Ashland Lakes — Saturday, Sep. 13, 2025

This low elevation gain trail with its 3 scenic lakes is a great option when smoke is affecting visibility on peaks hikes. 
As other reports have noted, the road to the trailhead has been regraded almost to the end, so is very easy to drive until about the last half mile—about a quarter mile of the main road and a quarter mile for the spur road at the end. I was a little worried after reading previous reports about driving a low clearance sedan there, but it was very doable, just required going slowly and steering around the bigger pot holes. But there’s plenty of space to park on the side of the road right before the re-grade ends for anyone who’d rather not risk it, and would only add about a mile round trip to your hike.
The trailhead toilet is locked. The trail itself is in mostly good condition—the boardwalk is aging so requires attentive walking—and has clear signage at the junctions. My favorite lake was Beaver Plant, but all three lakes had nice water views and access, fall color, and lots of blue and red dragonflies.