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: East Applegate Ridge Trail: Meet at CVS, Ashland, parking lot by 8:50 am to arrange carpools. Depart at 9:00 AM. Elisabeth and Kay.
TH: Head up I-5 to exit 24, Phoenix. Left into Phoenix and then right on OR-99. Turn left onto Stage Road then left on Griffin Lane. In about a mile turn right onto West Griffin Creek Road for 2.9 miles which becomes Poorman’s Creek Road for another 1.1 miles to a T junction and left onto Sterling Creek Road. Go 4 miles to the 4-mile marker and the trail turnoff is well-marked 100 feet past the sign. EDT: 35 minutes. Hike Description: We will hike out and back with exceptional views. Distance about 6 miles RT with about 700 feet elevation gain. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 70 miles.