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.
July 12 – Grouse Gap on the PCT: Depart Ashland Rite Aid Parking Lot at 8:00 AM
TH: Go south on I-5 and take Mt. Ashland exit 6 to drive a short distance to turn right on Mt. Ashland Ski Road. Two TH options: (1) Park near MP #7 where the PCT crosses (parking pull out is on right). Or, (2) Drive on up to Mt. Ashland beyond Lodge and drive down a forest service road on the left to park at another PCT crossing. EDT: 30 minutes. Hike Description: Option 1 from MP7: Hike south on the PCT to Grouse Gap (crossing the FS road where option #2 hikers begin). Option 2 from FS Road: Hike south on PCT to Grouse Gap. Return the same way for original starting locations. Distance 7 miles RT with 870’ gain for option 1 group and 3 miles RT for option 2 group with about 500’ gain. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 30-35 miles.
July 26: Big Red Mountain to the bear grass meadows. Depart Rite Aid at 8:00 AM
TH: Take I-5 to Talent and short distance to Highway 99. Left on Highway 99 a short distance to a right on Rapp Road. Drive 8 miles on Rapp Road, which becomes Wagner Creek Road and eventually bears left to remain on Wagner Creek Road, which then becomes Wagner Gap Road/FS-22. At that point, continue on Wagner Gap Road/FS-22 for another 10 miles to the junction with FS-20. [You will drive over 2 cattle guards on the route; and much of it is gravel/washboard/dusty, but not potholes]. This will be a 5-way junction called “Long John Saddle”, including minor roads (40S20 and 40S16) and a PCT crossing. Do not park here. Drive to the right onto FS-20 for 0.8 miles to the Siskiyou Gap TH (another junction with PCT). Park in the clearing on the right. The TH sign is marked for Wrangle Gap (4 miles). The summit on this PCT trail section is at 3 miles. We will stop short of the summit.
Hike Description The PCT winds up around Big Red Mountain through trees and along some cliffs with a good trail to the upper meadows. Lots of views and late season wildflowers. We will have lunch in the mountain meadows filled with white plumes of bear grass. Distance 5-5.5 miles with elevation gain of 800 feet. Weather forecast. Driving Mileage: 50 miles.