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 6: Hald-Strawberry Park and Ditch Trail
Leave Safeway parking lot on Siskiyou at Sherman at 9:00 AM
TH: Carpool to Logan Drive by way of Lithia Way just short of its merger with East Main, turning left to cross East Main onto Church. Proceed up Church to Scenic and turn right for a short distance, then left onto Logan to the end. Description: From Logan Drive cul-de-sac, climb up the steps and trail to Hald/Strawberry Park. Circle the park amongst the madrone trees. Head east on the ditch trail to a quasi-end above Lithia Park, climb up to the right a short distance to a spot for snacks. Return back down and return same way on the ditch trail. At the end of the ditch trail, turn around and return back to Logan. Distance about 4 miles; elevation gain about 200’. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 10 miles.
December 13; Oredson-Todd to White Rabbit
Meet at Oredson-Todd TH at 8:50 AM; Depart at 9:00 AM
TH: From Siskiyou Boulevard going south, turn right at Tolman Creek Road. Drive 0.3 miles, turn right onto Greenmeadows Way. Drive 0.5 miles and then turn left onto Lupine Drive. Drive to parking. Walk to the Oredson Tood TH.
Hike Description: Take Oredson-Todd trail via the Upper Trail past the “waterfalls” to the Mike Uhtoff trail. Continue up the Uhtoff trail to second bench. Return down White Rabbit trail to Cheshire Cat trail to Uhtoff to Lower Clay Loop and finally to the Lower Trail of Oredson-Todd back to parking. Distance around 4 miles, Elevation gain around 600’. Weather Forecast.
December 20: Mt. Ashland Snowshoe
Leave Rite Aid at 9:00 AM
A Sno-Park permit is required for each car (passengers should help pay for it).
TH: Drive south up I-5, turn off for Mt. Ashland, drive up Mt. Ashland Ski Road to closed gate on FS Road 20, just beyond the Mt. Ashland Ski Area parking lot. Sno-Park permit required for cars. EDT: 30 minutes.
Description: From the ski area rear parking lot follow FS 20 and then continue up to Rabbit Ears. Return the same way. Distance: 4 miles RT; elevation gain 400-500 feet. NOTE: By exception, XC skis are fine if at least 2 participants prearrange to XC ski together, inform leaders in advance, and stay in touch with one of the hike leaders during the trip. Big Red SNOTEL. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 40 miles.
December 27: Honoring Christmas (12/25), Kwanzaa (12/26), Hanukkah (Day 2): Jacksonville Woodlands and Holiday Lunch at Belle Union in the Club Room Leave Rite Aid at 9:00 AM (and Ray’s in Phoenix at 9:20 am). TH: Take 1-5 to the Phoenix exit 24, go left to Highway 99 (pick up anyone at Ray’s), and turn right onto Highway 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. Hike description: Walk carefully across West California Street up into the Peter Britt Gardens to the Sarah Ziegler Interpretive Trail, following it up and around to Naversen, up to Panorama Point and back to Petard Ditch Loop, continuing to explore along other trails around the old Jacksonville mining project (now a botanical area). We’ll find our way down to Bella Union for lunch. About 4 miles and 300’ elevation. EDT: 40 minutes. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 50 miles.