Table Rock Wilderness
Topography
The wilderness is in the densely forested and lower western Cascades, with the highest point being the namesake Table Rock which rises to an elevation of 4,881 feet (1,488 m). Table Rock offers interesting examples of columnar basalt.
Vegetation
The rugged Table Rock Wilderness is home to a forest of old-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock, with noble fir at higher elevations and crowds of rhododendron on many of the upper slopes. By August huckleberry and salmonberry ripen on the slopes of Table and Rooster Rock. The rock slide on the north facing side of Table Rock is surrounded by a profusion of salmonberry. At least two endangered plants bloom here – Sullivantia oregana and Gorman's aster.
Trails
There are four trailheads to the area. The main trail, Table Rock Trail, is the same path used by Native Americans and was part of the larger cross-Cascades trail system. Sites of archeological interest can be found here, including petroglyphs. A moderately difficult hiking trail climbs 3.6 miles (5.8 km) to the summit of Table Rock where the western Cascades can be viewed. The panorama stretches from Mount Rainier in the north to Mount Shasta, a mere speck in the distance, in California. The higher trails are snow-covered from November to May, though usually clear by Memorial Day.
Wildlife
The rock slide on the north facing side of Table Rock is well populated by a large colony of pikas, a small alpine herbivore.
See also
References
- ^ "Table Rock Wilderness". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved January 20, 2009.
- ^ "Table Rock Wilderness". wilderness.net. Retrieved February 15, 2007.
- ^ "Table Rock". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved January 22, 2009.
- ^ "Table Rock, Oregon". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved January 22, 2009.
- ^ "Oregon's Historic Trails: Klamath Trail, 19th Century". Oregon Historic Trails Fund. Retrieved February 15, 2007.
External links
- "Map of all wildernesses in Oregon". The National Wilderness Preservation System. Wilderness.net. Retrieved January 22, 2009.
- Table Rock Wilderness Area - BLM page