The spring-like weather from Sunday held over to Monday, so 20 AHG members turned out for fun on Mt. Ashland. Six cars caravanned up to the mountain.

We parked by the locked gate to FS20. The gate was covered with snow so we went over it instead of around it. The road had been groomed so it was fairly easy going in snowshoes or yak trax or even hiking boots.

It was mild and mostly sunny with great views of Mt Shasta from the road. The pines that had been covered with snow last Friday were now a fresh green in the sun.

The plan for the day was to hike out to the Rabbit Ears formation, but when we got to the turnoff some in the group wanted to do some bonus hiking up to the Golf Ball. So the group split with half heading out to Rabbit Ears and half venturing up to the top of the road.

The trail out to Rabbit Ears featured the first soft snow of the day. Before brunch, some hiked around the base while one climbed up to the ears. It was 4 miles RT. We did a funny group shot with Rabbit Ears in the background, then headed back to parking.

Here’s Kay’s report from up above:
Some of us get trekking up the groomed road past Rabbit Ears to see the view into California. The allure of going to Mt. Ashland summit (elevation 7,532 feet) on a brilliant, sunny day was enticing. So, we kept going, encouraged by our spirited team. We climbed past the “golf ball” to the top of the Mt. Ashland ski lift and up to the highest rocks. There were vast views across the Rogue Valley and beyond where we could see the Crater Lake peaks, and down to a small Pilot Rock below. see the Crater Lake peaks, and down to a small Pilot Rock below. Many comments were heard about the exhilarating climb and how fortunate we are to live in such a stunning landscape. Total mileage – 5.6 miles.

Post-hike several of us stopped at the Rogue Valley Roasting Co. for refreshments and conversation.
It was a fun day on the mountain,

Hike Leader: Rich Stickle

Photos By: Linda, Randy, Liz, Patricia, Rich, Kay