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,nscreen, 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.
February 7: No hike or snowshoe this Friday due to snowy and unpredictable weather conditions
February 14: No hike or snowshoe this Friday due to snowy and unpredictable weather conditions. If the weather forecast changes, we will update.
February 21: Snowshoe at Buck Prairie: (weather permitting). Meet at Rite Aid at 9:30 AM; depart at 9:45 AM
TH: Take DIM about 18 miles to Buck Prairie #I Sno-Park. Sno-Park Permit required; passengers should help pay for it. EDT: 30 minutes. Description: Snowshoe up to the intersection with 3 trails (and an outhouse). The distance and route from there will depend on snow conditions and if we have a track from prior snowshoers (vs. breaking trail). Moderate trek: Take the middle trail that rolls up and down with enough elevation gain and openings in the forest for fantastic views. Steeper option: Only if we have enough snowshoers and 2 leaders and sweeps: Take the trail on the right which goes uphill for the views. Both options have views out to Mt. McLoughlin, Brown Mountain, and the mountain ridges to the east, when clouds don’t cover them. Return the same way. Distance: 4 miles RT with elevation gain at 500 feet for the middle trail, or 800 feet for the trail to the right. Weather Forecast. Howard Prairie SNOTEL. RT mileage: 40 miles.
February 28: Snowshoe to Bailey Creek. Meet at Rite-Aid by 8:50 am to arrange carpooling. Leave at 9:00 AM.
TH: Follow DIM 22 miles to the Deadwood Sno-Park (junction with FS Road 37). Sno-Park Permit required; passengers should help pay for it. Park on Road 37 near DIM. EDT: 45 minutes. DIM was bare and dry today. Description: Snowshoe along 37 to Bailey Creek. We will snowshoe for 2 miles and then return the same way. Distance 4 miles (elevation gain 200’). Fish Lake SNOTEL. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 50 miles.