Table Rocks - Two Volcanic Towers You Can Climb!

Table Rocks are the two most distinguished Rogue River Valley volcanic formations. Upper Table Rock and Lower Table Rock sit on the north bank of the Rogue River, just a short drive away from Medford.

The names of the two formations are not based on the height but rather on their positions, with Lower Table Rock sitting downstream from Upper Table Rock. Both rocks rise around 800 feet above the Rouge River.

The two biggest adventures of this place are hiking and nature viewing. Additionally, Rouge River and Rogue River Valley are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with fishing, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, and more!

Native Americans and First Settlers

The Table Rocks area has been home to Native Americans for over 15,000 years before the arrival of European settlers. During the mid-19th century, gold rush settlers started to arrive in huge numbers, which led to conflicts with the native population.

In the 1850s, the Table Rocks were the site of a significant battle during the Rogue River Indian Wars. Major Philip Kearny led the displacement of the Rogue (Takelma) tribe, forcing them into reservations. Many settlers arrived after the events and quickly developed the area. The Town of Table Rock post office was established in 1872.

20th Century Development and Protection

In 1948, a Lower Table Rock airstrip was built, and in the 1960s, an Upper Table Rock VOR aviation tower was constructed. In the 1970s, the Table Rocks finally became a protected area to preserve the geological and biological diversity of the area and avoid damage caused by further development.

In the early 1980s, the Oregon Department of Forestry, Boy Scouts, and the Youth Conservation Corps created the Lower and Upper Table Rock trails.

In 1984, the Table Rocks were designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern to safeguard unique geology, animals, and plants.

Nowadays, Table Rocks and the surrounding area is a prime location to enjoy rare geological phenomena, hike trails to the impressive vistas, and see rare plants.

Hiking

The Table Rocks is one of the most visited hiking destinations in the Rogue Valley. It is estimated that more than 45,000 people visit this location every year.

There are two major trails leading up to the Upper and Lower Table Rocks.

The trail to Upper Table Rock is an easy 2.5-mile loop with 720 feet of elevation gain.

The path up Lower Table Rock is a moderate 3.5-mile loop with 780 feet of elevation gain. This trail is longer and rockier than the one to the Upper Table Rock.

Both trails will take you to the impressive panorama of Rouge Valley. On your way, you will enjoy scenic views and a variety of local flora.

Nature Viewing

The Table Rocks is a protected area with hundreds of plants and animals. Some are so unique you can only find those here.

Some rare life in the preserve includes vernal pool fairy shrimp and dwarf woolly meadowfoam.

The vernal pool fairy shrimp is a federally listed threatened species inhabiting the seasonal pools that form in shallow depressions on the surface of the lava rock. The dwarf woolly meadowfoam is a herb unique to this area and blooms in the spring.

The spring is the best time to visit since over 200 wildflower species bloom, creating a beautiful palette of color.

As you ascend to the summit, you can see the Pacific madrone, white oak, manzanita, and ponderosa pine surrounded with grass and wildflowers. The evergreen madrone trees are the most notable for their glossy, peeling leaves.