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.
NOVEMBER 3: Toothpick with Gyre Loop. Depart Rite Aid parking at 8:30 am. TH: Turn right onto Ashland Street (Highway 66) and then a left at 1st stoplight onto Tolman Creek Road. Drive up Tolman Creek Rodd almost 4 miles to the Toothpick trailhead on the right. EDT: 20 minutes. Description: Hike the Toothpick trail to Lamb Saddle. Then take Caterpillar up to the Gyre/Gimble/Lewis Point intersection. Turn left and walk up to a stunning ridge on the Gyre Loop. There are views of Mt. Ashland, Mt. McLoughlin and down to Ashland. Hike will be 5 miles with an elevation gain of 500’. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 10 miles.
NOVEMBER 10: Jacksonville Woodlands. Depart Rite Aid parking at 8:30 am. TH: Take 1-5 to the Phoenix exit 24, go left to Highway 99 and turn right onto Hwy. 99, then left on South Stage Road to Jacksonville. Drive through town on East California Street and turn right on North Oregon Street and left into parking lot behind the Library. Description: Walk carefully across West California Street up into the Peter Britt Gardens following the Sarah Zigler Interpretive Trail, on up to then hike along various trails around the old Jacksonville mining project (now a botanical area). We’ll end up above the Britt Festival pavilion and on down to La Fiesta or Bella Union for lunch before returning to parking. About 4 miles and 300’ elevation. EDT: 40 minutes. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 50 miles.
NOVEMBER 17: Red Queen. Meet at the TH at 8:30 am. TH: Drive own cars to meet at TH. From the Ashland Plaza, travel south on Winburn Way, then up Granite Street. At 1.5 miles veer left for a hairpin turn around the swimming reservoir and take Glenview Drive 0.3 miles to the Ashland Loop Road. Take Ashland Loop Road for 0.4 miles to Lower Queen TH, located just above the Terrace Road intersection and next to the water storage tank. Hike Description: Out and back trail through manzanita and pine with views of the Ashland watershed to the west. Hike distance: 5 miles; elevation gain: 800’. Weather forecast.
NOVEMBER 24: No Hike. Enjoy a Long Weekend with Family, Friends, and Food