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 9:00 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.
THESE PLANNED TRIPS MAY BE JUGGLED BASED ON SNOW AND TRAIL CONDITIONS
February 4: Hike Lower Wonder Trail: Leave from TH Parking at 9:00 AM.
TH and Parking: From Ashland Plaza, drive up Windburn Way, then Granite Street which turns into a gravel road. Veer right just above the swimming reservoir. Another 0.1 mile to where Lithia Creek flows under the road. Park. The Wonder TH is across from the parking. Description: We’ll follow the creek down briefly and then climb 10 switchbacks, finding nice views of Grizzly Peak and at about 2.3 miles pass a huge granite boulder and many dinosaur egg boulders scattered down the hillside. At the intersection where the Wonder trail heads steeply up to Fell on Knee trail, we’ll either return the same way we came on the trail to complete 5.6 miles, or take a spur down to the USFS Road 2060 for a 4.6-mile loop hike. Elevation gain/loss either way is about 1,000 feet. Weather forecast.
February 11: Crater Lake Snowshoe Leaving Rite Aid at 8:30 AM
TH: I-5 north to Exit 30 for Medford. Take Highway 62 towards Crater Lake. Just past Becky's turn right to stay on Highway 62E for another 15.8 miles to a left into the park. Then proceed up the road to the rim of Crater Lake and park alongside the Rim Village Café and assemble near the snowbank. EDT: 2 hours.
Description: Follow the rim of the lake in a clockwise direction for splendid views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Return the same way. Don't forget your sunglasses and sun block. Safety first: please stay behind the tree line to avoid dropping off a cornice into the caldera. Distance: 5 miles RT; elevation gain: 200-300 feet. Being at a high altitude, take it easy. If some of us stop short for lunch, it’s all good. Annie Springs SNOTEL. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 190 miles.
Friday Feb. 18, 2022 – Snowshoeing at the Mt. Ashland Ski Area Leaving Rite Aid at 8:30 AM
TH: Closed gate on FS Road 20, just beyond the Mt Ashland Ski Area parking lot. Sno-Park permit required for drivers. EDT: 30 minutes. Snowshoe Description: From the ski area back parking lot follow FS 20 for 2 to 3 miles. Return the same way. Distance - around 4 miles; elevation gain: around 400 feet. Or, go as far as you like with at least one other buddy and return same way for a shorter distance. Big Red SNOTEL. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 40 miles.
February 25, 2022: Hike Sterling Mine Ditch Trail from Tunnel Ridge to Bear Gulch loop).
TH: Follow Route 238 thru Jacksonville to Ruch; turn left onto Upper Applegate Road for 2.9 miles then turn left on Little Applegate Road for 9.7 miles to the Tunnel Ridge TH; EDT: 75 min. Description: Climb up to the Ditch, then turn left and follow the Ditch trail to the Bear Gulch trail; turn left again and descend to the Bear Gulch TH; turn left and walk along the road about 0.5 miles to starting point – TH for Tunnel Ridge – and cars. Distance: 5 miles; elevation gain: 800 ft. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 70 mi.