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Sterling Mine Ditch Trail - A Vital Partnership M B e A partnership between the Medford District Bureau of Land Management (BLM), d L fo M Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA), and the neighboring community drove the r d re-opening of the historic Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT). This partnership is vital D to keeping the trail open for the community. The BLM provides resource planning and is t management of the SMDT and helps with large-scale maintenance needs. r ic t 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 www.SUTAoregon.org to schedule work parties, activities, and other events. Medford District BLM Siskiyou Upland Trails Association 541-618-2200 P.O. Box 901 www.blm.gov/or/districts/medford Jacksonville, OR 97530 www.sutaoregon.org A History of Riches When gold was discovered in 1854 on Sterling away up to 800 cubic yards of soil and rock each The Natural Drier southern exposures support madrone, Creek, prospectors poured into the area. At first, day. Impacts to fisheries and water quality were manzanita, oaks, buckbrush, mountain Long before the appearance of European they panned for gold along the creek, but this immense, and generations would pass before the Environment mahagony, silk tassel, Klamath plum, and even a few junipers. Several champion trees are found settlers, Sterling Creek and the Little Applegate proved to be inefficient in extracting the gold hydrologic balance and fish habitat in Sterling along the ditch, including a massive madrone River area were traditional homelands of the that was buried under layers of rock and soil. Creek would recover. The SMDT passes through a diversity of 18 feet in circumference, growing between Bear Dakubetede people. This group was also Hydraulic mining, using a powerful jet of water, landscapes and ecosystems as it winds its way Gulch and Tunnel Ridge. known as the Applegate Creek Indians and promised better returns for large scale mining; The mine discontinued operations in the 1930s, around the ridges and ravines of Anderson Butte. was part of the Rogue River Indians, a name they just needed more water. and the ditch and trail became overgrown with This diversity contributes to an ever-changing Spring brings an abundance of wildflowers and brush and trees. The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail array of wildflowers, trees, birds, wildlife, and birds that last well into summer. Summer can applied to the people of the Upper Rogue River In 1877 miners built the Sterling Mine Ditch (SMDT) is a marvel of late nineteenth century environments. Trail users enjoy panoramic views be very warm along south-facing exposures, and its tributaries. The Dakubetedes utilized to redirect water from the upper reaches of the engineering. Be sure to see the tunnel, dug as of surrounding landscapes--the Siskiyou Crest, but north-facing slopes and draws provide a an abundance of berries, seeds, roots, fish, refreshingly cool respite from the heat. Autumn’s Little Applegate River to the Sterling Creek Mine. a shortcut through the ridge at the top of the Wagner Butte, Little Applegate Valley, Greyback and game throughout the year to maintain a changing colors splash the deep green forest Mountain, and the Red Buttes Wilderness, as The ditch followed the contours of the rugged Tunnel Ridge access trail! You can also see old diverse diet. The Dakubetedes spoke a dialect well as deep woods and lovely meadows. Groves canopy with yellow, orange, and red accents. slopes of Anderson Butte and lost only 200 feet flume remnants while hiking along sections of the Athabascan language group, unusual of mature ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, big leaf in elevation over its 26.5 mile length. Using hand of the trail. As you drive along Sterling Creek Although you may not see them often, many for the tribes in interior southwest Oregon. tools, up to 400 workers, most of them probably Road, you can see piles of stones and boulders maple, white and black oak, cedar, hazel, fern and species of wildlife call the area home. Be aware, as The Dakubetedes took part in the Rogue River Chinese, completed the ditch in just 6 months, at along the creek that were left by hydraulic mining other woodland plants flourish on shady north- you travel along this ditch, you share the trail with Indian Treaties of 1853 and 1854 that resulted facing slopes and in draws near Deming Gulch, other local species such as poison oak, ticks, and a cost of $70,000. The ditch carried water to the as soil was washed away in the search for gold. In in their removal from their homelands to the Armstrong Gulch, and along the Little Applegate an array of wildlife including bears, cougars, bob mine, and the trail alongside it provided access addition to gold, the layers of soil and rock also Grand Ronde and Siletz Indian Reservations in and Tunnel Ridge access trails. cats, coyotes and deer. for ditch maintenance. During peak operation, yielded bones and tusks of elephants and other northwest Oregon. hydraulic mining on Sterling Creek blasted ancient inhabitants of the area. Woodland section between Tunnel Ridge and Little Applegate. Hydraulic (Placer) mining at Sterling Creek Mine, 1905. Photo: Southern Oregon Historical Society. The tunnel through the ridge still exists at the top of A giant madrone graces the SMDT and dwarfs The level grade of the SMDT makes for A seasonal waterfall on the Bear Gulch trail the Tunnel Ridge access trail. a hiker. pleasant hiking. History Recreation Botanicals Volunteer Ride the trail for a look into the past. Annual “Run-the-Ditch” 5-mile run. Arrowleaf balsamroot and paintbrush decorate a Fritillary and Douglas iris are local spring Volunteers install new trail signs. meadow along the trail. beauties Ditch construction workers were the very first Wildflowers are among the prime attractions Keeping this beautiful trail open for all to enjoy trail users. “Ditch riders” were also among the of the ditch between February and August. depends upon help from volunteers like you! Trail original trail users. These were men who rode Varieties in bloom change with the seasons work parties provide opportunities to gain skills in horseback along the trail on the berm of the and habitat. They include three species trail design and maintenance, enjoy the constantly ditch to make sure the water continued to flow. of fritillary: calypso, rattlesnake, and bog changing natural environment of the trail, get orchids; trillium; bleeding hearts; Oregon some great exercise, and meet new friends. Please be courteous of others sunshine; and at least forty other species (see Check www.sutaoregon.org for work day details. while riding the trail. Follow Impressive stonework is found in retaining walls the wildflower list on www.SUTAOregon.org). right-of-way signs. which still support the trail in many places along the People of all ages enjoy the SMDT. Photo: L.Smith. Calypso orchids abound in early spring on ditch. shaded slopes. EXPLORING THE STERLING MINE DITCH TRAIL This historic trail is located south of Jacksonville, Oregon. Trail Etiquette & Safety The trail is maintained for non-motorized recreation by the Equestrians, hikers, runners, and bicycle riders can enjoy and share the trail safely Rogue River U.S. 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; PROTECTTHETRAIL PLAN fORTHE TRAIL SHARETHETRAIL long-distance hikes; runs; horseback trails; & mountain bike • Please respect private • Always carry water and • Ask horse riders Medford rides. The trail is open for use by hikers and runners year-round, Jacksonville property and stay on the a snack when using the which side of the trail thanks to its 2,000-2,400 foot elevation. trail. trail. A few seasonal they prefer. etS Sterling Mine RaCrouear rfdeo:nu Btrl yet,ra atrhi lhGreeueal cdtrhsa, iolThfufe nSandteesrl laiRnriged gCloerc,e aaetnek ddR Laoilatotdlne go A nLp iutptnlleep gAaavpteepd.le TBghaLetMere • Pcurolttuercatl nreastuoruarlc aens.d lssbatoutreuet raascmrueemss n, m coerteso rprse.es li catihabellle yS wiMna DteTr • maSvpooeviadek ms cueadnldtmse lnwy ha ennd Appleg2a3te8 Ruch Cgnilrreek Rd Ditch Trail Talent roads: Deming, Armstrong Gulch, Wolf Gap and Grub Gulch • Respect “No you are around . trailheads. With a little planning and two cars for a shuttle, Trespassing” signs. • Dress for the conditions. horses. Legend ® yiso pur ocavind ecdre aatt ea ala wndidineg v aeraiestt yo of ft hreo uDteesm. iHnogr tsrea ilthraeialedr, paanrdk inagt • Pack it in; pack it out. • Review maps and trail • Horses and mountain SSMecDoTn dary Roads Buncom Little Applegate Road Jacksonville Armstrong Gulch trailhead, Tunnel Ridge, and Little Applegate guides prior to making bikes can damage the Primary Roads Sterling Mine Ditch Trail trailheads. • Leave no trace. a trip. trail when soils are wet. In winter and Please help preserve and protect your trail! In the interests of • Be courteous of others • Be alert for ticks, poison spring, please wait The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail is maintained jointly by the maintaining the trail in top condition for all users, equestrians on the trail. oak, and rattlesnakes. for drier conditions to Medford BLM, the Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA), help us protect the and bicyclists must avoid using the trail after significant rains. and community volunteers. To learn how you can participate in trail. work parties, visit SUTA’s website www.sutaoregon.org. Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Map.pdf 1 3/19/15 9:02 AM The SMDT provides recreation opportunities year-round. Winter is popular with hikers and runners because snow does not For detailed directions to the trailheads and suggested usually accumulate at the trail’s low elevation. hikes, see SUTA’s website: www.sutaoregon.org 112233°°0033’’WW 112233°°0022’’WW 112233°°0011’’WW 112233°°0000’’WW 112222°°5599’’WW 112222°°5588’’WW 112222°°5577’’WW 112222°°5566’’WW 112222°°5555’’WW 112222°°5544’’WW 112222°°5533’’WW 112222°°5522’’WW 112222°°5511’’WW 8 to Jacksonville to Medford 4422°°1144’’NN 23 4422°°1144’’NN Ruch, Oregon wy 3388--22--2277..11 H (limited services) o 44442222H°°°°a11113322m’’’’NNNNil ton RPPdPPLLLLLLEEEEE GGUAATTpEEpeRREEErVV IIRRS Apppel2e.n8g cami ette r Rd GGullchhLLiittttllee2pLS1piqrt6AAoruti4lippprev e RRaepp s ddtrll eeetAyggggg RpPoo aapccettklaSSSeeekgqqqaSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSuuuteiiirrr G eee u sss l cPPP TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT 333 heee B 333 aaa 11100 kkk666 RR uii EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEvv ee SSRrrporaeden RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRceRRarddLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLu IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIoGGu1NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNllfc h LGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGan1 dMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM WMoE4Mao12g2tldne4 r aatIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII CnaNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNnyon3a833-288g---2EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE339--22e33..2113 m723 DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD Ke2ilo nMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIm24t2ieTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTl6e 3 t9se- 2 r-W7CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCso.1o3 d4Hrukil8lat9 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHMHukillHtollonwHolRlodw3388 --22--33113TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT9-23-7A8R-d2rGG-mRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRD2iTl9seusootnmrrnHooAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAApikoStenrling Cinreneskfg g fRdGG- RupdlIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIpcroPr h iopvvLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLGeaertrutAeytrlyRR mcdd 3 ssh72t36ro93333 n 2999gg---Ster222ling --- 444 - ... 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