A snowshoe track up Pilot Rock Road offered the Friday Mods a new snowshoe trail remarkably close to Ashland. We drove up I-5 to the Mt. Ashland exit and then south on old highway 99 for several miles. We parked our cars on a plowed turnout several hundred feet before the left turn onto Pilot Rock Rd.
Those with yaktrax walked to Pilot Rock Road while others on snowshoes trekked across to a logging road that meets lower Pilot Rock Road. The 12 of us met up and started the gradual climb up with intermittent wind and gray skies. Two snow trails were packed down, probably by a snow mobile.
As we climbed we were invigorated by the vast views across the Siskiyous. We reached our goal at the yellow gate where the PCT crosses the road and the packed trail ended. Some, with snowshoes, broke trail and went up the road a little further towards the quarry. Back at the yellow gate the sun broke out. Jack noted the spectacular lenticular clouds floating around Mt. Ashland. Finally, we zipped down the sunny snow trail completing an enjoyable snowshoeing adventure.
Thanks to Lynn and Jack for sharing a favorite snowshoeing trail. Total distance 3.5 – 4 miles with a 500’ elevation gain.
Kay
Hike Date: 2024-01-19
Photos By: Kay
