Leave from the Rite Aid parking lot on Ashland Street promptly at 9:00 AM unless otherwise indicated. Bring water, lunch, hat and sun-screen. TH = trailhead; EDT = estimated drive time; RT = round trip mileage; PCT = Pacific Crest Trail; DIM = Dead Indian Memorial Highway. 100 Hikes is 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon, 3rd edition. Coordinators: Elisabeth Zinser, 541.646.6109 and Judy Holy, 541.324.1056.
Website: https://ashlandhiking.org/
July 12: Mt. Ashland Ski Road to Grouse Gap on PCT:
TH: Take Mt. Ashland exit 6 off I-5; turn right on Mt. Ashland Ski Road. Parking area for PCT is just around the bend from mile marker 7. EDT: 30 minutes. Distance: 30 miles RT.
Description: Hike south on the PCT to Grouse Gap (one forest road crossing); turn left and walk about ΒΌ mile along the road to Grouse Gap shelter for lunch. Probably see lots of flowers in bloom, especially in the meadow areas. Return the same way. Distance 7.6 miles RT; elevation gain of 870 feet. Weather forecast. [Note: For those wanting a shorter distance, we may also lead an alternative route that begins near the ski area on a forest road, shaving a couple RT miles off the hike but intersecting with the rest of the group for half of the hike RT and lunch].
July 26: Grouse Gap to Siskiyou Peak:
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 PCT at Grouse Gap. Instead of turning left to the shelter, park the cars. EDT: 40 minutes. Distance: 50 miles RT.
Description: Follow the PCT 2.7 miles. Before the PCT starts to descend near the trail summit, turn left and walk up through the field and up further to the summit of Siskiyou Peak for lunch. Fabulous views. Return same way. Hiking distance: 5.4 miles RT; elevation gain of 1,050 feet. Weather forecast.