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.
January 5: Emigrant Lake Quarry
January 12: Mt. Ashland Snowshow towards Grouse Gap
Meet at Ashland Rite Aid at 8:50 AM for a 9:00 AM departure in carpools.
TH: Drive up I-5, turn off for Mt. Ashland, drive up short distance on old Highway 99 and turn right up Mt. Ashland Ski Road. Pass the lodge across the parking lot to reach a dead-end parking area near a closed gate on FS Road 20. A Sno-Park permit is required for each car (passengers should help pay for it). EDT: 30 minutes. From this last parking area, snowshoe on FS 20 to an intersection (at about a mile) going to down to Grouse Gap or up to Rabbit Ears. We’ll proceed toward Grouse Gap as it will likely be the most groomed. We’ll return same way. Distance: up to 4 miles RT; elevation gain 400 feet. Some folks may turn around earlier for a shorter trek (~3 miles). NOTE: By exception, XC skis are fine if (1) at least 2 participants prearrange to XC ski together, (2) if the leader/s are informed in advance, and (3) if they stay in touch with one of the hike leaders during the trip. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 30 miles.
January 19: Pilot Rock Road Snowshoe
Meet at Ashland Rite Aid at 8:50 AM for a 9:00 AM departure in carpools.
TH: Drive south down 1-5, turn off at the Mt. Ashland exit onto old Highway 99. Drive around 2 miles to the turnoff for Pilot Rock Road. Park carefully in the cleared area along right side of Highway 99. Trail: Snowshoe up Pilot Rock Road for about 1.5 miles with a round trip distance of 3.0 miles. Views should be great if the skies are clear. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 30 miles