2
Ditch construction workers were the very frst trail users. “Ditch riders” were also among the original trail users. Tese were men who rode horseback along the trail on the berm of the ditch to make sure the water continued to fow. A History of Riches Long before the appearance of European settlers, Sterling Creek and the Little Applegate River area were traditional homelands of the Dakubetede people. Tis group was also known as the Applegate Creek Indians and was part of the Rogue River Indians, a name applied to the people of the Upper Rogue River and its tributaries. Te Dakubetedes utilized an abundance of berries, seeds, roots, fsh, and game throughout the year to maintain a diverse diet. Te Dakubetedes spoke a dialect of the Athabascan language group, unusual for the tribes in interior southwest Oregon. Te Dakubetedes took part in the Rogue River Indian Treaties of 1853 and 1854 that resulted in their removal from their homelands to the Grand Ronde and Siletz Indian Reservations in northwest Oregon. When gold was discovered in 1854 on Sterling Creek, prospectors poured into the area. At frst, they panned for gold along the creek, but this proved to be inefcient in extracting the gold that was buried under layers of rock and soil. Hydraulic mining, using a powerful jet of water, promised better returns for large scale mining; they just needed more water. In 1877 miners built the Sterling Mine Ditch to redirect water from the upper reaches of the Little Applegate River to the Sterling Creek Mine. Te ditch followed the contours of the rugged slopes of Anderson Butte and lost only 200 feet in elevation over its 26.5 mile length. Using hand tools, up to 400 workers, most of them probably Chinese, completed the ditch in just 6 months, at a cost of $70,000. Te ditch carried water to the mine, and the trail alongside it provided access for ditch maintenance. During peak operation, hydraulic mining on Sterling Creek blasted away up to 800 cubic yards of soil and rock each day. Impacts to fsheries and water quality were immense, and generations would pass before the hydrologic balance and fsh habitat in Sterling Creek would recover. Te mine discontinued operations in the 1930s, and the ditch and trail became overgrown with brush and trees. Te Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) is a marvel of late nineteenth century engineering. Be sure to see the tunnel, dug as a shortcut through the ridge at the top of the Tunnel Ridge access trail! You can also see old fume remnants while hiking along sections of the trail. As you drive along Sterling Creek Road, you can see piles of stones and boulders along the creek that were lef by hydraulic mining as soil was washed away in the search for gold. In addition to gold, the layers of soil and rock also yielded bones and tusks of elephants and other ancient inhabitants of the area. Te Natural Environment Te SMDT passes through a diversity of landscapes and ecosystems as it winds its way around the ridges and ravines of Anderson Butte. Tis diversity contributes to an ever-changing array of wildfowers, trees, birds, wildlife, and environments. Trail users enjoy panoramic views of surrounding landscapes--the Siskiyou Crest, Wagner Butte, Little Applegate Valley, Greyback Mountain, and the Red Buttes Wilderness, as well as deep woods and lovely meadows. Groves of mature ponderosa pine, Douglas-fr, big leaf maple, white and black oak, cedar, hazel, fern and other woodland plants fourish on shady north- facing slopes and in draws near Deming Gulch, Armstrong Gulch, and along the Little Applegate and Tunnel Ridge access trails. Drier southern exposures support madrone, manzanita, oaks, buckbrush, mountain mahagony, silk tassel, Klamath plum, and even a few junipers. Several champion trees are found along the ditch, including a massive madrone 18 feet in circumference, growing between Bear Gulch and Tunnel Ridge. Spring brings an abundance of wildfowers and birds that last well into summer. Summer can be very warm along south-facing exposures, but north-facing slopes and draws provide a refreshingly cool respite from the heat. Autumn’s changing colors splash the deep green forest canopy with yellow, orange, and red accents. Although you may not see them ofen, many species of wildlife call the area home. Be aware, as you travel along this ditch, you share the trail with other local species such as poison oak, ticks, and an array of wildlife including bears, cougars, bob cats, coyotes and deer. Wildfowers are among the prime attractions of the ditch between February and August. Varieties in bloom change with the seasons and habitat. Tey include three species of fritillary: calypso, rattlesnake, and bog orchids; trillium; bleeding hearts; Oregon sunshine; and at least forty other species (see the wildfower list on www.SUTAOregon.org). A partnership between the Medford District Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA), and the neighboring community drove the re-opening of the historic Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT). Tis partnership is vital to keeping the trail open for the community. Te BLM provides resource planning and management of the SMDT and helps with large-scale maintenance needs. SUTA is a non-proft community trails association that is developing a trail system connecting existing trails in Jacksonville to those of Ashland, Oregon, along the scenic ridgeline. Tis will become the Jack-Ash trail. Te historic SMDT is a key part of this community trail system and will create a 25-mile loop in the center of the Jack-Ash Trail. SUTA has taken the lead in procuring grant funds and organizing volunteers to assist with rehabilitation and maintenance of the SMDT. SUTA volunteers provide most of the needed maintenance of the SMDT through scheduled work parties. You may assist BLM and SUTA in helping keep this historic trail open for public use by participating in a work party. Visit www.SUTAoregon.org to schedule work parties, activities, and other events. Keeping this beautiful trail open for all to enjoy depends upon help from volunteers like you! Trail work parties provide opportunities to gain skills in trail design and maintenance, enjoy the constantly changing natural environment of the trail, get some great exercise, and meet new friends. Check www.sutaoregon.org for work day details. Sterling Mine Ditch Trail - A Vital Partnership Annual “Run-the-Ditch” 5-mile run. People of all ages enjoy the SMDT. Photo: L.Smith. Hydraulic (Placer) mining at Sterling Creek Mine, 1905. Photo: Southern Oregon Historical Society. Volunteers install new trail signs. Arrowleaf balsamroot and paintbrush decorate a meadow along the trail. A giant madrone graces the SMDT and dwarfs a hiker. The level grade of the SMDT makes for pleasant hiking. A seasonal waterfall on the Bear Gulch trail Woodland section between Tunnel Ridge and Little Applegate. Impressive stonework is found in retaining walls which still support the trail in many places along the ditch. The tunnel through the ridge still exists at the top of the Tunnel Ridge access trail. Medford District BLM 541-618-2200 www.blm.gov/or/districts/medford Siskiyou Upland Trails Association P.O. Box 901 Jacksonville, OR 97530 www.sutaoregon.org Volunteer Recreation History Botanicals Ride the trail for a look into the past. Calypso orchids abound in early spring on shaded slopes. Fritillary and Douglas iris are local spring beauties Please be courteous of others while riding the trail. Follow right-of-way signs. BLM Medford District

Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Map - Bureau of Land … l a c k s m i t h C r 4 1 27 1 Gulc h E a g l e C a n y o n H u k i l l H o l l o w G i l s o n G u l c h H o p k i n s M i l l e

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Map - Bureau of Land … l a c k s m i t h C r 4 1 27 1 Gulc h E a g l e C a n y o n H u k i l l H o l l o w G i l s o n G u l c h H o p k i n s M i l l e

Ditch construction workers were the very first trail users ldquoDitch ridersrdquo were also among the original trail users These were men who rode horseback along the trail on the berm of the ditch to make sure the water continued to flow

A History of Riches Long before the appearance of European settlers Sterling Creek and the Little Applegate River area were traditional homelands of the Dakubetede people This group was also known as the Applegate Creek Indians and was part of the Rogue River Indians a name applied to the people of the Upper Rogue River and its tributaries The Dakubetedes utilized an abundance of berries seeds roots fish and game throughout the year to maintain a diverse diet The Dakubetedes spoke a dialect of the Athabascan language group unusual for the tribes in interior southwest Oregon The Dakubetedes took part in the Rogue River Indian Treaties of 1853 and 1854 that resulted in their removal from their homelands to the Grand Ronde and Siletz Indian Reservations in northwest Oregon

When gold was discovered in 1854 on Sterling Creek prospectors poured into the area At first they panned for gold along the creek but this proved to be inefficient in extracting the gold that was buried under layers of rock and soil Hydraulic mining using a powerful jet of water promised better returns for large scale mining they just needed more water

In 1877 miners built the Sterling Mine Ditch to redirect water from the upper reaches of the Little Applegate River to the Sterling Creek Mine The ditch followed the contours of the rugged slopes of Anderson Butte and lost only 200 feet in elevation over its 265 mile length Using hand tools up to 400 workers most of them probably Chinese completed the ditch in just 6 months at a cost of $70000 The ditch carried water to the mine and the trail alongside it provided access for ditch maintenance During peak operation hydraulic mining on Sterling Creek blasted

away up to 800 cubic yards of soil and rock each day Impacts to fisheries and water quality were immense and generations would pass before the hydrologic balance and fish habitat in Sterling Creek would recover

The mine discontinued operations in the 1930s and the ditch and trail became overgrown with brush and trees The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) is a marvel of late nineteenth century engineering Be sure to see the tunnel dug as a shortcut through the ridge at the top of the Tunnel Ridge access trail You can also see old flume remnants while hiking along sections of the trail As you drive along Sterling Creek Road you can see piles of stones and boulders along the creek that were left by hydraulic mining as soil was washed away in the search for gold In addition to gold the layers of soil and rock also yielded bones and tusks of elephants and other ancient inhabitants of the area

The Natural Environment The SMDT passes through a diversity of landscapes and ecosystems as it winds its way around the ridges and ravines of Anderson Butte This diversity contributes to an ever-changing array of wildflowers trees birds wildlife and environments Trail users enjoy panoramic views of surrounding landscapes--the Siskiyou Crest Wagner Butte Little Applegate Valley Greyback Mountain and the Red Buttes Wilderness as well as deep woods and lovely meadows Groves of mature ponderosa pine Douglas-fir big leaf maple white and black oak cedar hazel fern and other woodland plants flourish on shady north-facing slopes and in draws near Deming Gulch Armstrong Gulch and along the Little Applegate and Tunnel Ridge access trails

Drier southern exposures support madrone manzanita oaks buckbrush mountain mahagony silk tassel Klamath plum and even a few junipers Several champion trees are found along the ditch including a massive madrone 18 feet in circumference growing between Bear Gulch and Tunnel Ridge

Spring brings an abundance of wildflowers and birds that last well into summer Summer can be very warm along south-facing exposures but north-facing slopes and draws provide a refreshingly cool respite from the heat Autumnrsquos changing colors splash the deep green forest canopy with yellow orange and red accents

Although you may not see them often many species of wildlife call the area home Be aware as you travel along this ditch you share the trail with other local species such as poison oak ticks and an array of wildlife including bears cougars bob cats coyotes and deer

Wildflowers are among the prime attractions of the ditch between February and August Varieties in bloom change with the seasons and habitat They include three species of fritillary calypso rattlesnake and bog orchids trillium bleeding hearts Oregon sunshine and at least forty other species (see the wildflower list on wwwSUTAOregonorg)

A partnership between the Medford District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) and the neighboring community drove the re-opening of the historic Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) This partnership is vital to keeping the trail open for the community The BLM provides resource planning and management of the SMDT and helps with large-scale maintenance needs

SUTA is a non-profit community trails association that is developing a trail system connecting existing trails in Jacksonville to those of Ashland Oregon along the scenic ridgeline This will become the Jack-Ash trail The historic SMDT is a key part of this community trail system and will create a 25-mile loop in the center of the Jack-Ash Trail SUTA has taken the lead in procuring grant funds and organizing volunteers to assist with rehabilitation and maintenance of the SMDT SUTA volunteers provide most of the needed maintenance of the SMDT through scheduled work parties You may assist BLM and SUTA in helping keep this historic trail open for public use by participating in a work party Visit wwwSUTAoregonorg to schedule work parties activities and other events

Keeping this beautiful trail open for all to enjoy depends upon help from volunteers like you Trail work parties provide opportunities to gain skills in trail design and maintenance enjoy the constantly changing natural environment of the trail get some great exercise and meet new friends

Check wwwsutaoregonorg for work day details

Sterling Mine Ditch Trail - A Vital Partnership

Annual ldquoRun-the-Ditchrdquo 5-mile run

People of all ages enjoy the SMDT Photo LSmith

Hydraulic (Placer) mining at Sterling Creek Mine 1905 Photo Southern Oregon Historical Society

Volunteers install new trail signs Arrowleaf balsamroot and paintbrush decorate a meadow along the trail

A giant madrone graces the SMDT and dwarfs a hiker

The level grade of the SMDT makes for pleasant hiking

A seasonal waterfall on the Bear Gulch trail

Woodland section between Tunnel Ridge and Little Applegate

Impressive stonework is found in retaining walls which still support the trail in many places along the ditch

The tunnel through the ridge still exists at the top of the Tunnel Ridge access trail

Medford District BLM 541-618-2200 wwwblmgovordistrictsmedford

Siskiyou Upland Trails Association PO Box 901 Jacksonville OR 97530 wwwsutaoregonorg

Volunteer Recreation History Botanicals

Ride the trail for a look into the past

Calypso orchids abound in early spring on shaded slopes

Fritillary and Douglas iris are local spring beauties

Please be courteous of others while riding the trail Follow right-of-way signs

BL

MM

edford District

BBBBlllllaaalallallalccccckkkkkk

ssssssmmmmiiiitttt

hhhhCCCC

rrrC

rCC

rCC

rC

38-2-3438-2-3438-2-3438-2-3438-2-3438-2-34

38-2-27138-2-271

38-2-27

38-2-351

G u l c h

Eagle

Canyon

Hu

k i l l

Ho

l low

GGi lsoon

GGu l ch

Ho

pk in

s

Mi l l e r

Gu lch D u tc hG uull ch

G r uu b

G u l c h

D e m i n g

G u l ch

C a nt ra l l

Gu lch

McC

orm

ick

Gu

lch

Wo

l fG

ulch

Tunn

elR

i dg

e

Go

at

Ca

bi n

Ri d

g e

Bea

rG

ulch

Ow

lG

ullc

h Bu

l lPP

ii ne

Ri dd

ge

Roocck

G u l c h

Mu

dd

yG

ulc

h

BrownBrownResRes

SchlesingerSchlesingerSchlesingerSchlesingerResResRes

SStteerr ll iinngg

CCrree

eekk

SS tt eerr ll

ii nngg

CCrree

eekk

YYYaallee

CCCrr

GGGGrrroo

uuuussee

CCCCrrreeee

eekk

CCCCoolllllll

eeemmaann

CCCCrrreeee

eekk

NNoorrr

ttthhh

FFFFooorrrkkkk

AAnnddddeerrrssssooonn

CCCCrrrreeeeeekk

SSSoouuttt

hhhhFFFFoo

rrrkkkk

AAnndddd

eerrrssssoooo

nn

CCCCrrreeeekk

AAPP

PPLLLLLLEEEEE

GGAA

TTEE

RRIIVV

EEERR

LL ii tt tt lleeAApppplleegggggaattee

RRiivveerr

LL ii tt tt llee

AApppp lleeggaattee

RR ii vvee rrrrr

LL ii tt tt llee LLLLL iiiiiiiiicckk

CCrreeeekk

RRRRuuuuusssssshhh

CCCCrrrrrrCrCCrCCrC eeeeeekkkkk

GulchRd

339-2-17

39--2-17

3399-22-227

AArmstrong

39-2-171

Goat CabinSpur

Grub Gulch Rd

Poverty RRdd

Miller Creek Rd

EagleCanyon

Rd

Squires Peak

Rd

HukillHollow

Rd

Armsstrongg - DemiinngRd

Bulll PinneGap

39-1

-30

Doub

leA

Rd

GrubGulch

Rd

38-2-26

Armstro

ng-Demiinngg RRdddddddd

Woodrat Mtn

Rd

39-2-71

39-2-7

39-2

-439

-2-4

39-2-42

39-2-42

39-2

-41

39-2

-41

39-2

-41

39-2

-41

39-2

-41

Anderson BBuuttttee Rd

AndersonButte

RRRRdd

Armstrong-Dem

ingRd

Butte Rd

Annderson

38-2-24

CCannnnttralFire

Rd

39-2-3

39-2-32

39-2-1139-2-122

39-2-31

38-2-29

38-2-29

38-3-23138-3-231

38-2-26

38-2-24

38-2-2438-2-24

39-2-8

39-2-8

39-1

-18

1

Spencer GGullchh

39-2-15

39-2-15

39-3

-24

Squires PeakSquires Peak33163316 G u l c h

29752975

Rd 38-2-3138-2-31

39-2-42

RRdd

SS p e n c e rG l

STERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAIL

NoNortrtrtrtrtrtrthh

39-

Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Mappdf 1 31915 902 AM

ST

ER

LIN

G

MINE

TRAIL

DITCH

Trail Hidden C

Hamilton Rd

East

side

Road

Uppe

r A

ppeg

ate

R

d

Sterling Creek

Road

Little Applegate Road

Ster

ling

Cre

ek

R

oad

erling Cre ek Rd

Griff

in

Lane

Little Applegate Road Little Applegate Road

Rush

Cre

ek

R

oad

Yale

Cre

ek R

d

2-4

1

Ande

rson

Cr

R

oad

Upper Applegate Rd

10

15

10

05

22

18

15

13

30

68

28

06 18

20

33

30

46

28

28

mi t

o H

wy

238

Sterling Creek R

d

Little Applegate Road

EXPLORING THE STERLING MINE DITCH TRAIL

This historic trail is located south of Jacksonville Oregon Trail Etiquette amp SafetyThe trail is maintained for non-motorized recreation by the Equestrians hikers runners and bicycle riders can enjoy and share the trail safely Rogue RiverUS Bureau of Land Management Medford District (BLM) and by following some simple rules of trail etiquette 62 the Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) provides recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages short level strolls for small children PROTECT THE TRAIL PLAN fOR THE TRAIL SHARE THE TRAIL long-distance hikes runs horseback trails amp mountain bike bull Please respect private bull Always carry water and bull Ask horse riders Medford

Jacksonvillerides The trail is open for use by hikers and runners year-round property and stay on the a snack when using the which side of the trail thanks to its 2000-2400 foot elevation trail A few seasonal they prefertrail Sterling Mine

Ditch Trailstreams cross the SMDT Currently three trailheads are located along Little Applegate Applegatebull Protect natural and but are not reliable water bull Speak calmly and Talent Road Bear Gulch Tunnel Ridge and Little Applegate There cultural resources sources especially in avoid sudden 238 Ruchare four trailheads off Sterling Creek Road on unpaved BLM late summer movements when roads Deming Armstrong Gulch Wolf Gap and Grub Gulch bull Respect ldquoNo you are aroundtrailheads With a little planning and two cars for a shuttle Trespassingrdquo signs bull Dress for the conditions horses Legend

Buncom SMDT regyou can create a wide variety of routes Horse trailer parking Secondary Roadsis provided at a landing east of the Deming trailhead and at bull Pack it in pack it out bull Review maps and trail bull Horses and mountain Jacksonville

Sterling Mine Ditch TrailPrimary Roadsguides prior to making bikes can damage theArmstrong Gulch trailhead Tunnel Ridge and Little Applegate bull Leave no tracetrailheads a trip trail when soils are

Please help preserve and protect your trail In the interests of maintaining the trail in top condition for all users equestrians and bicyclists must avoid using the trail after significant rains

The SMDT provides recreation opportunities year-round Winter is popular with hikers and runners because snow does not usually accumulate at the trailrsquos low elevation

bull Be courteous of others bull Be alert for ticks poison on the trail oak and rattlesnakes

For detailed directions to the trailheads and suggested hikes see SUTArsquos website wwwsutaoregonorg

wet In winter and spring please wait for drier conditions to help us protect the trail

The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail is maintained jointly by the Medford BLM the Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) and community volunteers To learn how you can participate in work parties visit SUTArsquos website wwwsutaoregonorg

l

123deg03rsquoW123deg03rsquoW

123deg03rsquoW123deg03rsquoW

122deg58rsquoW122deg58rsquoW

STERLING MINE DITCH TRAIL

Deming-Armstrong Rd

Turnoff

St

122deg58rsquoW122deg58rsquoW

Armstrong Gulch

private Wolf NoNo BBicicyycclleessproperty Gap

122deg59rsquoW122deg59rsquoW123deg00rsquoW123deg00rsquoW123deg01rsquoW123deg01rsquoW123deg02rsquoW123deg02rsquoW 122deg51rsquoW122deg51rsquoW122deg52rsquoW122deg52rsquoW122deg53rsquoW122deg53rsquoW122deg54rsquoW122deg54rsquoW122deg55rsquoW122deg55rsquoW122deg56rsquoW122deg56rsquoW122deg57rsquoW122deg57rsquoW to Jacksonville

Ruch Oregon (limited services)

to Medford

4571

42deg14rsquoN42deg14rsquoN 42deg14rsquoN42deg14rsquoN

3739

private

property3489

Woodrat Mtn 4124

Squires Peak 42deg13rsquoN42deg13rsquoN42deg13rsquoN42deg13rsquoN 3316

r

2975

Grub GulchBureau of Land Management

2164

26320 1 2 3 Kilometers Anderson

Butte4232 42deg12rsquoN42deg12rsquoN42deg12rsquoN42deg12rsquoN 519710 2 Miles private

property 5021

4678 private

propertyprivate

property 2426

4407

4572 4364

2372 Section Line Gap

42deg11rsquoN42deg11rsquoN

Deming Gulch42deg11rsquoN42deg11rsquoN

private

propertymain trail

Trailhead Wolf Gap 4250other trail 4326

3259Horse-Trailer Parking Buncom (no services)

3014Paved Road

3470Unpaved Access Road 2219

(routes to trailheads) 3714 3327

42deg10rsquoN42deg10rsquoN42deg10rsquoN42deg10rsquoN HistoricLocal Road Tunnel

(inquire about conditionstatus) 2866

Tics amp Mileage between private64 Bull Pine

Gapproperty

BLM managed land 2586

Bear GulchPrivate Property Please respect the rights of

2495 Tunnelprivate property owners by Ridgeobserving all posted signs private

Littleproperty5197 elevations in feet Applegate

42deg9rsquoN42deg9rsquoN 42deg09rsquoN42deg09rsquoN No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

or the Siskiyou Uplands Trail Association (SUTA) as to the 3895 accuracy reliability or completeness of these data for individual or aggregate use with other data Original data were complided from various sources and may be updated without notification

122deg59rsquoW122deg59rsquoW123deg00rsquoW123deg00rsquoW123deg01rsquoW123deg01rsquoW123deg02rsquoW123deg02rsquoW 122deg51rsquoW122deg51rsquoW122deg52rsquoW122deg52rsquoW122deg53rsquoW122deg53rsquoW122deg54rsquoW122deg54rsquoW122deg55rsquoW122deg55rsquoW122deg56rsquoW122deg56rsquoW122deg57rsquoW122deg57rsquoW

All photos in this brochure courtesy of SUTA unless otherwise indicated

3565

Page 2: Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Map - Bureau of Land … l a c k s m i t h C r 4 1 27 1 Gulc h E a g l e C a n y o n H u k i l l H o l l o w G i l s o n G u l c h H o p k i n s M i l l e

BBBBlllllaaalallallalccccckkkkkk

ssssssmmmmiiiitttt

hhhhCCCC

rrrC

rCC

rCC

rC

38-2-3438-2-3438-2-3438-2-3438-2-3438-2-34

38-2-27138-2-271

38-2-27

38-2-351

G u l c h

Eagle

Canyon

Hu

k i l l

Ho

l low

GGi lsoon

GGu l ch

Ho

pk in

s

Mi l l e r

Gu lch D u tc hG uull ch

G r uu b

G u l c h

D e m i n g

G u l ch

C a nt ra l l

Gu lch

McC

orm

ick

Gu

lch

Wo

l fG

ulch

Tunn

elR

i dg

e

Go

at

Ca

bi n

Ri d

g e

Bea

rG

ulch

Ow

lG

ullc

h Bu

l lPP

ii ne

Ri dd

ge

Roocck

G u l c h

Mu

dd

yG

ulc

h

BrownBrownResRes

SchlesingerSchlesingerSchlesingerSchlesingerResResRes

SStteerr ll iinngg

CCrree

eekk

SS tt eerr ll

ii nngg

CCrree

eekk

YYYaallee

CCCrr

GGGGrrroo

uuuussee

CCCCrrreeee

eekk

CCCCoolllllll

eeemmaann

CCCCrrreeee

eekk

NNoorrr

ttthhh

FFFFooorrrkkkk

AAnnddddeerrrssssooonn

CCCCrrrreeeeeekk

SSSoouuttt

hhhhFFFFoo

rrrkkkk

AAnndddd

eerrrssssoooo

nn

CCCCrrreeeekk

AAPP

PPLLLLLLEEEEE

GGAA

TTEE

RRIIVV

EEERR

LL ii tt tt lleeAApppplleegggggaattee

RRiivveerr

LL ii tt tt llee

AApppp lleeggaattee

RR ii vvee rrrrr

LL ii tt tt llee LLLLL iiiiiiiiicckk

CCrreeeekk

RRRRuuuuusssssshhh

CCCCrrrrrrCrCCrCCrC eeeeeekkkkk

GulchRd

339-2-17

39--2-17

3399-22-227

AArmstrong

39-2-171

Goat CabinSpur

Grub Gulch Rd

Poverty RRdd

Miller Creek Rd

EagleCanyon

Rd

Squires Peak

Rd

HukillHollow

Rd

Armsstrongg - DemiinngRd

Bulll PinneGap

39-1

-30

Doub

leA

Rd

GrubGulch

Rd

38-2-26

Armstro

ng-Demiinngg RRdddddddd

Woodrat Mtn

Rd

39-2-71

39-2-7

39-2

-439

-2-4

39-2-42

39-2-42

39-2

-41

39-2

-41

39-2

-41

39-2

-41

39-2

-41

Anderson BBuuttttee Rd

AndersonButte

RRRRdd

Armstrong-Dem

ingRd

Butte Rd

Annderson

38-2-24

CCannnnttralFire

Rd

39-2-3

39-2-32

39-2-1139-2-122

39-2-31

38-2-29

38-2-29

38-3-23138-3-231

38-2-26

38-2-24

38-2-2438-2-24

39-2-8

39-2-8

39-1

-18

1

Spencer GGullchh

39-2-15

39-2-15

39-3

-24

Squires PeakSquires Peak33163316 G u l c h

29752975

Rd 38-2-3138-2-31

39-2-42

RRdd

SS p e n c e rG l

STERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAILSTERLING MINE DITCH TRAIL

NoNortrtrtrtrtrtrthh

39-

Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Mappdf 1 31915 902 AM

ST

ER

LIN

G

MINE

TRAIL

DITCH

Trail Hidden C

Hamilton Rd

East

side

Road

Uppe

r A

ppeg

ate

R

d

Sterling Creek

Road

Little Applegate Road

Ster

ling

Cre

ek

R

oad

erling Cre ek Rd

Griff

in

Lane

Little Applegate Road Little Applegate Road

Rush

Cre

ek

R

oad

Yale

Cre

ek R

d

2-4

1

Ande

rson

Cr

R

oad

Upper Applegate Rd

10

15

10

05

22

18

15

13

30

68

28

06 18

20

33

30

46

28

28

mi t

o H

wy

238

Sterling Creek R

d

Little Applegate Road

EXPLORING THE STERLING MINE DITCH TRAIL

This historic trail is located south of Jacksonville Oregon Trail Etiquette amp SafetyThe trail is maintained for non-motorized recreation by the Equestrians hikers runners and bicycle riders can enjoy and share the trail safely Rogue RiverUS Bureau of Land Management Medford District (BLM) and by following some simple rules of trail etiquette 62 the Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) provides recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages short level strolls for small children PROTECT THE TRAIL PLAN fOR THE TRAIL SHARE THE TRAIL long-distance hikes runs horseback trails amp mountain bike bull Please respect private bull Always carry water and bull Ask horse riders Medford

Jacksonvillerides The trail is open for use by hikers and runners year-round property and stay on the a snack when using the which side of the trail thanks to its 2000-2400 foot elevation trail A few seasonal they prefertrail Sterling Mine

Ditch Trailstreams cross the SMDT Currently three trailheads are located along Little Applegate Applegatebull Protect natural and but are not reliable water bull Speak calmly and Talent Road Bear Gulch Tunnel Ridge and Little Applegate There cultural resources sources especially in avoid sudden 238 Ruchare four trailheads off Sterling Creek Road on unpaved BLM late summer movements when roads Deming Armstrong Gulch Wolf Gap and Grub Gulch bull Respect ldquoNo you are aroundtrailheads With a little planning and two cars for a shuttle Trespassingrdquo signs bull Dress for the conditions horses Legend

Buncom SMDT regyou can create a wide variety of routes Horse trailer parking Secondary Roadsis provided at a landing east of the Deming trailhead and at bull Pack it in pack it out bull Review maps and trail bull Horses and mountain Jacksonville

Sterling Mine Ditch TrailPrimary Roadsguides prior to making bikes can damage theArmstrong Gulch trailhead Tunnel Ridge and Little Applegate bull Leave no tracetrailheads a trip trail when soils are

Please help preserve and protect your trail In the interests of maintaining the trail in top condition for all users equestrians and bicyclists must avoid using the trail after significant rains

The SMDT provides recreation opportunities year-round Winter is popular with hikers and runners because snow does not usually accumulate at the trailrsquos low elevation

bull Be courteous of others bull Be alert for ticks poison on the trail oak and rattlesnakes

For detailed directions to the trailheads and suggested hikes see SUTArsquos website wwwsutaoregonorg

wet In winter and spring please wait for drier conditions to help us protect the trail

The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail is maintained jointly by the Medford BLM the Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) and community volunteers To learn how you can participate in work parties visit SUTArsquos website wwwsutaoregonorg

l

123deg03rsquoW123deg03rsquoW

123deg03rsquoW123deg03rsquoW

122deg58rsquoW122deg58rsquoW

STERLING MINE DITCH TRAIL

Deming-Armstrong Rd

Turnoff

St

122deg58rsquoW122deg58rsquoW

Armstrong Gulch

private Wolf NoNo BBicicyycclleessproperty Gap

122deg59rsquoW122deg59rsquoW123deg00rsquoW123deg00rsquoW123deg01rsquoW123deg01rsquoW123deg02rsquoW123deg02rsquoW 122deg51rsquoW122deg51rsquoW122deg52rsquoW122deg52rsquoW122deg53rsquoW122deg53rsquoW122deg54rsquoW122deg54rsquoW122deg55rsquoW122deg55rsquoW122deg56rsquoW122deg56rsquoW122deg57rsquoW122deg57rsquoW to Jacksonville

Ruch Oregon (limited services)

to Medford

4571

42deg14rsquoN42deg14rsquoN 42deg14rsquoN42deg14rsquoN

3739

private

property3489

Woodrat Mtn 4124

Squires Peak 42deg13rsquoN42deg13rsquoN42deg13rsquoN42deg13rsquoN 3316

r

2975

Grub GulchBureau of Land Management

2164

26320 1 2 3 Kilometers Anderson

Butte4232 42deg12rsquoN42deg12rsquoN42deg12rsquoN42deg12rsquoN 519710 2 Miles private

property 5021

4678 private

propertyprivate

property 2426

4407

4572 4364

2372 Section Line Gap

42deg11rsquoN42deg11rsquoN

Deming Gulch42deg11rsquoN42deg11rsquoN

private

propertymain trail

Trailhead Wolf Gap 4250other trail 4326

3259Horse-Trailer Parking Buncom (no services)

3014Paved Road

3470Unpaved Access Road 2219

(routes to trailheads) 3714 3327

42deg10rsquoN42deg10rsquoN42deg10rsquoN42deg10rsquoN HistoricLocal Road Tunnel

(inquire about conditionstatus) 2866

Tics amp Mileage between private64 Bull Pine

Gapproperty

BLM managed land 2586

Bear GulchPrivate Property Please respect the rights of

2495 Tunnelprivate property owners by Ridgeobserving all posted signs private

Littleproperty5197 elevations in feet Applegate

42deg9rsquoN42deg9rsquoN 42deg09rsquoN42deg09rsquoN No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

or the Siskiyou Uplands Trail Association (SUTA) as to the 3895 accuracy reliability or completeness of these data for individual or aggregate use with other data Original data were complided from various sources and may be updated without notification

122deg59rsquoW122deg59rsquoW123deg00rsquoW123deg00rsquoW123deg01rsquoW123deg01rsquoW123deg02rsquoW123deg02rsquoW 122deg51rsquoW122deg51rsquoW122deg52rsquoW122deg52rsquoW122deg53rsquoW122deg53rsquoW122deg54rsquoW122deg54rsquoW122deg55rsquoW122deg55rsquoW122deg56rsquoW122deg56rsquoW122deg57rsquoW122deg57rsquoW

All photos in this brochure courtesy of SUTA unless otherwise indicated

3565