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.
April 14: Great Meadow to Lake of the Woods Snowshoe Leaving Rite Aid at 9:00 AM
TH: Follow DIM to the Great Meadow Sno-Park at the intersection of DIM and Highway 140. EDT: 60 minutes. Sno-Park Permit Required; passengers should help pay for it. Description: Snowshoe from the Great Meadow to Lake of the Woods. It is 2 mikes each direction for a total of 4 miles. Elevation gain: 140'. Billie Creek Divide SNOTEL. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 80 miles.
April 28: Crater Lake Snowshoe (conditions permitting) 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. If you have a National Park pass please bring it. Safety first: please stay behind the tree line to avoid dropping off a cornice into the caldera. Distance: 4.5 miles RT; elevation gain: 300 feet at altitude of about 7,100’. We’ll take it easy. If some of us stop short for lunch, it’s all good. Annie Springs SNOTEL. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 190 miles.