Mt Ashland
Starting from the backside parking lot of Mt. Ashland, summer Forest Service roads turn into winter trails. The ski area occasionally grooms parts of these trails making the backside of Mt. Ashland a good place to explore for first timers. From going to the Grouse Gap Shelter to linking summer roads and trails, Mt. Ashland has a little bit of something for everyone. Just out of the parking lot, the summer road splits in two. The upper road heads towards the Grouse Gap shelter and the top of Mt. Ashland. Dogs are not allowed past the restrooms on this road. The lower road winds along the mountain and allows dogs until Grouse Creek. Both roads connect to other roads allowing for almost unending exploration. As a note, a Sno-Park permit is required to park at the trailhead.
Terrain
The trailhead is at 6620ft with many possibilities for routes. From open and rolling traverses on summer roads to steep ascents, the terrain is varied with elevation changes from +/- 100ft to +/- 1000ft. For the advanced snowshoer, there is almost unlimited opportunity to go off trail and explore. For the novice snowshoer, there are well-traveled paths with occasional grooming. In the Resources & Links section below, there is a link to a trail map and a link to a description of some of these trails.
Skill Level:
Beginner to Advanced
Directions & Map:
- From the Ashland Outdoor Store, head SE on Siskiyou Blvd/99. Stay on this road through town.
- Merge onto I-5, heading South, just South of town.
- Take exit 6 towards Mt Ashland.
- Take a Right on Mt Ashland Ski Road. Follow the signs for Mt Ashland Ski Area.
- Once in the Mount Ashland Parking lot, drive past the lodge and park in the backside lot. A Sno-Park permit is required to park here.
Recommended Equipment
- Day Pack (15L-35L)
- Layers
- Gloves
- Hat
- Active layer - soft shell or fleece
- Insulating layer - down or synthetic fill jacket
- Hard Shell pant and top
- First Aid Kit
- Backcountry repair kit
- Basic emergency/overnight kit
- Small foam pad for breaks
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
Food & Water
Water and food are available at the lodge in the ski area by the front side parking lot. There are no services at the backside lot so make sure to stock up before arriving.
For water, 2L-3L per person for a day trip is recommended. As for food, several small snacks throughout the day are recommended. Big meals are fun but bog you down. Small snacks allow for a continual flow of energy to your body. For your snacks, try to balance sugars, fats, proteins, and carbs so your body is continually fueled. This helps reduce crashes in energy during the day.
Additional Info
- Trailhead Lat/Long: 42° 4' 39.34" N x 122° 42' 35.64" W
- Trailhead elevation: 6620ft
Resources & Links
- AOS Snowshoe Rental Info
- ONC Member John Fertig's Map of an XC Ski trail on Mt. Ashland (link from the Southern Oregon Nordic Club website)
- Grouse Loop Nordic Ski Trail Guide
Weather
Click here for the NOAA weather forcast for this area.
