Shan Creek Trail, Oregon

Shan Creek Trail, Shan Creek Scenic Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon This is a quarter mile-long, relatively easy hike on a well maintained trail to Shan Creek. The well defined trail ends at the creek with poorly defined, exploratory trails continuing up stream. Other exploratory trails leave the main trail about half way in the hike and go down toward the creek. The creek has carved its way though the erosion resistant rocks of an ancient ocean crust to create a rugged landscape of craggy canyon walls.

Directions

The trailhead is pointed out on the road guide for the Shan Creek Scenic Drive. From Grants Pass, drive south on Highway 199 for about seven miles to the Applegate River Bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn right on River Bank Road. Drive for about five miles and turn left on Shan Creek Road. The trailhead is located on Shan Creek Road at a small turnout on the right 1.2 miles from River Bank Road.

Features

Shan Creek Trail oak woodland. Shan Creek Road Guide, Grants Pass, Oregon The end of the trail offers a good opportunity to see ocean crust rock that appears to come from the lower part of the ocean crust. The trail goes through a dense forest of Douglas fir but about half way on the hike encounters an open area with an oak tree woodland. This sudden change in vegetation can be seen in other parts of the Shan Creek Scenic Drive and may represent a change in the character of the underlying ocean crust rocks; perhaps this is a section of very impermeable rock that creates an artificially arid environment that only oak trees can survive.

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...