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.
June 10: Pilot Rock
TH: Take Mt. Ashland exit 6 off I-5; follow old Highway 99 under the freeway 2.3 miles; go left on Pilot Rock Road, drive 1 mile to PCT crossing on a rough, gravel road. EDT: 30 minutes.
Hike Description: Walk along PCT past former Pilot Rock parking area and the spur trail to Pilot Rock; stay on the PCT to the Pilot Rock viewpoint for lunch with spectacular view of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Eddy and Pilot Rock. Return the same way. Distance: 5.6 miles; elevation gain: 955 feet. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 30 miles.
June 24: Upper Rogue to Takelma Gorge
TH: Exit #30 off I-5 and go north on Highway 62 (Crater Lake Highway). Between milepost 51 and 52, turn left onto Woodruff Meadow Road 68, go 1.7 miles, and then turn left into the parking area (just before Woodruff Bridge). EDT: 80 minutes, RT mileage: 120 miles.
Description: Takelma Gorge: Hike along the Rogue by very large Douglas firs to viewpoints over the spectacular Takelma Gorge (2 miles). Return the same way. A hiking stick or two are very useful for a short stretch of the trail with many small lava rocks. There is the opportunity for additional hiking from Woodruff Bridge in the opposite direction to Knob Falls.
Hiking. Distance: 4.0 miles rt; elevation gain: around 100 feet. Weather forecast. RT driving distance is 120 miles.