mountain trail heading uphill to the right. The bent-up laminated sign here doesn’t even say “Bolt Mountain Trail” but I’m telling you – always head uphill. In 20 yards there is another little trail splitting off to the left. Don’t take it! Just more confusing nature trails.
Now the uphill begins in earnest. You’ll have about 3 miles from here. It is rocky and there is view after view. Not enough view for you? Well, maybe a 360 view at the top will make you happy. Lots of view means lots of sun so don’t forget your sunscreen.
And don’t forget to get your five dollars worth. Jump in the river at the end if it’s warm enough, or throw your fishing pole in your car. They don’t call it “Fish Hatchery Park” for nothin’.