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 1: New Wonder Trail
Meet at the Ashland Fairy Ponds TH parking by 9:00 AM.
TH: Drive up Granite Street past the swimming reservoir to the parking area called Fairy Ponds. Drive straight into Fairy Ponds parking lot just before the road does a hair-pin turn to the left. Park at the upper end. Description: Start at the Wonder TH by Ashland Creek and gradually hike up the hill. Trail goes through madrones, past large granite rocks, and has great views. Turn left at the intersection with Upper Wonder to 2060 and left again down the 2060 road to parking. Lunch at the top. Total distance: 4.5 miles. Elevation gain: 870’. Weather Forecast.
November 8: Forest Park, Jacksonville
Meet at Rite-Aid, Ashland, parking lot by 8:50 am to arrange carpools. Depart at 9:00 AM.
TH: Drive to Jacksonville and then approximately 2 miles further to Jacksonville Forest Park. EDT: 45 minutes. Description: We will hike around 4.5 miles on the various trails. Hike distance: 4.5-5 miles. Elevation gain: 600’, Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 50 miles.
November 15: Bandersnatch – Gryphon Loop -Snark Trails
Meet at the Ashland trailhead by 9:00 AM
TH: Drive through Ashland Plaza, south on Winburn Way, then Granite Street. At 1.5 miles, veer left for a hairpin turn around the swimming reservoir. Take Glenview Drive 0.2 miles to parking area with the Witzend/Bandersnatch sign. Description: Hike begins at the Waterline gate next to parking area. Walk along the Waterline for 0.1 miles, past gate, and bird sculpture, to the Bandersnatch trailhead on the left. Trail switchbacks up 0.6 miles to a picnic table and vista. Continue down and across a bike trail and then some switchbacks up for about a mile to Red Queen. Hike up Red Queen 0.5 miles and then return. Continue to the intersection with Snark. Return down the Snark trail back to parking area. Distance is around 4 miles. Elevation gain: about 600’. Weather forecast.
November 22
Hike canceled due to heavy rain
November 29: Happy Thanksgiving. No hike.
