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.
February 3: Upper Table Rock
TH: Take I-5 north to Exit 33 (Central Point); turn right onto East Pine for a mile to intersection with Table Rock Road; drive on Table Rock Road for 5.2 miles; turn right on Modoc Road for 1.5 miles to trailhead parking area. EDT: 45 min. Description: Follow the trail to the top of the mesa, then walk along Meadowlark Lane a far as is comfortable in likely rainy conditions. Perhaps walk past the FAA VHF-VOR airways beacon to the Sam’s Valley overlook. Distance: 5-7 miles (TBD); elevation gain: 750-800 feet. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 50 miles
February 10: Snowshoe at Moor Prairie
TH: Follow DIM 22 miles to the Deadwood Sno-Park (junction with FS Road 37). Sno-Park Permit required. EDT: 45 minutes. Description: Cross DIM from the Sno-Park and head south along Moon Prairie Road. Snowshoe up the road and go right at the junction. We will snowshoe for 1.5-2.0 miles and then return the same way. Distance 3-4 miles. Fish Lake SNOTEL. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 50 miles.
February 17: Snowshoe at Deadwood on FS Road 37. Leave Rite Aid at 9:00 AM
TH: Follow DIM 22 miles to the Deadwood Sno-Park (junction with FS Road 37). Park on Road 37 near the berm of snow where road is closed and covered with snow. Sno-Park Permit required; passengers help pay for it. EDT: 45 minutes. Description: Climb up the berm to the groomed snow track (Road 37) and follow it to an intersection with the canal. Turn right and snowshoe along the canal to a small bridge area. Return the same way. We will snowshoe for 3½-4 miles. Howard Prairie SNOTEL. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 50 miles.
February 24: Snowshoe at Buck Prairie Leave Rite Aid at 10:00 AM
Canceled - Too Much New Snow!
TH: Take DIM about 18 miles to Buck Prairie #I Sno-Park. Sno-Park Permit required; passengers should help pay for it. EDT: 30 minutes. Description: Follow the trail up about 1½ miles to an open area with a restroom (sometimes closed in winter). Either climb a trail to the right for a steeper grade or take a moderate route to the left. Beautiful views can be enjoyed on either trail. We’ll likely cover 4.5-5 miles RT. Be prepared for light snowing possibly. Weather Forecast. Howard Prairie SNOTEL. RT mileage: 40 miles