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.
May 8, 2026: Table Rock Trail
Meet at 8:20 to arrange carpools for an 8:30 am departure.
TH: I-5 north to exit 33, Central Point. Right onto East Pine Street for 0.4 miles to a left onto Hamrick Road for 0.8 miles which bends right into West Vilas Road for 0.2 miles. Left onto Table Rock Road for 7 miles to a left onto Wheeler Road for 1/2 mile to the TH. EDT: 35 minutes. Medford area hikers can meet us at the Lower Table Rock trailhead at 9:15 am. Description: We will hike up the Lower Table Rock trail past blue camas lilies to the top of the mesa. Then we will hike across the mesa (once an airstrip) to the cliff edge. Lunch will be at the overlook looking down on the Rogue River. Distance: 5 miles, elevation gain: 850 feet. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 50 miles.
May 22, 2026: Grizzly Peak Trail:
Meet at CVS parking, Ashland, at 7:45 AM for an 8:00 AM departure TH: Drive DIM (Dead Indian Memorial Highway) nearly 7 miles; turn left on Shale City Road and follow signs to Grizzly Peak Trail: 3 miles on pavement, left turn for 2 miles on (38-2E-9.2) a dirt road with some potholes. The last left turn is at the Willet-Witt Farm Store sign. Note the last Grizzly Peak sign at the left turn is missing. Driving time: 30 minutes. Description: We will do an out and back lollipop loop of 5.5 miles with about 600 feet of elevation change. Hike through the forest with some uphill climbing, wildflowers and view towards Ashland, Mt. Shasta and the Rogue Valley. Arrive at a cliff overlooking the Ashland for lunch. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 30 miles.