A PRETTY EAGLE RIDGE TRAIL HIKE

This is a very pretty hike rated as an advanced beginner's hike of 4 miles round trip with a small elevation change. All of our hiking is on seldom used back country gravel roads. The Eagle Ridge Trail is located in the Eagle Ridge County Park in the Spence Mountain Trail System which is located 15+ miles west of Klamath Falls. The road we will be hiking on is mainly dry with a little dust and some small and medium and large size puddles which can be circumnavigated These wet sections are usually found in shaded areas. The first mile and one half of the trail is flat and follows the road around the peninsula. There are continuous very pretty unobstructed views of the many distant mountains along the hike which include the snow-covered Mt Mclaughlin. After hiking 1.5 mile there is a right turn with a gradual ascent to a very pretty viewpoint where we will take a lunch and rest break. The trail then continues and loops around the shoreline and then heads back to our trailhead. That completes our hike.

We will meet up at the Moore Park Marina at 9:00 am for carpooling. From our meet up point to the trail head it is 20 miles. From the parking lot we turn right and drive west on Lake Shore Drive to Highway 140. Merge in and follow 140 for 11 miles over Doak mountain summit, to the bottom of the hill where a sign shows a right turn to Shoal water Bay trailhead. Follow this gravel road for 4.4 miles, which is in good condition past the Shoal water trailhead to the Eagle Ridge County Park and Boat Launch. There is a toilet and a large parking area. This is our trailhead.

If you are coming from the Medford area, drive east on Highway 140 to milepost 51. Soon after passing this mile post, look for a sign to Shoal water Bay trailhead. Turn left on this gravel road before you start climbing up the hill on Highway 140. Follow this road for 4.4 miles, past the Shoal water trailhead to the Eagle Ridge County Park and Boat Launch. There is a toilet and large parking area. This is our trailhead.

Do bring with you good waterproof hiking boots, hiking poles, water, electrolytes, lunch, long pants, a warm windbreaker, cell phone and camera. Sunglasses and a hat are also good choices for this hike. Please note that hiking along the shore may contribute to extra sunshine since the sun's rays are reflected from the water. Bring sunscreen.
At this time the weather for Sunday looks pretty good with sun and partly cloudy skies and a record high of 70 deg with light winds .
Dogs are welcome on this hike.