I skipped my usual vacation pedal of Bear Creek last year because the memory of the devastating fire was still too raw. This year I thought I'd ride a few miles. I found the recovery uplifting so rode most of the way to Medford.
See Track for 2022-10-19 1:23 to 2:40 PM.
The Almeda Fire was particularly catastrophic. On the morning of Sept. 8, 2020, it swept through the Rogue Valley within a matter of hours, destroying more than 2,600 homes between Ashland, Talent, Phoenix and Medford. It was the most destructive wildfire in Oregon’s recorded history. post 
Dead trees with burnt bark show the fire's path along the creek. Bright yellow nets protect new plantings from hungry wildlife.
Once only the occasional creek crossing provided a creek view. Now the open country reminds one of Oregon's high desert.
Uploaded image
Uploaded image
Uploaded image
The fire hopped most of Medford then picked up again north of town. The creek is green again. Here I left the trail and rode US Highway 99 back to Ashland.
The Bear Creek Greenway is a 20-mile biking and hiking path extending from Ashland to Central Point in the U.S. state of Oregon. Passing through Talent, Phoenix, and Medford, it roughly parallels Bear Creek, a tributary of the Rogue River. wikipedia
Bear Creek Restoration Initiative is committed to restoring Bear Creek’s riparian corridor and water quality while contributing to meaningful conversations about public usability and safety. site
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