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 11: Big Red Mountain. Meet up at Rite Aid at 7:45 AM for an 8:00 AM Departure.
Take I-5 to Talent turnoff toward Highway 99, cross highway 99 to meet others at 8:10am who may park and wait at Talent’s Camelot Theatre’s parking street behind the theatre. Everyone assembled, we will caravan to Rapp Road and take a right to 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. Notes: (1) If unable to spot the road signs, continue on same drive and avoid turning right at a couple of roads in that direction where it may not be clear. (2) You will drive over two cattle guards on the route. About 12 miles of this route will become gravel, washboard and dusty, but only one pothole. You will reach a 5-way junction called “Long John Saddle”, where minor roads intersect (40S20 and 40S16). There is a PCT crossing there but do not park at this ‘saddle’ intersection. Instead bear 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). Description: The PCT winds up for about a mile on a steep grade. It follows toward and around Big Red Mountain through trees and along some cliffs with a good trail and lovely views toward the upper meadows. Places are narrow alongside steep drop-offs, so having poles for balance and safety is a good idea. Lots of mid- to late season wildflowers, and thriving Bear Grass seen along most of the route. We’ll stop short of the summit. One leader and some in the group can stop at a bluff overlooking the mountainside and distant vistas, having climbed/hiked about 2 miles. Others will be led onward for another ½ mile or so to a larger mountain meadow, have lunch, and return to meet the first group for the return to the TH. Distance either 4 or 5 miles RT, both with about 800’ elevation gain. Weather forecast. Driving Mileage: 50 miles RT from Ashland; 40 miles RT from Talent.
July 25: Little Pilot Peak: Meet up at Rite Aid at 7:45am for an 8:00am departure.
TH: From Ashland, drive up Highway 66 and turn onto Soda Mountain Rd, just before reaching the Greensprings Summit. Drive on a gravel road about 4 miles to the PCT crossing, just after passing under the power lines for the second time. EDT: 45 minutes. Description: We will hike south on the PCT in the Soda Mountain direction and then take a spur up to Little Pilot Peak. Much of the hike is through the forest. There are remarkable views from the cliff-edge rocks at Pilot Peak. Distance 4.6 miles; elevation gain; 660 feet. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 40 miles.