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.
June 12, 2026: Little Pilot Peak: Meet at CVS parking at 7:45 am for 8:00 am departure.
TH: From Ashland, drive up Highway 66 and turn onto Soda Mountain Road, 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.
June 26, 2026: Upper Rogue River, Natural Bridge-Woodruff Bridge: Meet at CVS parking at 7:45 am for 8:00 am departure. Alternative: Meet at Fred Meyers Parking near Gas Station on Crater Lake Blvd/Hwy. 62 at 8:20 am.
TH: From Ashland drive to Medford (pick up hikers waiting at Fred Meyers Parking) and take Highway 62 northeast toward Crater Lake, past Prospect to a left turnoff for Woodruff Bridge. Park a shuttle car there. Go back to Highway 62 and continue on up #62 for a left turn off for Natural Bridge parking. (About 90 minutes). Check out Natural Bridge, then hike from that TH downstream to a spur trail for Knob Falls and enjoy a snack. Return to main trail and continue down along the river to Woodruff Bridge. 3.5 miles. Lunch in the picnic area. TBD: Add on a hike RT downstream to Takelma Gorge for 3.2 miles (or part way). Take drivers back up to Natural Bridge parking to return for their riders. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 150 miles.