Ashland Watershed – West Side

Wow, another typical Wednesday intrepid hike. We agreed, more or less, to scrub the long drive out the Applegate to Frog Pond and Cameron Meadows, and focus instead on a Watershed hike. In other words, we chose to sleep later and meet up at 9:30 at the Trailhead. Five of us basically walked from home to the trailhead. In this case, West side Rules.

The substitute, West side Watershed hike as advertised was indeed rougher than the original planned hike. We did a brisk 11 miles and 2400’ vertical jaunt into the watershed (up Hitt Road trail, out and around 2060, then back down Fell on Knee, and onto lower Hitt Road).

The first hour and a half was dry and included several stops to shed layers and wipe sweat as we climbed to meet the clouds. By lunch (12 sharp) we added extra layers to retain heat while we ate. Thirty minutes later, we bundled up with more layers and started down. The rain held off until the last half mile on the Ditch Road Trail. Weather turned out not to be an issue.

P.S. One of this leader’s key objectives, other than no slips and spills, was to not do an in and out hike; instead, to cover as much new trail in both directions. We would have accomplished this, except for the last left hand turn where two unnamed ladies walked straight downhill missing the turn and resulting in about a mile of repeat section. However, there was a lot of chatting by all, and we all (I think) had a great time.

Hike Leader: Bob

Photos By: Jerry