Editor Pick
Bear Creek Greenway
- August 27, 2006
- Rated 3 of 5 by
lcampbell from Port Angeles, Washington
The Bear Creek Greenway is a bike and pedestrian path that will eventually connect Ashland, Oregon to Central Point, Oregon—a distance of 20 miles following the Bear Creek stream-bed. The path is not currently finished—so far only 11 continuous miles exist between Ashland and Medford, plus some addition unconnected sections in the Medford area (16 miles total completed).
Although I was just checking out the Summer 2006 newsletter on the Bear Creek Greenway website, and they are talking about being in the final stretch of trail construction. They say that the trail has been 30 years in the planning, fundraising, and construction. Kudos to them for sticking with it and (just about) getting it done!
I got onto the trail by following the signs off of Oak Street. The trail is paved and runs between the Bear Creek drainage and Interstate 5. Some sections of the trail were too close to I-5 for my liking, but others were in peaceful wooded areas that were very quite considering the proximity to the highway. I saw deer and many birds, and of course many people. The trail was nicely maintained as well.
The trail ended at Stage Coach Drive in Medford. I ran out of time to try it, but it was recommended to me to continue west on Stage Coach Drive to the town of Jacksonville. Jacksonville started as a gold mining camp in 1852. After having done through the typical ups and downs, it is now refurbished as a historic tourist destination, complete with museums, restaurants, shopping, and cultural activities.
From journal Biker Girl - Ashland, Oregon