Upper Table Rock
N 42° 28.103 W 122° 53.724
10T E 508598 N 4701787
This is one of two Table Rocks rising 800 feet above the Rogue Valley.
Waymark Code: WM1820
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 02/18/2007
Views: 41
It is thought that the rocks were formed by an ancient lava flow that followed a river bed, evaporating the water as it went. This would explain the somewhat river shaped form of the rocks. All that is left of this ancient flow are the two table rocks capped by their 100 foot thick layer of basalt. Erosion and the Rogue River flowing by their base have dissolved the sandstone that the rest of the flow rested upon.
Today, hiking trails are maintained up both Upper and Lower Table Rocks. Although any time of year is great for a hike, (I have hiked there spring, summer, fall and winter), most people make the climb during the spring wild flower season of March to May. During this time the vernal pools at the top are filled with tens if not hundreds of thousands of tadpoles. These of course become small frogs that are so numerous it is impossible to walk without stepping on a few! It is really amazing as these pools dry up in late spring, early summer and the frogs all disappear until the next year.
Another interesting thing I have been told about the seasonal vernal pools is that they contain a type of fairy shrimp. Supposedly these small crustaceans arrive in the clouds form the Pacific Ocean 75 or so miles west. The storms whip up the surf and the shrimp are caught up in the clouds and transported to the top of the rocks where they find refuge in the pools. And become food for the frogs? An interesting story to be sure!
Plan 3 or 4 hours at least for a hike on either rock. There are many geocaches along the trails and up on top, so if you are into that, it can be a full day. If you are interested, there is a great book available by Chris Reyes, titled “The Table Rocks of Jackson County.
Waymark is confirmed to be publicly accessible: yes
Parking Coordinates: N 42° 27.985 W 122° 52.952
Access fee (In local currency): .00
Requires a high clearance vehicle to visit.: no
Requires 4x4 vehicle to visit.: no
Public Transport available: no
Website reference: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
No specific requirements, just have fun visiting the waymark.