Just moved to Ashland, or getting back into it after a while? These groups are beginner-friendly and welcoming — no need to be fast, experienced, or know a soul.
Wednesdays, 5:30pm · 60–75 min, all levels
Rogue Valley Runners, 161 E Main St, Ashland
Ashland’s flagship shop run — a mixed-pace 60-to-75-minute loop on the trails right from the store; on nice nights 30 runners turn out.
Year-round rides, EZ to Brisk — see calendar
Rotating Rogue Valley start points
Rides are graded EZ, Velo Melo, Moderate, Brisk-Lite, and Brisk so every speed has a group; guests can join a ride on club insurance before joining.
Ashland Woodland & Trails Association
Seasonal volunteer trail-work parties — see Facebook
Rotating Ashland watershed trailheads
Volunteer days to build and maintain Ashland’s watershed singletrack — Facebook is the best source for upcoming dates.
Thursdays, 5:30pm · women’s run, easier pace
Rogue Valley Runners, 161 E Main St, Ashland
A women’s group run at a slightly slower average pace from the shop.
Tuesdays, 6:00pm · social 5K
A relaxed 5K around historic Talent, finishing back at the cider house.
Wednesdays, 6:30pm · social 3-miler
Year-round local race calendar — see events
Varies across the Rogue Valley
Members get a discount on each club race.
Mondays · posted local hike
Rotating Ashland-area trailheads
One of three weekly volunteer-led hikes — the day’s route is posted to the schedule page ahead of time.
Wednesdays · posted local hike
Rotating Ashland-area trailheads
Fridays · posted hike, plus spring flower walks
Rotating Ashland-area trailheads
Friday hikes include a spring wildflower (“Friday Flower”) series.
Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
Seasonal guided hikes — pre-register on calendar
Conservation preserves near Ashland & Eagle Point
Free naturalist-led hikes, many onto private preserves (Pompadour Bluff, Rogue River Preserve); pre-registration opens up to a month ahead and they fill fast. Pets not permitted.
Open climb during Rec Center hours
SOU Student Recreation Center, 1465 Webster St, Ashland
A 44-foot wall for bouldering, top-rope, and lead with gear free to borrow; belay-certification clinics are $5. Open to the SOU community.
Multiple student-led trips each term — sign-up form
Student-led trips spanning rafting, kayaking, climbing, backpacking, and snow sports — open to all members of the SOU community.
Drop-in open climbing daily — see hours
Rogue Rock Gym, 3001 Samike Dr, Medford
6,000+ sq ft with 30-foot top-rope and lead walls plus bouldering.
Winter group skis & lessons — see Facebook group
Buck Prairie & Hyatt Lake, east of Ashland
Club volunteers groom the Buck Prairie and Hyatt Lake trail systems and organize group skis and lessons through the season.
First Wednesday monthly, 8:30am · beginner-welcome
Denman Wildlife Area, near Central Point
A free monthly morning walk at Denman, finishing before noon; bring binoculars. Dogs are not allowed on field trips.
Year-round guided field trips — see calendar
Rotating Rogue Valley birding sites
Free, open-to-the-public trips from local morning walks to day-long outings.
Seasonal field trips & workshops — see events
Rotating Klamath-Siskiyou sites
Public hawk-ID workshops, banding-station visits, and guided field trips run by the Ashland-based observatory.
Third Wednesday monthly, 5:45pm
The club gathers on the third Wednesday each month with a program and guest speakers.
Second Saturday monthly · free casting class
A free monthly casting class — a low-commitment way to try fly fishing.
Women’s fly-fishing community events — see shop
Rogue Valley Anglers, 218 E Main St, Medford
A women’s fly-fishing program (alongside adaptive excursions and guided Rogue/Umpqua trips) run out of the Medford shop.
Guided half-day & multi-day trips, May–Sept
Departs Ashland for the Rogue & Klamath
Guided Class III–IV whitewater from afternoon half-days to multi-day wilderness trips on the Wild & Scenic Rogue.
Guided multi-day rafting trips, summer season
Serving Ashland, Medford & Grants Pass
Guided Rogue and Klamath whitewater plus kayaker-designed hardshell instruction for paddlers leveling up.