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 from the CVS (previous Rite Aid) pking 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 (occasionally elsewhere depending on driving directions to the TH). 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.
Leaders: Elisabeth Zinser, 541.646.6109 and Kay Simmons, 202-870-3404.
April 10: Cathedral Hills Trails Meet at 8:20 to arrange carpools
TH: Head north up I-5 to exit 48. Take exit 48 toward City of Rogue River, Turn left onto Depot Street and then slight right toward OR-99 N. Turn right onto OR-99 N for 6.4 miles, turn left onto Fruitdale Drive (1.4 miles), turn left onto Cloverlawn Drive (0.2 miles), turn right onto SE Grandview Avenue (0.8 miles), turn left onto Sky Way (0.7 miles) and turn right to the upper Skycrest TH. EDT: 50 minutes. (Use GPS directions to Skycrest Traililhead, Grants Pass). Hike Description: We will trek Cathedral Hills trails to enjoy peak season for Indian Warriors and other wildflowers. We will hike the Madrone, Timber Riders, and Outback Loop trails and end with more wildflowers and lunch on the Skycrest Loop Trail (1.6 miles). Distance around 5 miles with about 600’ elevation gain. [Still ‘nursing’ her Achilles tendon injury, Elisabeth will take the Skycrest Loop Trail only, linger with the Indian Warriors, and join us for lunch. Anyone wanting a shorter hike are welcome to join her.] Weather forecast. RT mileage: 100 miles.
April 24: Pilot Rock Trail Leave at 8:30 AM
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.