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.
December 2: Red Queen trails in the Ashland watershed. Leave from the Red Queen trailhead near the water storage tank at 9:00 AM.
TH: From the Ashland Plaza, travel south on Winburn Way, then Granite Street. At 1.5 miles veer left for a hairpin turn around the swimming reservoir and take Glenview Drive 0.3 miles to the Ashland Loop Road. Take Ashland Loop Road for 0.4 miles to Lower Queen TH, located just above the Terrace Road intersection and next to the water storage tank.
Hike Description: Out and back trail through manzanita and pine with views of the Ashland watershed to the west. Hike distance: 5 miles; elevation gain: 800’. Weather forecast.
December 9: Hike Canceled - Weather
December 16: Snowshoeing at the Mt. Ashland Ski Area Meet at Rite Aid at 8:45 AM; depart at 9:00 AM
TH: Take I-5 to Mt. Ashland turnoff and follow Highway 99 a short distance to right turn onto Mt. Ashland Ski Road. Follow the road past the ski area to the closed gate on FS Road 20, just beyond the Mt Ashland Ski Area parking lot. Sno-Park permit required for drivers; passengers should help pay for it. EDT: 30 minutes. Snowshoe Description: From the ski area back parking lot follow FS 20 for 2 miles (or 3 miles if we continue down toward Grouse Gap and back or up the road further). Return the same way. Distance around 4-6 miles; elevation gain 400-500 feet. Big Red SNOTEL. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 40 miles
December 23: Snowshoe Mt. Ashland Ski Area above Grouse Gap (weather permitting). Meet at Rite Aid Parking at 8:45 am.
TH: Closed gate on FS Road 20, just beyond the Mt. Ashland Ski Area parking lot. Sno-Park permit required for drivers; passengers should help pay for it. EDT: 30 minutes. Description: From the ski area back parking lot follow FS 20 for 2 miles; return same way. Distance: 4 miles RT; elevation gain 400 feet. NOTE: By exception, XC skis are fine if at least 2 participants prearrange to XC ski together, inform leaders in advance, and stay in touch with one of the hike leaders during the trip. Big Red SNOTEL. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 40 miles.