About 12 mi. slightly north of east from Gold Hill, and maybe 7 mi. north of Central Point, stand two eye-catching buttes, Upper and Lower Table Rock. They are composed of sandstone with erosion-resistant lava caps that were deposited during an ancient Cascade eruption. Over the years, wind and water erosion wore away the exposed sandstone but not the capstone, leaving nearly vertical slabs. Their names come from their locations — Lower Table Rock is downriver from Upper Table Rock.
More than 140 kinds of plants occur in the area, creating an exquisite wildflower display that reaches its climax in April. There are abundant lichens and mosses that grow on the lava, painting the black basalt with luxuriant greens and fluorescent yellows during the wetter months.
The 2-mi. trail to the top of the horseshoe-shaped Lower Table Rock is a hiker's treat. Be sure to look for the “mima mounds” or “patterned ground” that distinguishes the surface of the butte. How the mounds were formed is still a matter of scientific debate. The trail up Upper Table Rock is a little over a mile and steep. It's sticky and slippery in the wet season, but affords wonderful vistas of the Rogue River and Sams Valley to the north. There are two benches along the way — perfect places to stop, rest and savor the view. WHERE: From I-5, take exit 33 at Central Point. Head east on East Pine Street for 1 mi. Turn north (left) on Table Rock Road. Drive 5.3 mi. to Modoc Road for Upper Table Rock; drive 8 mi. to Wheeler Road for Lower Table Rock. MORE INFO: 541-618-2200, www.BLM.gov