Our Friday Hikes have 3 features (expectations): Moderate pace, Mutual support by staying together, and Peaceful trail conversation focused on observations and information about our surroundings.
Leave from the Rite Aid parking lot on Ashland Street promptly at 9:00 AM unless otherwise indicated. Bring water, lunch, hat, sun-screen, insect repellent and rain gear. 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/
November 8: Enchanted Forest
TH: Drive through Jacksonville and take Highway 238 towards Applegate for15 miles. Just before downtown Applegate and the bridge, make a right onto North Applegate Road for 4.5 miles to a fork where you go right on Kubli Road for 400' and then right on Slagle Creek Road. In about 1 mile, you’ll see the sign for Wooldridge Winery on your left. Turn up that road/drive to the Winery’s Parking area. EDT: 60 minutes. Description: Walk through the vineyard and Winery’s gate. We’ll take Ted’s trail to the spur trail that leads to the Enchanted Forest trail; turn right and follow the Enchanted Forest trail uphill to find our lunch spot; then downhill to Slagle Creek Road; walk 0.5 miles along the road back to the Winery for fermented grape juice and charcuterie. The Enchanted Forest Trail boasts huge fall leaves when we catch them just right. Distance: 5 miles; elevation gain: 1,700 ft. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 80 miles.
November 22: Thanksgiving Hike on Red Queen & Lunch. Meet at trailhead near top of Liberty Street. Park on Liberty street or at Elisabeth’s on corner of Clarence Lane and Liberty. Bring water and a snack. Hike along the Waterline and Red Queen trail in the Ashland watershed. Following a Fire Ecology Interpretive pathway. We’ll pause at 6 interpretive signs that explain different elements of fire ecology where evidence can be viewed. Return the same way (estimated 5.3 miles RT), finishing at Elisabeth’s House for a pre-Thanksgiving Lunch (850 Clarence Lane). Weather forecast. No driving miles.