The PCT Hiker's Complete Guide to Ashland, Oregon
Ashland. Mile 1,718.7 on the PCT
Mile 1,718.7. You just crossed into Oregon. The hardest miles of California are behind you, and Ashland is your first real town stop at 27 miles in. Whether you're taking a zero, a nero, or just a hot shower and a resupply, here's everything you need to know about making the most of your Ashland stop on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Getting to Ashland from the PCT
The PCT crosses into Oregon and passes closest to Ashland via the Mount Ashland exit off I-5. From the trailhead at the Mount Ashland area, Ashland is approximately 14 miles from the trail. Here's how hikers get into town:
Shuttle (Recommended): The Columbia Hotel runs a dedicated PCT shuttle in partnership with Ashland Mountain Adventures. The shuttle departs daily from The Columbia Hotel at 12:30 PM and picks up from the PCT trailhead. Cost: $5 round trip. No hitching on I-5 required, gear fits, it's comfortable, and it's specifically for PCT hikers.
Hitchhiking: Legal in Oregon. Most hikers exit at the Mount Ashland off-ramp and hitch into town. Wait times vary, but PCT hikers report moderate success. The I-5 itself is not recommended for hitching, for safety use the on-ramp area.
Rideshare/Taxi: Uber and Lyft operate in Ashland. Budget approximately $20–30 from the trailhead area.
Trail Angels: usually running trips up and down the mountain. Be sure to join Facebook groups to get more information.
Where to Stay: The Columbia Hotel
The Columbia Hotel at 262½ E Main Street is Ashland's only hotel with a dedicated PCT hiker program. From June through October, bunk beds in private rooms are available by the bed hostel-style, exclusively for PCT hikers. What you get:
Hostel-style bunk bed by the bed (private rooms, not shared with non-hikers)
Hot showers with real water pressure
Free laundry (washer + dryer in-building)
Hiker box — leave what you don't need, take what you do
Package pickup — USPS and UPS accepted (give advance notice)
Free coffee, tea, fruit and granola bars in the lobby
PCT Shuttle service pick up and drop off point
A lobby full of other PCT hikers doing the same math you are
The Columbia Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Ashland, steps from restaurants, grocery stores, gear shops, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. You won't need a car or a rideshare to reach everything you need on a zero day.
How to Send a Resupply Package to The Columbia Hotel
The Columbia Hotel accepts USPS and UPS packages for PCT hikers. Package drop and pickup is free for hotel guests and $5 hold fee if not.
Address your resupply box as follows:
[Your Name] — PCT Hiker (ETA: MM/DD/YYYY)
c/o The Columbia Hotel
262½ E Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Mailing Boxes Forward from Ashland
Ashland is the best place on the Oregon PCT to prepare and mail boxes forward. The Columbia Hotel can drop off Flat Rate USPS boxes for you. The Mail Stop in Ashland (a local shipping shop) works with all three carriers and is familiar with PCT addresses. Recommended forward mailing points from Ashland:
Mazama Village / Crater Lake (Mile 1,820) — 102 miles north
Shelter Cove Resort (Mile 1,907)
Timberline Lodge (Mile 2,097)
Multiple Washington stops if you're planning ahead
Ashland Resupply: Where to Shop
Ashland is a full-service resupply town. No need to mail a box here, buy everything you need in town. Many hikers use Ashland as a hub to mail boxes forward to Crater Lake, Shelter Cove, and Timberline Lodge. See our full PCT Resources page for store details, distances, and hours.
Shop 'n Kart (585 Siskiyou Blvd) — most affordable; great for bulk snacks, ramen, fresh food. Closest to The Columbia Hotel by bus.
Natural Grocers — vegan/health options, vitamin supplements, hot bar.
Dollar Tree — ultra-cheap snacks, ramen, mashed potatoes, candy. Budget hiker gold.
Ashland Mountain Provisions — Ashland’s premier source for outdoor equipment and clothing, gear repair, new shoes, fuel canisters.
What to Do on a Zero Day in Ashland
Ashland is one of the few PCT trail towns that can genuinely keep you occupied for two full days. Zero day priorities, ranked by hiker consensus:
Eat everything. Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant all-you-can-eat Lunch Buffet, Skout, overlooking Lithia Park for good burgers and beers, Ruby’s for great coffee and burritos or Brickroom for a great meal, cocktails and vibe. Ashland's restaurant scene is genuinely excellent and hiker-budget-friendly options exist.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Yes, really. Full-scale professional productions in a beautiful outdoor theater. Hikers consistently report this as a highlight they didn't expect to love.
Lithia Park, a gorgeous city park with a creek, rose garden, and duck pond. Great for a slow morning or post-shower wander.
Lobby Lounge at The Columbia Hotel with live music, drag shows, and the company of other PCT hikers doing the same mental math about whether their knees can handle tomorrow.
Ice cream. Just walk down Main Street. You'll find it.
PCT Hiker Tips for Ashland
Ashland is PCT Mile 1,718.7 northbound. You're 27 miles into Oregon. It gets flatter from here, we promise…Oregon miles are faster than California miles.
Cell service is good in Ashland. Stock up on data-heavy tasks: downloading maps, calling family, updating Guthook/FarOut.
The Columbia Hotel lobby has free coffee starting early. Don't be shy.
Bear canister requirements end after the Sierra. Check your gear list. Ashland is a good place to ship home anything you no longer need.
July–September is prime PCT season in Ashland. The hotel fills up. Book ahead or call ahead so we know you're coming.
Getting Back to the Trail
The Columbia Hotel PCT shuttle departs daily at 12:30 PM and drops hikers directly at the PCT trailhead near Mount Ashland. Cost: $5 one way. Book your ride at the front desk or via the shuttle booking tool below. If you need an early departure, Uber/Lyft to the trailhead costs approximately $20–30.