Grouse Gap Picnic Area

Area Status: Open

Grouse Gap doubles as a picnic site in the summer and a snow shelter for cross country skiers in winter. It has a covered pavilion enclosed on 2 sides with a central wood burning fireplace. There is one picnic table, restrooms and good parking. The pavilion looks out over the Klamath National Forest with views to Mt Shasta. This shelter is also used by through hikers on the PCT.

At a Glance

Fees: No fee
Usage: Light
Busiest Season: July-September
Restrictions: Water and garbage service are not provided. Bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing as well as extra water to drown your campfire. Fires in designated fireplace only. Please take all trash, garbage and dog droppings with you when you leave. Dogs on leash only in parking lot and picnic area.
Closest Towns: Ashland, OR 20 miles
Water: None
Restroom: Vault
Operated By: US Forest Service

General Information

Directions:

From Mt Ashland Ski Resort go west on FS Road 20 approximately 3 miles. Grouse Gap is on the left down a short driveway.

Road to Grouse Gap closed in winter at Mt Ashland Ski area. 


Parking:

Day Use parking available in summer only.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

The Grouse Gap Shelter is on the Pacific Crest Trail. Great day hikes to the east and west of here include beautiful views of the Klamath National Forest and Mt Shasta in the distance.

Fire Information No permit is needed for a fire in the shelter fireplace. Fires permitted in the designated fireplace only at the picnic area. Out on the trail, a current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.
Fees: No fee

Backpacking

The Grouse Gap shelter is popular with PCT hikers in the summer and cross country skiers in winter.

General Info:

Permits & Regulations

No permit is needed for a fire in the shelter fireplace. Fires permitted in the designated fireplace only at the picnic area. Out on the trail, a current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.


Fire Information No permit is needed for a fire in the shelter fireplace. Fires permitted in the designated fireplace only at the picnic area. Out on the trail, a current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.
Fees: No fee

Viewing Wildlife

Sit quietly and just wait here.  The surrounding meadow is home to all kinds of wildlife and birds.

General Info:

Permits & Regulations

Dogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Do not allow dogs to chase, hunt or kill forest animals and birds. All hunting in the National Forest is regulated by the CA Dept of Fish and Game.


Safety Information

Feeding wild animals is dangerous to humans and unhealthy for the animals. Always observe animals and birds from a safe distance.


Fees: No fee

Viewing Scenery

Great views from the picnic shelter to Mt Shasta and occasionally to Mt Lassen.

Fees: No fee

Picnicking

There is one picnic table and a center fireplace under a 2 sided shelter at Grouse Gap.  A restroom and parking lot are the only amenities.  No water.

Fees: No fee

Group Picnicking

Grouse Gap has room for small groups to picnic in the shelter but only one table is provided.

Open Season: July-October
Fees: no fee
Reservation info: Reservations are not accepted.

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

From Grouse Gap Shelter, ski or snowshoe along the gently rolling road east or west or test yourself and the steeper slopes along the Pacific Crest Trail.  Be sure to carry emergency winter gear, extra food and plenty of water. 

General Info:

Permits & Regulations

Dogs allowed on-leash at the picnic area, only in developed areas and parking lots.  Please clean up after your dog. Do not allow dogs to chase, hunt or kill forest animals and birds.

Please pack out all trash. Do not burn or bury trash and food waste. Bury human waste in at least 6 inches or more of soil, at least 100 feet away from any lake, stream, water course or trail.

 


Safety Information

A good map, compass and trail guide are recommended for safe travel through this area.  Carry emergency winter gear, extra food and water. 


Fees: No fee

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
42.0783621

  Longitude : 
-122.7372736

  Elevation : 
6500'