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Addison invites readers to appreciate Cathedral Hills by understanding its unique features.
Cathedral Hills
Cathedral Hills
Addison Allen
Warmth penetrates my skin as sunlight seeps through the cracks of the overarching branches. My tennis shoes strike against the hard trail, sure of their footing. Nothing but the soft chirping of birds competes with the sound of my deep intake of air. It allows my thoughts to clear up and fully absorb the warm, vibrant colors surrounding me. Around the corner, I jump at this sight of another figure. However, it is only a young girl and her father saddled onto their slow, steady horses. Their large smiles reflect safety and security: there is nothing to fear up here in the trees, and that is why I left my worries back at the trailhead.
This safe haven, Cathedral Hills, is not a faraway land from a fairy tale. In fact, it’s located in your town-- just a ten-minute drive south from downtown Grants Pass. Composed of a ten-mile trail system, Cathedral Hills has provided refuge from the chaos of life for decades. 400 acres of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir trees contain a variety of bird species, lizards, flowers, and families of deer. Year-round, hikers, bikers, and horseback riders make the visit to one of three trail-heads to enjoy the peace and exercise Cathedral has to offer.
Credits to Travel Southern Oregon
The distribution of these three trailheads makes the trail system accessible to citizens of Grants Pass regardless of where they live. They include: Espey, Skycrest, and Walker. Espey has the most parking spots (up to 15) and a bathroom. It is located near the Grants Pass golf course off of Williams Highway. Skycrest is next on the list with 10 parking spaces and a bathroom. However, I would not recommend using the outhouse unless you’re in an emergency– they smell absolutely terrible. Furthermore, Skycrest is located about a mile from South Middle School, and it is most popular during weekend mornings. Finally, Walker Trailhead is off of Cloverlawn Drive. Because it only has two spots for vehicles, it sees fewer visitors. Regardless of what trailhead you start at, please remember that trails are surrounded by private property, so it is crucial to stay on the path. The Cathedral Hills Trail System Brochure specifically asks hikers to “please respect the private property boundaries surrounding the area.” Trails are clearly marked, so accidental trespassing is rarely a problem.
As previously stated, Cathedral Hills is filled with beautiful ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir trees. While these are the most prominent species, there are many others. Some of these include the manzanita, madrone, and oak trees. Throughout the years, the red, paper-like bark of both madrone and manzanita trees has caught the attention of people of all ages. The lumpy, or spindly structure of their trunks leaves the viewers in awe. The towering oaks, ponderosa, and Douglas-fir trees direct the attention of hikers upward. The vibrant orange and rusty brown leaves envelope the forest floor like a blanket. And to add a bit more pizzazz to Cathedral’s identity, two of the largest trees from their species (in Oregon) reside in the dense forest. According to Kalmiopsis Wild, “This oak, pine, madrone woodland and remnant valley floor forest, is also home to two Oregon Champion Trees—recently discovered by Paul Brown.” The knobcone pine and white-leaf manzanita, though often overlooked by the average hiker, generate a sense of pride in the Grants Pass community.
Credits to Visit Grants Pass
If trees are not your thing, then take the delicate wildflowers that dust the edges of the trails during the spring. Between late March and early May, the majority of Cathedral’s flowers bloom. Over thirty species of flowers are documented with a picture to identify them at each trailhead. The most featured flower for Cathedral includes the “Warrior’s Plume.” This herb’s spikey, red petals and fern-shaped leaves are arguably the most abundant and easily identifiable flower in all of Cathedral. Native to Oregon, this plant obtains its nutrients by attaching to the roots of another plant’s roots. Warrior’s Plume gets its name from its similar appearance to the sacred eagle feathers that Native Americans wore on their heads going into battle. While the Warrior Plume’s bold coloring attracts lots of attention, my favorite flower would have to be the Heartleaf Milkweed. I love the light pink coloring and small details in each flower.
Whether you visit Cathedral Hills for the trails or the scenery, you will not leave disappointed. Both beautiful and maintained, Cathedral Hills sits as a local sanctuary meant to be taken advantage of.
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