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.

August 8: Sky Lakes via Cold Springs: Depart Ashland Rite Aid at 8:00 AM to head up DIM; 8:00 AM in Medford at Fred Meyer to head up Highway 62 to Highway 140.  
TH: Take DIM to intersection with Highway 140, turn right (east) for 3.2 miles to MP41 (sign to “’Cold Springs Trail Head”). Turn left (north) onto Road 3651 for 10.1 miles on a dusty road to the Cold Springs TH at road end for parking. EDT: 75 minutes. Deacription: Hike 0.6 mile to a fork, go left on Cold Springs Trail for 1.8 miles to the intersection with South Rock Creek and Deer Lake Trails. Turn right onto South Rock Creek trail for 0.3 mi. Turn left onto the trail to Lakes Natasha, Elizabeth, and Isherwood (0.3-1.0 mile). We’ll have lunch at one of these lakes and return the same way to Cold Springs TH and cars. Hike distance: 6.6-7 miles, elevation gain about 400’. Weather Forecast. Driving distance: 110 miles RT.

August 22: Greensprings Loop from Old Hyatt Pairie Road: Meet up at Rite Aid at 7:45am for an 8:00am departure.
TH: Take Highway 66 east to the Green Springs Inn between mile posts 17 and 18. Turn left toward Hyatt Lake for 2.9 miles to a road junction where the PCT crosses the road; park.  Follow the PCT to the left.  Then, take the Greensprings Loop trail around Greensprings Mountain with great views. Return to PCT back to TH. The hike is 4 miles RT and about 400’ elevation gain.  Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 40 miles.

August 29: Grouse Gap and Beyond: Meet up at Rite Aid at 7:45am for an 8:00am departure.
TH: Go south on I-5 and take Mt. Ashland exit 6 to drive a short distance to turn right on Mt. Ashland Ski Road. Drive up to Mt. Ashland ski area and the drive down a forest service road on the left to park at the PCT crossing. EDT: 30 minutes. Description: Hike south on PCT to Grouse Gap and then continue on PCT another mile.  Lunch where the PCT climbs up towards the Split-Rock trail.  Return the same way for original starting locations. Distance around 4 miles RT with about 600’gain.   Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 35 miles.