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.

March 6: Bearcreek Greenway Walk--Ashland to Talent for Coffee Leaders: Elisabeth, Sue, and Alison. Meet at 9 AM in the Greenway parking lot off Highway 99 one mile past the intersection with Valley View Road (access toward I-5). Two or three cars will have been parked in advance in Talent]. Description: We will walk north on the Greenway for 3 miles, then another mile into downtown Talent for Coffee. We’ll carpool back to the cars in the Greenway parking lot where we began. Weather forecast. About 4 miles, no elevation gain.

March 13: Applegate Lakeshore Hike: Leaders: Elisabeth and Alison. TH: Drive north on I-5, exit at Pheonix and take Hwy. 99 north, then South Stage Rd to Jacksonville via Hwy 238, through Jacksonville and continue straight on Highway 238 to Ruch. In Ruch, turn left towards Upper Applegate for 14.9 miles. Then turn left at Applegate Dam for 1.2 miles to French Gulch TH parking on the right. EDT one hour. Description: 4-4½ mile in and out hike on the French Gulch Trail and Payette Trail along the shoreline peninsula of Applegate Lake. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 80 miles RT.

March 20: No Friday Mod hike. Wildflower hikes start

March 27: Lost Creek Lake from Lewis Road to Blue Grotto spur. Meet at CVS at 8:15 AM for 8:30 AM departure. Leaders: Elisabeth, Sue, and Alison.
TH: Drive north on I-5 to Highway 62 (Crater Lake Highway). Head north on Highway 62 for 35.5 miles. Cross bridge and turn left on Lewis Road. Drive one mile to Lewis Road Trailhead on the left. Description: Hike in an open forest of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine and black oak. At 0.9 miles the trail crosses a bridge to Fire Glen Camp. Continue past a beach area and along a cliff of lava boulders with great views. Our destination is the intersection with the rocky climb to the Blue Grotto. Optional: climb to the Grotto for potential waterfalls, given the rain and snow. The hike will total 5 miles with 100’ elevation gain (not counting short optional climb to the Grotto). Weather forecast. RT mileage: 110 miles