Leave from the Safeway parking lot in Ashland at 9:00 AM unless otherwise indicated. Bring water, lunch, hat, sunscreen and rain gear as appropriate. TH = trailhead; EDT = estimated drive time; PCT = Pacific Crest Trail; DIM = Dead Indian Memorial Highway.100 Hikes = 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon, 3rd edition.
Co-leaders: Alex Maksymowicz: 541-482-1964; Lynn Clegg: 541-552-9045
Website: http://ashlandhiking.org/
July 5: Pilot Rock Road to Babbitt Gap RT (third anniversary hike for Friday group)
TH: Take Mt. Ashland exit 6 off I-5; follow old Hwy. 99 under the freeway 2.3 miles; go left on Pilot Rock Road, drive 1 mile to PCT crossing (Sky King Cole TH). EDT: 30 min. (high clearance vehicles highly recommended).
Description: Walk along PCT past former Pilot Rock parking area and the spur trail to Pilot Rock stay on the PCT to Babbitt Gap for lunch with spectacular view of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Eddy and Pilot Rock. Return the same way. Post hike celebrations can be at Callahan’s or in town.
Distance: 5.6 miles; elev. gain: 955 ft. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 32 miles.
July 12: Mt. Ashland Ski Rd. to Grouse Gap on PCT RT (100 Hikes, p. 140)
TH: Take Mt. Ashland exit 6 off I-5; turn right onto Mt. Ashland Highway; parking area for PCT is just around the bend after the 7 mile road marker; EDT: 30 min.
Description: Hike south on the PCT to Grouse Gap; turn left and walk about ¼ mile along the road to Grouse Gap shelter for lunch; we should see lots of flowers in bloom, especially in the meadow areas. Return the same way. Post-hike refreshments can be at Callahan’s or in town.
Distance: 7.6 miles; elevation gain: 870 ft. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 30 miles.
July 19: PCT heading from Baldy Creek Road to Babbitt Gap New Hike
TH: Take Hwy. 66 towards Green Springs Summit; turn right onto Tyler Creek Road, about ½ mile before the Summit, drive 1.5 miles to Baldy Creek Road; turn left; drive 6.1 miles to PCT crossing just beyond Little Pilot Peak. EDT: 90 min.
Description: Hike south along the PCT past Porcupine Gap to Babbitt Gap. Hike consists of open stretches with wonderful views alternating with cool stretches among Douglas firs. Return the same way. Post-hike refreshments can be in town.
Distance: 8.2 miles: elev. gain: 1300 ft. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 50 miles.
July 26: High Lakes Trail from Aspen Point to Summit Sno Park on Hwy 140 (100 Hikes, p. 128)
TH: Drive DIM 22 miles to FS 37; turn left 8 miles to Hwy 140; turn right 5 miles to Summit Sno-Park and leave shuttle car; drive Hwy. 140 to Aspen Point turn off; EDT: 90 min.
Description: walk thru woods along Lake of the Woods to PCT; turn right (north) onto PCT; across Hwy. 140; continue on PCT to Summit Sno Park. Post-hike refreshments can be at Lake of the Woods Resort.
Distance: 7 miles; elevation gain: 500 ft. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 80 miles.