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 1: Hike canceled - weather

December 8: Hike canceled - Weather

December 15: Ashland Watershed - Oredson-Todd Woods Leave at 9:00 A.M.
We have some options for hiking within and beyond Oredson-Todd Woods.  It is preferable to stay on pedestrian only trails as much as possible.  As you can see on the map, there are short sections between OTW and Siskiyou Mountain Park that are designated for multiple use.  We will connect with the White Rabbit or Mike Uhtoff Trail (to be discussed Friday with hikers) and will turn around after 2 miles from the O-T trailhead, and we will watch for bicycles.  We will explore along the creek on our way, so please bring your hiking poles for stream crossings.TH: Exit to right on Ashland Street and continue to the traffic light at Tolman Creek Road. Turn left on Tolman Creek (Les Schwab) and continue on Tolman to Greenmeadows Way. Turn right on Greenmeadows Way and continue to Lupine Drive. Turn left on Lupine Drive, and park at the trailhead for Oredsen-Todd Woods.  If there are no parking spaces left, please park nearby on the street. Weather forecast.  RT mileage: 10 miles.