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.
April 11: Forest Park - Creeks, Wterfall, Vistas- Jacksonville Depart Rite Aid at 8:15 AM or Rays in Phoenix at 8:30 AM
TH: Drive to Jacksonville, through downtown and about 2 miles beyond to take a right at the road into Jacksonville Forest Park. Drive the road up to parking lot P4. EDT: 45 minutes. Description: Hike the Cantrall Creek Trail over a short switchback across a bridge past an old tunnel. Hike up along the creek and by the waterfall. Continue further up the Cantrall Creek Trail to a left onto the Halls of Manzanita Trail. Continue through the beautiful canopy of manzanitas, with madrones keeping them company. At the intersection with the Naversen Family Trail, take a short out and back on the Canyon Vista Trail to enjoy two vista points. Return to the intersection and follow the Naversen Family Trail to the Dick Ames Shelter for lunch/snacks. Proceed down the Naversen Family Trail to the Ridgeview Trail and take a left on it to switch back down to the intersection with the Cantrall Creek Trail. Follow the signs back to P4 across the bridge and past the old tunnel (check out the history), then climb back up to our cars. Distance about 4 miles, elevation gain 600-700’. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 50 miles.
April 25: Lost Creek Lake (North Shore) to Blue Grotto Depart Rite Aid at 8:30 am. (May pick up Medford folks at Fred Meyers gas station parking lot at 8:50am). TH: Drive across the high bridge on the north side of Lost Creek Lake and make an immediate left on Lewis Road and continue for 1 mile to the TH. EDT: 60 minutes. Description: Generally level pretty trail through the woods along the north shore of Lost Creek Lake, over a new bridge, on to a spur trail to the right to climb up a short distance to the Blue Grotto. Return the same way. Distance about 5 miles RT; 800’ elevation gain’ (w/ Blue Grotto). Weather forecast. RT mileage: 110 miles.