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.
May 9: Upper Rogue River Trail from Union Creek to Natural Bridge via the "lollypop" rotue: Meet up at Rite Aid at 7:45 AM for an 8:00 AM departure
TH: Take Highway 62 north from Medford towards Crater Lake, past Prospect and up to Union Creek Resort area. Park in the lot just before Becky's on the left. Deacription: Follow Union Creek down to its junction with the Rogue River. Make a left and follow the Rogue River down to the Bridge to Nowhere (AHG named it). Cross the river and follow the trail on the west side up a steep grade into the woods above the river and then down to Natural Bridge. Have lunch. Then follow the path beside the river and cross a bridge over the river to follow the trail back up to Union Creek via the trail on the east side of the river. Distance: 7.5 miles; elevation gain: 500-600 feet. [Shorter option for some: Union Creek to Natural Bridge, lunch, RT Natural Bridge to Knob Falls for a 5-mile hike. To be picked up at Natural Bridge.] Weather forecast. RT mileage: 150 miles.
May 23: PCT Pilot Rock Area to Babbit Gap Meet up at Rite Aid at 7:45 AM for an 8:00 AM departure
TH: Take Mt. Ashland exit 6 off I-5; follow old Highway 99 under the freeway 2.3 miles; go left on Pilot Rock Road, drive 1 mile to PCT crossing on a rough, gravel road. (Alternative for shorter hike: Continue up road to large parking area at TH for Pilot Rock). EDT: 30 minutes. Description: Walk along PCT past the former Pilot Rock parking area, past a trail intersection, and bear left on the PCT past the spur trail to Pilot Rock. Stay on the PCT to Babbit Gap viewpoint for lunch with spectacular views of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Eddy and Pilot Rock. (Alternative route from upper parking lot: Hike up the Pilot Rock trail to its intersection with PCT. Turn left onto the PCT and follow it past the Pilot Rock spur trail to continue to Babbit Gap). Return the same way. Distance: 5.6 miles (or 4 miles) RT; elevation gain: 955 feet (or 500’). Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 30 miles.
May 30: Lithia Park Walk
TH:
Leave from the Park entrance just below OSF at 8:00 AM.
We'll hike up to the pond and around back mostly on the opposite side, perhaps visiting the Japanese Garden If you wish.