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.
September 5: Hike Canceled - Unhealthy Air Quality
September 12 Toothpick Trail to Lewis Point: Meet up at Rite Aid at 7:45am for an 8:00am departur e. TH: Turn right onto Ashland Street (Highway 66) and then a left at the first stoplight onto Tolman Creek Road. Drive up Tolman Creek Road almost 4 miles to the Toothpick trailhead on the right. EDT: 20 minutes. Description: Hike the heavily forested Toothpick trail to Lamb Saddle. Take Caterpillar up to the Gyre/Gimble/Lewis Point intersection. Turn left and walk out on a ridge via Gyre and Gimble trails to the picnic bench at Lewis Point. There are views of Mt. Ashland, Mt. McLaughlin and down to Ashland. Distance: 4½-5 miles RT, elevation gain: 500 ft. Weather forecast. RT driving mileage: 10 miles.
September 19: Lost Creek Lake (West Shore) on the Rogue River Trail from Takelma Park. Meet up at Rite Aid at 7:45 AM for an 8:00 AM departure. (May pick up Medford folks at Fred Meyers gas station parking lot at 8:20am).
TH: Drive north from Ashland on I-5 to Highway 62, proceed east from Medford on Highway 62 (Crater Lake Highway.) through Shady Cove. Just after the sign to Casey State Park on the right side, turn left at the sign to Takelma Drive. Continue past McGregor Park and Riverside Park. Soon after passing the sign on the right to the Dam Viewpoint, turn right into Takelma Park to find the large parking area. (Note: If you miss this right turn, you’ll approach the end of pavement on Takelma Drive; so back up). Park and assemble in the Takelma Parking lot. TH is a short walk down from the parking lot. Deacription: This hike will follow the Rogue River Trail along the west shore of Lost Creek Lake, with an easy rolling terrain. The trail stays close to the lake, traversing through beautiful stands of diverse trees and opening periodically for wide views of the Lake. An in and out hike for 5 miles RT and about 200’ elevation gain. Weather Forecast. RT mileage: 100 miles.
September 26: East Applegate Ridge Trail: Led by Richard and Bonnie for Elisabeth and Kay: Meet at Ashland Rite Aid/CVS at 8:15am (8:30am departure), or at Ray's Parking lot in Pheonix (on Highway 99 at the intersection with the road from the freeway) at 8:45am. Bring water, sunscreen, lunch, etc.
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 (when Stage Road comes to a T junction). In about a mile turn right ontoWest Griffin Creek Road (sign on right, a little hard to see) for 2.9 miles which becomes Poorman’s Creek Road for another 1.1 miles to a T junction. Turn left onto Sterling Creek Road. Go 4 miles to the 4-mile marker and the trail is well-marked 100 feet past the sign.
Hike Description: We will hike out and back to a bench overlook, possibly a bit further to the crest, with exceptional views. Distance about 6 miles RT with about 800 feet elevation gain. EDT: 35 minutes. Weather forecast. RT mileage: 70 miles.