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.

Autust 11: Natasha Lake in Sky Lakes via Cold Springs TH:  Depart Rite Aid Parking at 8:00 AM. TH: Take DIM to Highway 140, turn right (east) for 3.2 miles to milepost 41 (sign to “Cold Springs Trail Head”). Turn left (north) onto Road 3651 for 10.1 miles on a dusty road to the Cold Springs TH at road end for parking. EDT: 75 minutes. Description: Hike 0.6 mi to a fork and take a left onto Cold Spring Trail for 1.8 mi to the intersection with South Rock Creek and Deer Lake Trails. Turn right onto South Rock Creek trail for 0.3 miles. Turn left onto the trail to Lake Natasha. Lunch, feet soaking, perhaps a full dip. Likely to find Huckleberries, so bring a container if you want some for your morning pancakes. Return the same way to the Cold Springs trailhead and cars. Hike distance: 5.4 miles, elevation gain 400 feet. Weather forecast. RT driving distance: 110 miles.

August 25: Brown Mountain Lava Flow: Hike canceled due to smoke.
TH: Take DIM for 22 miles to Forest Service Road 37 intersection; turn left on FS 37 for 8 miles to Hwy. 140;  turn right (east); after 4.2 miles, turn left into the Summit parking area. Toilets available.  EDT: 60 min. Description: Hike spur trail relatively short distance and across small bridge to turn left onto the PCT. Hike down to Highway 140 and cross road with care. Continue on PCT to intersection of High Lakes Trail and Brown Mountain Trail. Continue straight onto Brown Mountain Trail. Hike through forest and over basalt rock deposited by Brown Mtn. lava flow and stop for lunch at 2.5 miles from our starting point. Return the same way. Distance: 5 miles RT; elevation gain: about 450 feet. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 70 miles