Our Guidelines and Instructions:

Scheduled for Fridays, year-round, the Moderate Group is one option under the Ashland Hiking Group. It is for those who need or desire a lightly paced, shorter hike than is customary in the other AHG options. These hikes feature an easy pace for 4-6 miles (occasionally 7) and typically under 800’ elevation gain. Winter snowshoeing distances and elevation gains will be less.

We take a leisurely lunch break to socialize and sometimes share a short poem or other form of inspiration (voluntary but welcomed). On the trail, we stay together for safety and enjoyment. If a hiker wants to stop short of the destination, at least one fellow hiker will join. We recommend a hiking pole or two, and sturdy hiking boots. When driving a distance, we may have a voluntary post-hike experience in the area or on our return drive. Bring lunch, plenty of liquids, sunscreen, hat, and basic first aid items. Seasonal items include bug repellent, raincoat, winter attire and snowshoes.

Leave the Rite Aid parking lot on Ashland Street at 8:30 AM (unless informed otherwise for a given hike). Plan a full day, unless the hike location is close to Ashland. Carpooling is by personal choice, arranged at Rite Aid parking. All hikers must sign a liability waiver, provided by the hike leader, before their first hike with an Ashland Hiking Group, which covers liability for any of the AHG hike options.

While the Covid 19 Pandemic is with us, hikers must be fully vaccinated and bring masks for use when close to others or indoors, and while driving together in an enclosed vehicle.

Leaders: Elisabeth Zinser, 541.646.6109 and Kay Simmons, 202-870-3404.

August 9: Grizzly Peak Trail Hike canceled due to smoke
TH: Drive DIM (Dead Indian Memorial Highway) nearly 7 miles; turn left on Shale City Road and follow signs to Grizzly Peak Trail: 3 miles on pavement, left turn for 2 miles on dirt/some potholes. EDT: 30 minutes. Hike Description: We will do an out and back lollipop loop of 5.8 miles with about 600 feet of elevation change. Hike through the forest with some uphill climbing, vast views, and arrive at a cliff overlooking  Ashland and Rogue Valley for lunch. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 30 miles.

August 16: East Applegate Ridge

August 23:  Grouse Gap to Siskiyou Peak via PCT (+ side trail) Depart Rite Aid Parking at 8:00 AM
TH: Take Mt. Ashland exit 6 off I-5; turn right on Mount Ashland Ski Road to the ski area, then drive another 2 miles on FS20 to the PCT crossing at Grouse Gap to park the cars. EDT: 40 minutes.
Hike Description: Follow the PCT 2.7 miles. Before the PCT starts to descend near the trail summit, turn left on a side/spur trail and climb up through the field (nice views) then around and up over some rocks to the summit of Siskiyou Peak for lunch. Fabulous views (pending distant smokey skies). Return same way. Hiking distance: 5.4 miles RT; elevation gain of 1,050 feet. [A shorter hike option with same destination: Drive beyond Grouse Gap/PCT crossing to the Meridian and park there:  Walk down the hillside to the visible PCT and proceed to the spur trail from there and arrive at the Siskiyou Peak summit with the others].  Weather forecast. RT mileage: 50 miles.

August 30 – Sky Lakes via Cold Springs: Depart Ashland Rite Aid Parking Lot at 8:00 am
Directions: Take DIM to Highway 140, turn right (east) for 3.2 miles to milepost 41 (sign to “Cold Springs Trail Head”). Turn left (north) onto Road 3651 for 10.1 miles on a dusty road to the Cold Springs TH at road end for parking. EDT: 75 minutes. Hike Description: Hike 0.6 mi to a fork and take a left onto Cold Spring Trail for 1.8 miles to the intersection with South Rock Creek and Deer Lake Trails. Turn right onto South Rock Creek trail for 0.3 miles. Turn left onto the trail to Lakes Natasha, Elizabeth, and Isherwood (0.6 miles). We will have lunch at one of these lakes and then return the same way to the Cold Springs trailhead and cars. Hike distance: 6.6 miles, elevation gain 400 feet.  Weather forecast. RT driving distance: 110 miles.