Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Siskiyou Uplands Trail Association ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.sutaoregon.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://www.sutaoregon.org/blog/) - [Last SUTA Trail Work Party of the Season SATURDAY April 18, 2026](https://www.sutaoregon.org/last-suta-trail-work-party-of-the-season-saturday-april-18-2026/) - 9:00 am -1:00 pmTrail maintenance on the Upper Bear Gulch Trail Meet at the Wolf Gap Trailhead on the BLM Armstrong-Deming Road at 9AM. See google maps or the MAPS and DIRECTIONS portion of this website This trail is on a steep slope and is now several years old and the tread is in need of maintenance - [REMINDER! SUTA Work Party March 14, 2026](https://www.sutaoregon.org/reminder-suta-work-party-march-14-2026/) - 9:00 am -1:00 pmTrail construction on the new Poorman Creek Trail We're planning our next trail work party on Saturday, March 14, 2026We're hoping for some mild weather, but please check your email/Facebook posts for an update on Friday March 13th.We're planning to work on building part of the new Poorman Creek Trail starting from BLM Road 38.2.21.1 - [A Conversation with Bureau of Land Management](https://www.sutaoregon.org/current-issues-and-projects-on-blm-lands/) - Dear Neighbors, Please join us for a conversation with the Bureau of Land Management on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Applegate Fire District Training Building, 1095 Upper Applegate Road. The meeting will also be available via Zoom. See the flyer above for the how to get the zoom Informal public meeting with BLM and local non-profits to discuss current issues and projects on BLM-administered lands. - [Trail Construction Crew Positions Available !](https://www.sutaoregon.org/trail-construction-crew-positions-available/) - Trail Construction Crew Openings! SUTA needs 4-6 crew members to build several miles of trails! The project will begin in mid-January 2026 and go through late February or early March. Pay is $21.00/hr, possibly more for experienced crew members. We plan 4-day work weeks, approximately 8 hrs per day. This is challenging but very rewarding work. You can expect to - [Fall 2025 SUTA Trails Update](https://www.sutaoregon.org/fall-2025-suta-trails-update/) - Welcome to Fall on the Trails We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful summer and had the opportunity to get outside and explore the trails, whether running, hiking, or riding. With fall finally here, we are gearing up for a new season of activities and maintenance on both the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail and the Jack-Ash - [Join us for a Conversation with the Bureau of Land Management](https://www.sutaoregon.org/join-us-for-a-conversation-with-the-bureau-of-land-management/) - Staff members from the Ashland and Grant Pass Resource Areas of the Medford District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will provide updates about current issues and projects proposed on BLM lands in our region. Meeting topics will be provided in advance of the meeting. Public questions are welcome. This is not an official BLM event or a venue - [MARCH 2025 TRAIL CONDITION UPDATE](https://www.sutaoregon.org/march-2025-trail-condition-update/) - We'd like to offer a huge thank you to the many SUTA volunteers who have helped to clear the Sterling Mine Ditch and Jack-Ash Trails since the early February snowstorm dropped hundreds of trees. Although we're not quite finished, we're about two-thirds of the way through clearing nearly forty miles of trail. The response from - [Did You Know??](https://www.sutaoregon.org/did-you-know/) - The downladable maps on this website under "Maps and Directions" are geo-pdfs. This means they are geo-registered in physical space and can be uploaded to many of the popular trail map apps like AvenzaMaps and others so you can follow along on the pdf map as you hike along a given trail that appears on - [February 2025 TRAIL CONDITION UPDATE !!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/february-2025-trail-condition-update/) - We've finally been able to start surveying the trail conditions on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail system and Jack-Ash Trail after the recent winter storm. We haven't been able to survey all the miles of trails yet, but its safe to say there are many more than 100 trees that have come down on the - [January 2025 SUTA Trail News](https://www.sutaoregon.org/january-2025-suta-trail-news/) - It's hard to believe that 2024 is behind us, and we’re looking forward to good things for the Jack-Ash and Sterling Mine Ditch Trails in 2025. We had a busy year with trail construction and maintenance, along with celebrating the opening of several miles of new trails. TRAIL STATUS Thanks to all the hours contributed - [Join SUTA volunteers for Trail Work Parties this winter!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/join-suta-volunteers-for-trail-work-parties-this-winter/) - SUTA hosts volunteer trail work parties each month through the winter. These work half-days are always full of fun, friends, food, and fresh air...plus the knowledge that you are helping to give back to your community here in the Rogue Valley. And you get some great outdoor exercise in the process! Our efforts are focused - [Trail Construction Crew Openings!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/trail-construction-crew-openings/) - Help SUTA build its next 5 miles of trails! - [REMINDER! SUTA trail work party, Sat Dec 9th!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/reminder-suta-trail-work-party-this-sat-nov-11th/) - 8:30 - 1:00 Meet up at Wolf Gap trailhead. Free hot lunch following! When: Saturday, Dec. 9th, 8:30 AM to 1:00PM(SUTA provides snacks and hot lunch!) Where: Meet-up at the Wolf Gap trail head. Visit www.sutaoregon.org for directions to trail head. What: Trail construction for those who wish, and refinement and trimming for those who prefer that...on our newest segment in the - [REMINDER! Trail Work Party, Sat, April 13th, 9:00-1:00](https://www.sutaoregon.org/reminder-trail-work-party-sat-april-13th-900-100/) - Join us on Saturday, April 13th, 2024 for our last regular volunteer work party of the season!We will do some light brushing and some tread repair on the Deming Gulch segment of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. The storm of early March was not kind to the trees in our region, and some have uprooted and taken out - [REI hosts a SUTA Presentation by our President](https://www.sutaoregon.org/rei-hosts-a-suta-presentation-by-our-president/) - Sept. 24, 2024 6:30-8:00 P.M. at REI in Medford Autumn is a glorious time to hike the Sterling Mine Ditch trail! Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) board president, Joy Rogalla, will discuss recreation and volunteer opportunities on existing SUTA trails and trail systems in the Sterling Creek and Little Applegate areas. The discussion will also - [REMINDER! National Trails Day is June 1st!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/reminder-national-trails-day-is-june-1st/) - See our EVENTS page for details! Meet-up at Wolf Gap trailhead to help us celebrate the Grand Opening of five miles of spectacular new trails! - [New Signs Installed at Tunnel Ridge and Bear Gulch!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/new-signs-installed-at-tunnel-ridge-and-bear-gulch/) - HUGE THANK-YOUs to all the amazing volunteers (including four awesome pack and saddle equines) who came out on May 13th, 2024 to help pack in materials and install new signs for the new trails in the Sterling Mine Ditch System! We have several more signs to install on the new trails and their junctions coming - [December 2023 Update](https://www.sutaoregon.org/december-2023-update/) - As we head into winter after a beautiful and colorful fall, we’d like to share some updates about all the things that have been accomplished out on the trails, with more planned in the next few months. There’s a lot of progress we’ve been making with trail maintenance and construction, and with future planning. Trail - [2023-2024 SUTA Trail Work Party Dates!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/2023-2024-suta-trail-work-party-dates/) - [Huge THANKS to volunteers who helped clean up Jack-Ash trailheads on Anderson Ridge!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/huge-thanks-to-volunteers-who-helped-clean-up-jack-ash-trailheads-on-anderson-ridge/) - Huge thanks to the dedicated and hearty volunteers who came out this morning and helped clean up trash and shooting debris - [SUTA and ATA Partner up at Siskiyou Crest Festival](https://www.sutaoregon.org/suta-and-ata-partner-up-at-siskiyou-crest-festival/) - SUTA and ATA paired up this weekend to host a booth at the Siskiyou Crest Festival at Pacifica, near Williams, to present maps and information about one of Oregon's new "Signature Trails". This trail, when completed, will be about 90 miles long and will connect the PCT near Mt Ashland and the Ashland watershed trails - [June 2023 Trail News](https://www.sutaoregon.org/june-2023-trail-news/) - We're midway through 2023 and have some exciting trail news to share about the Jack-Ash and Sterling Mine Ditch Trails! WEED TRIMMERS RULE! First, both trails are in great condition, thanks to lots of work by volunteers and our BLM partners. It’s great to see so many hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians on the - [Please share the trails safely!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/please-share-the-trails-safely/) - Please follow the Trails Safe Passing Plan-Stop! Speak. Stand Back. Yield to Horses. This is a good graphic that helps explain why it is important for non-equestrian trail users to yield to equestrians on our multi-use trails. Our equine friends are not like big dogs, they are prey animals, and react accordingly if they are Please share the trails safely. - [TRAIL CREW JOB OPENINGS - STARTING MAY 24th !](https://www.sutaoregon.org/trail-crew-job-openings-starting-may-24th/) - SUTA is looking for crew members to help with string-trimming the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail and Jack-Ash Trail. We anticipate the work will take 12-15 days starting approximately May 24th and the position is offered at $20/hr. Expect to hike 6-8 miles per day with equipment. We’ve been able to complete the string trimming of about - [Sharing Trails Safely Benefits All Users!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/sharing-trails-safely-benefits-all-users/) - As trail users, whether we hike, run, ride a horse, or ride a bike, we all want the same thing....to be able to use our trails safely and have fun as we enjoy being out in the great outdoors. Because there are more and more of us out on the trails than ever before, we - [6 Spring Hikes in the Applegate Valley - from Travel Oregon!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/6-spring-hikes-in-the-applegate-valley-from-travel-oregon/) - Check out this great article about our local trails, featured by Travel Oregon in their latest email promo! It focuses on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail, including the Bear Gulch 5-mile loop and the new view trail from Wolf Gap, as well as the East Applegate Ridge Trail, Enchanted Forest, Cathedral Hills, and Stein Butte - [2022-2023 FALL - SPRING TRAIL WORK PARTIES](https://www.sutaoregon.org/22-23-fall-thru-spring-trail-work-parties/) - Hey, friends of the Sterling Mine Ditch and Jack-Ash Trails! We have set the dates for our upcoming Fall 2022 thru Spring 2023 Volunteer Trail Work Parties! We hope you will mark your calendars now and join us for a fun few hours of hiking and trail/trailhead work followed by a SUTA-provided lunch! See below 2022-2023 volunteer work parties - [CANCELLED!! SUTA Trail work Party scheduled for Saturday, March 11](https://www.sutaoregon.org/rescheduled-sunday-january-22nd-suta-trail-work-party-meet-up-900-a-m-at-deming-th/) - Due to the abundance of recent snow, cold, and rains, we are CANCELLING the volunteer work party scheduled for this coming Saturday. Access roads and soils and trails are too soppy and soggy, and in some places, still under snow. We hope you will join us for our April work party, when hopefully road and - [December 2022 Trail News and Updates](https://www.sutaoregon.org/december-2022-trail-news-and-updates/) - With 2022 nearly over, we have some updates to share about the Jack-Ash and Sterling Mine Ditch Trails. First of all, both trails are in great condition, thanks to lots of work by volunteers and our BLM partners. It’s great to see so many hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians on the trails! With winter - [Deming Equestrian trailhead parking is currently unavailable for parking](https://www.sutaoregon.org/deming-equestrian-trailhead-parking-is-currently-unavailable-for-parking/) - Hey trail users, and especially equestrians, the Deming Equestrian trailhead parking area is currently not available for parking due to current hazard tree removal operations in the area. Since hazard tree logging is also occurring along Armstrong road it is advisable to just avoid the Armstrong and Deming areas completely until operations have finished, hopefully - [BLM's Lower Sterling Salvage Project to remove hazard trees near parts of SMDT](https://www.sutaoregon.org/blms-lower-sterling-salvage-project-to-remove-hazard-trees-near-parts-of-smdt/) - The Lower Sterling Salvage project is within the vicinity of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) in the area of the Armstrong and Deming Equestrian parking areas.. Over the last year or so you might have seen all the dead and dying trees in the lower Sterling area due to the drought and insects. The - [Notice of Recreational Target Shooting Closure on Public Lands in the Anderson Butte Area of Jackson County, OR](https://www.sutaoregon.org/notice-of-recreational-target-shooting-closure-on-public-lands-in-the-anderson-butte-area-of-jackson-county-or/) - A recent email from Medford BLM District Manager, Lauren Brown, announces: I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Register Notice for the Anderson Butte Safety Project has finally published today. This is the final step in the lengthy process to establish a temporary closure for recreational target shooting at specific sites in the - [Long-Distance Trails Take Time and Patience...and Money!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/long-distance-trails-take-time-and-patience-and-money/) - This article about a long-distance trail in Colorado is encouraging to those of us who sometimes get discouraged about how long it is taking to complete all segments of the Jack-Ash Trail and the Applegate Ridge trail, thus completing our "Ashland to Jacksonville" and "Jacksonville to Grants Pass" long distance trail vision. These kind of - [May 2022 SUTA Trail News and Updates](https://www.sutaoregon.org/may-2022-suta-trail-news-and-updates/) - We’re nearly halfway through 2022 and we have lots of trail news to share. First of all, the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail and Jack-Ash Trail are both in great condition, thanks to lots of work by volunteers and our BLM partners. We meet many hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians on the trails every time - [SUTA Volunteer Opportunities!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/suta-volunteer-opportunities/) - Want to help keep our local trails open andmake have fun while you're at it? Not to mention that rewarding feeling of giving back to our local trails. If you would like to come out and volunteer a day or part of a day (or two) to help work on the trails we would welcome - [December 2021 SUTA News and Trail Update](https://www.sutaoregon.org/december-2021-suta-news-and-trail-update/) - I hope you’ve all had lots of chances to spend time hiking, riding, or running on the trails this year! With 2021 nearly over, there quite a lot of updates to share about what we have been doing to promote and maintain the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) and Jack-Ash Trail. One of the most - [PeakFinder App - What peak is that?](https://www.sutaoregon.org/peakfinder-app-what-peak-is-that/) - The Peakfinder app can be really handy when you just really want to know the names of the peaks you are looking at. Just hold up your phone/camera and the app will overlay onto your image with each peak named. There are a couple of tricky little setup steps and it can be buggy if - [Fun GPS-video app to Relive your hike](https://www.sutaoregon.org/fun-gps-video-app-to-relive-your-hike/) - Visit www.relive.cc to download the app and make your own fun 3-D flyover videos to show your route and the sites you photographed along the way. It's a great way to share your hikes and rides with family and friends! See our Sterling Mine Ditch horseback ride video on the Media/Videos page! Or click here - [WHAT DO BEES, MANZANITA, AND MOZART HAVE IN COMMON?](https://www.sutaoregon.org/what-do-bees-manzanita-and-mozart-have-in-common/) - Most of us have heard at least the first few bars of Mozart’s very famous Piano Sonata in C-Major. But before you go away thinking this is going to be boring, Wait! There’s more! Did you know?... that when a honey bee visits a flowering manzanita bush for nectar, she buzzes in the key of - [March 19 Work Party Cancelled](https://www.sutaoregon.org/march-19-work-party-cancelled/) - [Idea has spawned interest in a trail between Jacksonville and Grants Pass ~ Oct 2009](https://www.sutaoregon.org/idea-has-spawned-interest-in-a-trail-between-jacksonville-and-grants-pass/) - By By TONY BOOM for the Mail Tribune October 04, 2009 2:00 AM Go to Mail Tribune Article A group that wants to create a hiking, biking and equestrian trail between Jacksonville and Ashland is garnering interest as it works with state agencies and private landowners on an exact route. "We are working away getting - [Group plans Jacksonville-Ashland trail ~ Oct 2009](https://www.sutaoregon.org/group-plans-jacksonville-ashland-trail/) - October 01, 2009 11:50 AM Go to Mail Tribune Article A group that wants to create a hiking, biking and equestrian trail between Jacksonville and Ashland has prepared a proposed map, adopted a name and will hold its first trail work party Saturday. Members also have inspired another group to propose a similar link between - [Scenic with a capital "S" - Mail Tribune Article ~10/17/14](https://www.sutaoregon.org/scenic-capital-s-mail-tribune-article/) - The Mail Tribune published an article today about the roughly 20 miles of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail and its nearly 10 miles of access trails comprise the first Oregon State Scenic Trail in Southern Oregon, literally putting it on the map of the state's most gorgeous hikes. The Oregon Parks Commission recently named the system - [Mail Tribune Covering the Jack-Ash Trail ~ 6/09/17](https://www.sutaoregon.org/mail-tribune-covering-the-jack-ash-trail-60917/) - SUTA volunteers are putting the finishing touches on 4.7 miles of new trail scratched into the rocky hillsides of Anderson Butte that anchor a series of trails and forest roads to create a 15-mile section of the Jack-Ash Trail. - [Mail Tribune Article Outlining the Planning of the Jack-Ash Trail](https://www.sutaoregon.org/mail-tribune-article-outlining-the-planning-of-the-jack-ash-trail/) - Creating a series of lollipop trails around such destinations as Bald Mountain would allow smaller hikes of 3, 5 or even 10 miles that would open Jack-Ash to more than just gonzo runners and hikers traversing distances average adventurers wouldn’t consider. - [Fabulous Views hiking the Jack-Ash route from Wagner Gap to Point Mountain ~ July 2011](https://www.sutaoregon.org/fabulous-views-hiking-the-jack-ash-route-from-wagner-gap-to-point-mountain/) - An exploratory hike to find the Jack-Ash route from Wagner Gap to Point Mountain - [A Day on Bald Mountain ~ The Jacksonville Review ~ June 2012](https://www.sutaoregon.org/a-day-on-bald-mountain/) - Our recommended “taste of the Jack-Ash” hike is the trail to Bald Mountain. Its about a 3.5 mile hike out and back depending upon where you start - [Becoming a Ditch Rider ~ The Jacksonville Review ~ Aug 2012](https://www.sutaoregon.org/becoming-a-ditch-rider/) - Riding the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail - [Hidden Creek Trail on Anderson Butte Reopened ~ The Jacksonville Review Oct 2013](https://www.sutaoregon.org/hidden-creek-trail-anderson-butte-reopened/) - By Joy Rogalla, Siskiyou Upland Trails Association as published in the printed copy of the October 2013 Jacksonville Review The Hidden Creek Trail lived up to its name for the past decade or more, overgrown and mostly forgotten, until this summer when the Medford District BLM cleared the brush and fallen trees that obscured it. - [Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Happenings ~ The Jacksonville Review Nov 20113](https://www.sutaoregon.org/sterling-mine-ditch-trail-happenings/) - By Joy Rogalla, Siskiyou Upland Trails Association as published in the printed copy of the November 2013 Jacksonville Review The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) continues to expand and improve with recent construction of new access trails. These trails offer more options for trail users to explore the SMDT and the upland terrain that will be - [BE AWARE and CAUTIOUS! Falling Tree Removal January 10 - 19, 2018](https://www.sutaoregon.org/be-aware-and-cautious-falling-tree-removal-january-10-19-2018/) - BE Aware and Cautious! Implementation of the Squishy Bug Salvage Project on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail is expected to occur from January 10-19. During this time, contractors will be falling hazard trees on and near the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. Trail guards will be in place for public safety, and 15 minute delays can - [Trail Conditions Update - May 1, 2011](https://www.sutaoregon.org/trail-conditions-update-may-1-2011/) - Trail Conditions: Today we were out on the Little Applegate access trail and Tunnel Ridge putting up the last of the new BLM signs showing mileage. Conditions are perfect! So all you equestrians and bicycles - go out and ride. Thank you all for holding off until the trail dried up - it will really help us maintain - [CERT Basic Training](https://www.sutaoregon.org/cert-basic-training/) - Basic Training for anyone interested in joining the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will take place in Ashland on April 23, 24, 30, and May 1, 2010. (From the CERT website:) What is CERT? Ashland CERT's Mission: Our mission is to prepare citizens to respond effectively in disaster. CERT trains residents to prepare their families and - [Still Wet Out There](https://www.sutaoregon.org/still-wet-out-there/) - For Equestrians and Bicyclists: With reports of the sun finally making an appearance this week, we all will be tempted to rush out and go riding on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. The huge amount of rain that we have had in recent weeks makes the tread of the Sterling Mine Ditch, especially at the - [Summer 2011 Trail News](https://www.sutaoregon.org/summer-2011-trail-news/) - With the weather finally stable enough to do some great hiking, horseback riding and bicycling we thought we’d update you on some trail news. In light of the enthusiasm for the directions we put together for National Trails Day event, we thought it was time to post some very specific directions to the Sterling Mine - [Outside Our Back Door - Nature Walk ~May 2010](https://www.sutaoregon.org/outside-our-back-door-nature-walk-may-2010/) - Marion Hadden reporting: Image via Wikipedia - Redflower Currant On May 8th, 2010 a group of 10 of us went on a nice early morning bird walk on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. Our leader was Dennis Vroman, an expert birder and author of several articles and books on birds in our area. We began the - [Grateful Brain, Excellent Advice: Go Hiking](https://www.sutaoregon.org/grateful-brain-excellent-advice-go-hiking/) - Neuroscientist: To Keep Your Brain Young, Go Hiking Hiking will exercise your body, as well as your mind. - [The Year of Fantastic Trail Books for Our Region!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/the-year-of-fantastic-trail-books-for-our-region/) - Since we know you love trails, we have two recommendations for your summer reading pleasure and enjoyment throughout the year. For those of you interested in learning about great trails around the Applegate and in the Siskiyou Crest region, three local authors have published two totally different and terrific guides to wonderful trails in our - [2013: A Hugely Successful Year for SUTA’s Trail System](https://www.sutaoregon.org/2013-hugely-successful-year-sutas-trail-system/) - Happy Holidays! The entire Sterling Mine Ditch Trail System now contains thirty miles of beautifully maintained trails – and it is on its way to be a STATE SCENIC TRAIL! We were stunned when Annette Parsons, our gifted map maker extraordinaire, added up the miles. This means the Community and BLM have collectively clipped, sawed, - [Useful OSU Oregon Wildflower App](https://www.sutaoregon.org/useful-osu-oregon-wildflower-app/) - On your next hike, you can lookup the beautiful wildflowers that you discover. Here's a great cell phone app that downloads a library of over 1050 wildflowers, shrubs, and vines in Oregon. You do have to purchase it at $9.99, however, a portion of the revenues support conservation and botanical exploration in the region. Visit highcountryapps.com for more - [BLM ISSUES EMERGENCY FIRE CLOSURES](https://www.sutaoregon.org/blm-issues-emergency-fire-closures/) - >>>ALL of the BLM lands south of Grants Pass and west of I-5 in the Medford District ARE CLOSED due to extreme fire danger. - [TRAILS OPEN >>TRAILS ARE NOW OPEN AFTER FIRE CLOSURES](https://www.sutaoregon.org/now-open-blm-issues-emergency-fire-closures/) - >>> ALL of the BLM lands south of Grants Pass and west of I-5 in the Medford District ARE NOW OPEN. ## Pages - [Home](https://www.sutaoregon.org/) - SUTA's mission is to create a community trail system across the Siskiyou upland ridges linking the existing trail systems of Ashland and Jacksonville. - [Maps](https://www.sutaoregon.org/maps/) - Georeferenced Trail Map (for smartphones/tablets) SUTA has created a georeferenced map of the Jack-Ash & Sterling Mine Ditch trails for use with Avenza Maps - a free app that uses your phone's GPS to track your location on the map so you can know where on the trail you are, no cell signal required! Step - [Board Members](https://www.sutaoregon.org/suta-board-members/) - Joy Rogalla, President Joy has been a SUTA board member since its inception in 2009, and has been president since 2020. She enjoys the outdoors and especially hiking with her dog, Chloe. She retired from her environmental consulting career in 2022, which has allowed more time for SUTA projects. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, travel, - [How You Can Help](https://www.sutaoregon.org/how-you-can-help/) - Volunteer Successfully developing a new trail system takes a big community commitment. We would love your help out on the trails as a volunteer! To volunteer, contact us by emailing to: sutaoregoncontact@gmail.com Join Our Board We currently have two open positions on our Board of Directors, including the position of Treasurer. If you, or someone - [Directions](https://www.sutaoregon.org/directions/) - Directions to Sterling Mine Ditch Trailheads Download Printable PDF The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) follows approximately 20 miles of a 26-mile ditch that was built in 1877. The SMDT was used to transport water from the Little Applegate River to the Sterling Mine located near the current junction of Sterling Creek Road and Griffin - [Photo Gallery](https://www.sutaoregon.org/photo-gallery/) - [SUTA's Mission](https://www.sutaoregon.org/mission/) - Welcome to SUTA! SUTA’s mission is to create and maintain a community trail system along the Siskiyou upland ridges linking the existing trail systems of Ashland and Jacksonville. When completed, the trail will follow the ridge west of I-5 between Ashland and Jacksonville in Southern Oregon, and includes the historic Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. These - [The Vision](https://www.sutaoregon.org/vision/) - Trail Route and History The concept for creating a trail system linking Jacksonville and Ashland was first launched at a meeting of the Applegate Neighborhood Network in late 2008. The Siskiyou Upland Trail Association, or SUTA was formed to accomplish this mission. Our interest stemmed from a desire to develop and ensure protection of prime - [Contact Us](https://www.sutaoregon.org/contact-us/) - Contact Detail Do you have a question for us? We’ll try to answer it. We appreciate your interest and your questions. By Mail SUTAP.O. Box 901Jacksonville, OR 97530 Click here if you would like to volunteer or donate! By Email sutaoregoncontact@gmail.com Follow Us Send Us A Message - [SMDT Videos](https://www.sutaoregon.org/smdt-videos/) - [In the Local Blogs](https://www.sutaoregon.org/in-the-local-blogs/) - Download the ReLive app and share your experiences with us! ## Events - [SUTA Upcoming Trail Work Party Feb 21st, 9:00-1:00](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/suta-upcoming-trail-work-party-feb-21st-900-100/) - Our Next SUTA Trail Work Party is SATURDAY February 21, 2026 9:00 am -1:00 pm Trail construction on the new Poorman Creek Trail We're hoping for some mild weather, but please check your email/Facebook posts for an update on Friday, February 20th. We're planning to work on building part of the new Poorman Creek Trail starting from - [Upcoming Trail Work Parties, Fall-Winter-Spring 2025-26](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/upcoming-trail-work-parties-fall-winter-spring-2025-26/) - We invite all trail users to join us for our 2025-2026 work parties, which will take place on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of each month from November through April. The planned dates are as follows: November 15, 2025 (Sat) December 13, 2025 (Sat) January 10, 2026 (Sat) February 21, 2026 (Sat) March 14, 2026 - [REVISED DATE! Last SUTA work party of the '24-'25winter season: Sunday, April 27, 2025, Armstrong Gulch](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/last-suta-work-party-of-the-24-25winter-season-saturday-april-5-2025/) - WHEN: Our DATE HAS CHANGED for our last official work party for the 2024-2025 winter season. Due to scheduling conflicts, it is now scheduled for Sunday, April 27th, 2025. Our work parties usually run from 9:00 to 1:00 and include a hearty lunch and trail snacks, so save the date! Trail Work from Armstrong Gulch - [SUTA Presentation at Medford REI, March 6th, 6:30 p.m.](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/5877/) - Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) will be at the REI Medford classroom on March 6th, 2025 from 6:30-8:30 PM to talk about what it takes to develop and maintain the Jack-Ash and Sterling Mine Ditch Trails. We invite you to come and learn about the latest plans for getting new trails approved and constructed. We'll - [Trail Work Party, Saturday, March 1st](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-saturday-march-1st/) - Our next work party for 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, March 1st, 2025. Our work parties usually run from 9:00 to 1:00 and include a hearty lunch and trail snacks, so save the date! Check back here or on our facebook page as the date draws near, for more details as to where we will - [CANCELLED! Trail Work Party, Saturday February 1, 2025](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-saturday-february-1-2025/) - CANCELLED due to wet, muddy soils 9:00 am -1:00 pm Trail Work from Armstrong Gulch on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Our next work party is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025. Stay tuned! Watch our website or facebook page for special event updates as they come up. Our work party dates for the - [First SUTA trail Work Party of 2025 - Jan 4th - Help complete our newest trail!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/first-suta-trail-work-party-of-2025-jan-4th-help-complete-our-newest-trail/) - Our First SUTA Trail Work Party of the New Year is SATURDAY January 4, 2025 9:00 am -1:00 pm Trail construction on the new Armstrong Gulch Trail segment We're hoping for some mild weather, but if weather looks iffy, please check your email/SUTA Facebook posts for an update on Friday January 3rd. We're planning to - [SUTA TRAIL WORK PARTIES, Winter 2024-2025](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/suta-trail-work-parties-winter-2024-2025/) - SUTA hosts volunteer trail work parties each month through the winter. These work half-days are always full of fun, friends, food, and fresh air…plus the knowledge that you are helping to give back to your community here in the Rogue Valley. And you get some great outdoor exercise in the process! Our efforts are focused - [National Trails Day is June 1st, 2024](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/national-trails-day-is-june-1st-2024/) - Siskiyou Uplands Trail Association (SUTA), in partnership with Medford District Bureau of Land Management and support from REI and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recreational Trails Program (RTP), has completed 5 miles of new trails! These wonderful new trails provide new scenic loop options between the Wolf Gap Trailhead and the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail - [SUTA Trail Work Party Sat, April 13th, 2024 9:00-1:00 at Deming Trailhead](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/suta-trail-work-party-sat-april-13th-2024-900-100-at-deming-trailhead/) - Join us on Saturday, April 13th, 2024 for our last regular volunteer work party of the season! We will do some light brushing and some tread repair on the Deming Gulch segment of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. The storm of early March was not kind to the trees in our region, and some have uprooted and - [Trail work party scheduled for Jan. 13, 2024 has been CANCELLED !!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/sutas-first-trail-work-party-of-the-new-year-jan-13-2024-900-a-m-at-tunnel-ridge-trailhead/) - The Trail Work Party scheduled for SATURDAY Jan. 13th, 2024 has been CANCELLED !! Due to wet, cold, snowy weather and saturated soils the work party has been CANCELLED! - [REMINDER! Trail Work Party SATURDAY Dec. 9th, 2023 (Weather Dependent...stay tuned!)](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/reminder-trail-work-party-saturday-dec-9th-2023-weather-dependent-stay-tuned/) - Join us on Saturday, Dec. 9th, 2023 to help further our newest trail under construction. Meet-up at Wolf Gap trailhead at 8:30. FREE LUNCH after we work! (Watch the weather forecast and your email in case of cancellation) When: Saturday, Dec. 9th, 8:30 AM to 1:00PM - Weather permitting. (SUTA provides snacks and hot lunch!) Where: Meet-up - [SUTA 2023-2024 Trail work party dates!](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/suta-2023-2024-trail-work-party-dates/) - SUTA will be hosting trail work parties again for the Fall-2023 through Spring 2024 season on the 2nd Saturday of each month from November through April. The work parties are half-day events and SUTA provides trail snacks and lunch for all participants. Mark your Calendars now for the following dates and watch for notices announcing - [SUTA and ATA at SISKIYOU CREST FESTIVAL at PACIFICA, July 15-16, 2023](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/suta-and-ata-at-siskiyou-crest-festival-at-pacifica-july-15-16-2023/) - Please join SUTA and ATA at our booth at the SISKIYOU CREST FESTIVAL to be held at Pacifica, near Williams, July 15-16, 2023! We will be staffing an informational table at the Crest Fest jointly with Applegate Trails Association (ATA) to provide info about our trails. We will also be introducing the new "Oregon Signature - [Winter 2022-2023 Trail Work Party Dates](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/winter-2022-2023-trail-work-party-dates/) - Hey, friends of the Sterling Mine Ditch and Jack-Ash Trails! We have set the dates for our upcoming Fall 2022 thru Spring 2023 Volunteer Trail Work Parties! We hope you will mark your calendars now and join us for a fun few hours of hiking and trail/trailhead work followed by a SUTA-provided lunch! See Trail Work Party Dates for Winter 2022-2023 - [CANCELLED!! SUTA Trail Work Party this Saturday, Dec. 10th, 2022](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/reminder-suta-trail-work-party-this-saturday-dec-10th-2022/) - SUTA's Trail Work Party scheduled for Saturday, December 10th has been CANCELLED due to a wet and wintry weather forecast!u - [Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-5/) - The first trail maintenance work party for the Fall 2022/Winter 2023 season will be held on November 12, 2022. Our work parties take place once a month from fall-early spring. Plan to meet at 9AM and work performing light vegetation trimming and tread work until 1 PM. Trail snacks and lunch are provided for volunteers! - [Join us on Saturday, November 12th for our first trail work party of the 2022-2023 season! ](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/join-us-on-saturday-november-12th-for-our-first-trail-work-party-of-the-2022-2023-season/) - Join us on Saturday, November 12th for our first trail work party of the 2022-2023 season! The weather forecast as of now looks to be cold, but not raining, with even some sunshine! When: Saturday, Nov 12th - 9:00 AM to 1:30PM (SUTA provides snacks and lunch!)Where: Meet up at the Little Applegate Trailhead at 9:00. (Little Applegate TH - [The Jack-Ash and Sterling Mine Ditch Trails - Trails in your Backyard](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/the-jack-ash-and-sterling-mine-ditch-trails-trails-in-your-backyard/) - This free event is sponsored by the Jacksonville Public Library and will be held at the library public meeting room. Two SUTA representatives will provide a talk about the history and plans for the future for the Jack-Ash and Sterling Mine Ditch Trails. We'll have lots of slides and information about how these trails came - [Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party/) - [Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-2/) - [Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-3/) - [Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-4/) - [History Night – Sterling Mine Ditch](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/history-night-sterling-mine-ditch/) - Sterling Mine Ditch History Night – Agenda March 8th, 2012 – 6pm – Jacksonville Library Participants/Presenters: Lisa Rice, Chant Thomas, John and Cheryl Henderson, Chelsea Rose, SOU Laboratory of Anthropology 6-6:15 – attendees arrive and view artifacts, maps, photos, etc. displayed around the room 6:15-6:20 – Welcome and introductions – Hope Robertson 6:20-6:40 – Lisa - [Wolf Gap Trailhead -CANCELED](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/wolf-gap-trailhead-canceled/) - March 17th – Saturday THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WET & SLIPPERY WEATHER We plan to hike and work on the soon-to-be re-opened Wolf Gap access trail. For those of you that have not hiked this spectacular 1 mile access trail – you are in for a treat. It’s a series of switchbacks - [Wolf Gap Trail Maintenance](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/wolf-gap-trail-maintenance/) - This gorgeous trail (1 mile long – down and up) offers terrific views, highly varied terrain and no doubt some early wildflowers. For those of you who have not experienced this trail –you are in for a treat. We still need work with loppers, hand saws and tread work tools to bring this access trail - [Stroll and Clip Along Deming North](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/stroll-and-clip-along-deming-north/) - April 14, 2012 Saturday An easy hike on a soon-to-be-opened 3-mile section of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. Should be great wildflowers to enjoy while you help us finish trimming from the Deming Trailhead almost to the northern end of the Ditch. Meet at 8:30 AM – Deming Trailhead on Armstrong/Deming Road Rd (near the - [A Wildflower Hike](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/a-wildflower-hike/) - April 28, 2012 – Saturday A lovely hike on the gorgeous Little Applegate to Tunnel Ridge section of the Trail. The focus is on wildflowers but if you happen to bring a clipper we might stop to snip at an encroaching twig here and there as we enjoy the wealth of flowers found on this - [Buncom Day](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/buncom-day/) - A CAN’T MISS LOCAL EVENT You don’t want to miss Buncom Day if you love the true country! SUTA will have a booth at Buncom, come join us!! More information here: http://www.buncom.org/buncom_day.htm or, the locals have the real story!… “… Chicken Splat???” - [Run the Ditch Five Miler](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/run-the-ditch-five-miler/) - May 26 2012 – Saturday Inaugural ‘Run the Ditch Trail Five Miler’ Race and also a Nature Walk – sponsored by Southern Oregon Runners, BLM and SUTA. Race and hike begin at the Tunnel Ridge Trailhead, Little Applegate Rd. 9 AM for the race; 9:15 for the hike. Pre-registration for race required by May 14th, - [Applegate Valley Days](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/applegate-valley-days/) - (June 24th, IS included, software stubbornly showing as excluded.) A CAN’T MISS LOCAL EVENT WEEKEND A community affair joining together for a two day spectacular event, and a whole lot more. Showcasing: The History, The Present and The Future of the Applegate Valley. DATES ARE 23rd & 24th JUNE 2012 YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN US - [Applegate Valley Days](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/applegate-valley-days-2/) - (June 24th, IS included, software stubbornly showing as excluded.) A CAN’T MISS LOCAL EVENT WEEKEND A community affair joining together for a two day spectacular event, and a whole lot more. Showcasing: The History, The Present and The Future of the Applegate Valley. DATES ARE 23rd & 24th JUNE 2012 YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN US - [Trail Work Parties](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-parties/) - When: January 19 – Saturday 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM Where: Meet at Buncom (intersection of Little Applegate Road and Sterling Creek Road) for carpool to the Bear Gulch Trailhead on Little Applegate Road. What: Brushing and minor tread work on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail from Bear Gulch Trailhead over the Wolf Gulch By-pass to - [Sterling Mine Ditch History Night – 2nd Edition](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/sterling-mine-ditch-history-night-2nd-edition/) - February 7th, 2013 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Jacksonville First Presbyterian Church, 425 Middle St., Jacksonville Download Sterling Mine Ditch History Night 2013 Flyer - [SMDT February Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/smdt-february-trail-work-party/) - RSVP PLEASE. Because this full-day work party requires a car shuttle and we need a head count for snacks, please let us know you’re coming. If you have questions, or want to RSVP contact Jim Reiland at 541-899-1091 or email rogalla-reiland@q.com. Join the Siskiyou Upland Trails Association’s (SUTA) second Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) work - [March Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/march-trail-work-party/) - Come Enjoy the Early Spring Wildflowers While Helping Trim the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail on March 16! Our trail work parties offer great outdoor exercise, a chance to meet new and interesting people, a chance to explore new places, a much-valued opportunity to do community volunteer work and most important … a guaranteed chance for - [April Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/april-trail-work-party/) - Calling Hikers, Riders and Trail Runners for a Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Maintenance Work Party on Saturday, April 20 8:30am at Buncom – 1:00 pm Where: Meet at historic Buncom intersection of Little Applegate Rd. and Sterling Creek Rd. at 8:30 am to carpool & caravan to Tunnel Ridge trail head to the Sterling - [SUTA Wildflower Hike led by a BLM Botanist – Chamise Kramer](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/suta-wildflower-hike-led-by-a-blm-botanist-chamise-kramer/) - Chamise has a wealth of botanical information to share with you and can identify all of those flowers you are always wondering about. Come enjoy a lovely and easy hike on the northern section of the Sterling Mine Ditch – 3/10 mile north of the Deming Trail head a the the Deming Equestrian Landing. We - [Wolf Gap Trailhead to Bear Gulch ~ Hiking Series](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/wolf-gap-trailhead-to-bear-gulch-hiking-series/) - May 4th – Janeen Sathre is leading a hike as part of her hiking series from the Wolf Gap Trailhead to Bear Gulch. Meet at Buncom at 9 AM. See other Hikes under Janeen Sathre Trekking Here - [Run the Ditch Races – 5 and 10 Miles](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/run-the-ditch-races-5-and-10-miles/) - OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM FLYER: RunTheDitch 5 and 10 K May 25 2013.pdf You will experience a historic 5 mile or 10 mile run along the incredible Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. The ditch goes for 26 miles, dug by the Chinese mine workers in 1877. We owe a huge vote of thanks to SUTA and - [National Trails Day](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/national-trails-day/) - 2013 National Trails Day Celebration Saturday, June 1, 2013 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Help complete the new Armstrong Gulch access trail To insure future access to the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT), BLM and SUTA are creating two new access trails at the Armstrong Gulch. These new trails will ensure continued public access at - [Armstrong Gulch Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/armstrong-gulch-trail-work-party/) - SUTA’s last 2013 trail work party on the Armstrong Gulch Trail will be Saturday, November 16th – from 8:30 AM to 1 PM. To get both new Armstrong Gulch access trails ready for winter rains and spring use, we would love your help! We will be fine-tuning and completing the great work the Job Council - [Trail Work Party – January 2014](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-january-2014/) - SUTA’s First 2014 Trail Work Party – January 18th Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Please help SUTA keep the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail open for year-round use! Our work parties provide fun and free exercise in a scenic outdoor setting, a chance to meet new and interesting people, and much-appreciated community service. And we provide - [CANCELLED: Trail Work Party – February 2014](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/cancelled-trail-work-party-february-2014/) - RAIN RAIN RAIN CANCELS WORK PARTY A first time in the four years since SUTA began having work parties – we are cancelling tomorrow’s work party – Sat. Feb 15th. Trail work days should be fun, not a slog in mud and rain! We will reschedule this for later in March or early April . - [Oregon Scenic Trail – Public Meeting](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/oregon-scenic-trail-public-meeting/) - SUTA is holding a Public Meeting –Tuesday evening, March 4th at 6 PM at the Jacksonville Library. As you know SUTA applied to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department last year to have the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail designated an Oregon Scenic Trail. As part of the process we are developing a long-term maintenance and - [Trail Work Party – March 2014](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-march-2014/) - Our next trail work party is March 15th Saturday 8:30-1:30 lunch and snacks provided. Meet at Buncom at 8:30 AM to carpool to Tunnel Ridge. We will be working from Tunnel Ridge to Little Applegate. Please RSVP to sutaoregoncontact@gmail.com if you plan to come so we can organize our work and food! Wear gloves, - [Trail Work Party – April 2014](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-april-2014/) - Come Experience a SUTA Trail Work Party – An easy Hike, Wildflowers Galore along the northern section of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail April 19th, 2014 Please help SUTA keep the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail open for year-round use! Our work parties provide fun and free exercise in a scenic outdoor setting, a chance to - [Trail Work Party – May 2014](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-may-2014/) - Come Join SUTA’s Last Trail Work Party of the Season Sterling Mine Ditch Trail May 17th Saturday 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM The hike from the Little Applegate Trailhead is along a particularly scenic section of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. We will be clearing the trail in preparation for the Run the - [Run the Ditch 5 and 10 mile race](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/run-the-ditch-5-and-10-mile-race/) - SUTA will be co-sponsoring with Southern Oregon Runners the annual: RUN THE DITCH TRAIL 5/10 MILER May 24, 2014 You will experience a historic 5 mile or 10 mile run along the incredible Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. So get ready now! PDF ENTRY FORM ONLINE REGISTER For More Information and other great races: - [A Walk Through Time on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/a-walk-through-time-on-the-sterling-mine-ditch-trail/) - A Hike from the Tunnel Ridge Trailhead to Bear Gulch Trailhead National Trails Day Saturday, June 7th, 2014 10 AM – 2PM Come join SUTA on National Trails Day for a walk through time on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. Archaeologist Lisa Rice from the Medford BLM will share her fascinating stories about - [Designated Trails Public Notice Open House](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/designated-trails-public-notice-open-house/) - SUTA’s efforts to have the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail designated an Oregon State Scenic Trail continue to move forward. The next step in the process is another public meeting sponsored by the Oregon Recreational Trails Advisory Council to hear any public comments about this proposal. The open house will be held at the Jacksonville - [Public Lands Day – SUTA event at Tunnel Ridge](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/public-lands-day-suta-event-at-tunnel-ridge/) - National Public Lands Day September 27th, 2014 Who: The Medford BLM and SUTA are hosting a National Public Lands Day event on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who enjoy recreation on our public lands to give back by volunteering on a project. The volunteer projects on the Sterling - [December 2014 Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/december-2014-trail-work-party/) - Our December work party will focus on the trail section from the Deming Trailhead north towards the Grub Gulch Trail, doing light trimming and much needed tread work. We will hike no more than about 4 miles round trip, returning to the Deming Trailhead for lunch. This lovely portion of the trail passes through lush - [First Annual Yodeling Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/first-annual-yodeling-trail-work-party/) - Come Join Us for The First Annual Yodeling Trail Work Party on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail! Please join SUTA at the first annual yodeling extravaganza on the scenic Wolf Gap Access Trail on January 17th ! We’ll also be doing some maintenance of this gorgeous access trail while we are at it. You can - [February 21, 2015 Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/february-21-2015-trail-work-party/) - Want a rewarding and fun way to spend a February weekend morning? Come join SUTA for a trail work party on February 21st. We will be hiking from roughly the center of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (accessed through a private property) to the Bear Gulch Trailhead. This trail work party will concentrate on light - [March 21, 2015 Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/march-21-2015-trail-work-party/) - Come Enjoy the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail’s Diverse Wildflowers at our next Trail Work Party With the warm winter we have had so far, we expect many wildflowers to be in full bloom by March 21st. The Little Applegate to Tunnel Ridge trail section has an amazing array of wildflowers. Come join us to help - [Last Work Party this Spring ~ April 18, 2015](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/last-work-party-this-spring-april-18-2015/) - Attention All Ditch Users! Unfortunately, trails don’t maintain themselves and the healthy vegetation along the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail can grow 18’ in a year! If you enjoy using these trails, the Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) would love your help keeping the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail open! We hold trail maintenance work parties one - [Run the Ditch 5 and 10 mile race 2015](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/run-the-ditch-5-and-10-mile-race-2015/) - SUTA will be co-sponsoring with Southern Oregon Runners the annual: RUN THE DITCH TRAIL 5/10 MILER May 23, 2015 You will experience a historic 5 mile or 10 mile run along the incredible Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. So get ready now! For More Information and other great races: SORUNNERS.ORG For last - [November 2015 Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/november-2015-trail-work-party/) - Come join us to help maintain the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. Great views, lovely woods and an easy flat hike 4 miles out and back. We may split into two groups, hiking in from both trailheads. When: November 14th– Saturday 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM (includes lunch provided by SUTA) Where: Meet at Deming Trailhead - [December 2015 Trail Work Party](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/december-2015-trail-work-party/) - SUTA’s December 12th Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Work Party Help maintain the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail! Great views, lovely winter woods, good company, and an easy 4 to 6 mile hike out-and-back. When: December 12th – Saturday 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM (includes lunch provided by SUTA) Where: Meet at Armstrong Trailhead off of Sterling - [TRAIL Work Party ~ December 2016](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-december-2016/) - On November 17th, 30 people rolled up their sleeves and constructed a new section of the Jack-Ash Trail as it heads towards Griffin Lane. Great fun, highly satisfying and everyone voted to complete this section of the trail at the December work party. So come and join us completing this section of the trail! - [TRAIL Work Party ~ SUNDAY, January 22, 2017](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-sunday-january-22-2017/) - Sterling Mine Ditch Trail – SUNDAY, January 22, 2017 Work Party We would love your help keeping the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail in top shape for your use in 2017! Our first of three Sterling Mine Ditch trail work parties is scheduled for Sunday, January 22nd , not Saturday January 21st– please note date change. - [TRAIL Work Party ~ February 2017](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-february-2017/) - We would love your help keeping the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail in top shape for your use in 2017! Our second of three Sterling Mine Ditch trail work parties is scheduled for: Saturday, February 18th. We will be working on the Wolf Gap Access trail and depending upon how much lopping, digging and hand-saw - [TRAIL Work Party ~ March 2017](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-march-2017/) - We would love your help keeping the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail in top shape for your use in 2017! Our third Sterling Mine Ditch trail work is scheduled for Saturday, March 18th . We will be working on the Wolf Gap Access trail and depending upon how much lopping, digging and hand-saw work is needed along - [Trail Work Party – April 2017](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-april-2017/) - Bonus maintenance work party on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail—morels and wild flowers and more! We need your help keeping this distant segment of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail in top shape. This is a make-up work party—we had to cancel an earlier work party due to rain—to help keep the trail clear in 2017 - [Complete the Jack-Ash Trail Construction](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/complete-the-jack-ash-trail-construction/) - Come Join a great group of energetic people that make things happen! Each month we have a Trail Maintenance Work Party and Provide Lunch! Please Check Back Often and Like Us on Facebook to stay updated about this work party. We hope to see you! Thank you! - [Join Us in Celebrating National Trails Day](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/join-us-in-celebrating-national-trails-day/) - Join SUTA for a walk and some work on the Jack-Ash Trail ~ these fine folks have been doing the heavy lifting! Celebrate National Trails Day – hiking and working on the brand new – almost open – Jack-Ash Trail. Our stellar trail crew has been working hard to build an amazing trail. Come see - [Trail Work Party – October 28, 2017](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-october-28-2017/) - Come join SUTA and see a gorgeous section of the brand new Jack-Ash Trail up close! We will be hiking about three miles round trip from the new Anderson Ridge Trailhead. Where: Meet at the end of the pavement on Anderson Butte Road at 8:30 AM . We will carpool/caravan to the Anderson Ridge TH - [Trail Work Party – November 18, 2017](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-november-18-2017/) - Join SUTA on a Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Work Party Saturday, November 18, 2017 Come join SUTA’s effort to keep the historic Sterling Mine Ditch Trail open for your use – laugh, hike, work and eat! We will be working on the section between the Bear Gulch Trailhead and where the Wolf Gap Trail - [Trail Work Party – December 9, 2017](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-december-9-2017/) - Bring in the holiday season with a trail work party on the historic Sterling Mine Ditch Trail – no presents to wrap, just bring your loppers. We will be working from the end of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail back towards the Deming Trailhead with a possible side hike up the Grub Gulch Connector Trail - [Trail Work Party – January 27, 2018](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-january-27-2018/) - We will be hiking and working on the lovely section of the Sterling Mine Ditch between the Tunnel Ridge and Little Applegate Trailheads. Our plan is to start from the Tunnel Ridge TH and finish half of this section at this work party. At the February work party we will work in from Little Applegate - [Little Applegate TH Trail Work Party – February 24, 2018](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/little-applegate-th-trail-work-party-february-24-2018/) - THIS WORK PARTY IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: The combined impact of the weather forecast and wet trail conditions make our plans for this Saturday sound like a miserable way to spend part of a day – even on a pretty trail. Trail work parties are supposed to be fun – not a slog working - [Armstrong Gulch TH Trail Work Party – March 17, 2018](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/armstrong-gulch-th-trail-work-party-march-17-2018/) - This month we will work from the Armstrong Trailhead, heading south for about two miles – a four- mile round trip hike. Some wildflowers may be popping out by then! This is an easy hike and a lovely part of the trail but it needs your help to keep this popular section of the trail - [Jack-Ash Trail Work Party – April 28, 2018](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/jack-ash-trail-work-party-april-28-2018/) - SUTA’s April 28th Trail Work Party on the Jack-Ash Trail! Our last spring work party will be on the new Jack-Ash Trail. We will be working on the two- mile section between the Griffin Gap and Grub Gulch Trailheads – great views, lovely woods, grass meadows and more. Where: Meet at Griffin Gap Trailhead - [National Trails Day June 2nd 2018](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/national-trails-day-june-2nd-2018/) - rail Work Party on the Grub Gulch Connector with REI and SUTA! The Grub Gulch connector trail links the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail with the Jack-Ash Trail. This lovely trail segment winds through deep woods and out into a more open slope, covered with oak and native shrubs with terrific views of the surrounding mountains. - [The 2018 Trebuchet Pumpkin Chunkin Fundraiser](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/the-2018-trebuchet-pumpkin-chunkin-fundraiser/) - Save the Date for an over-the-top fun SUTA fundraiser: The 2018 Trebuchet Pumpkin Chunkin Saturday, October 6th. 2018 12 – 5 PM at LongSword Vineyards In true castle-storming form, SUTA will be raising funds while you launch pumpkins at a straw bale castle wall. If you are wondering what a trebuchet is, it’s a medieval - [Trail Work Party – November 10, 2018](https://www.sutaoregon.org/event/trail-work-party-november-10-2018/) - Our first work party of the 2018-2019 season will on the section of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail between the Bear Gulch Trailhead to the Tunnel Ridge Trailhead. We have not worked on this lovely section for several years. This spectacular madrone tree in the photo is halfway to Tunnel Ridge Trailhead and worth the ## Categories - [From the President](https://www.sutaoregon.org/category/from-the-president/) - [Techy Stuff](https://www.sutaoregon.org/category/techy-stuff/) - [BLM Notices](https://www.sutaoregon.org/category/blm-notices/) - [In the News](https://www.sutaoregon.org/category/in-the-news/) - [Trail Updates and Information](https://www.sutaoregon.org/category/trail-updates-and-information/) - [Fun Stuff](https://www.sutaoregon.org/category/fun-stuff/) ## Tags - [equestrians](https://www.sutaoregon.org/tag/equestrians/) - [CERT](https://www.sutaoregon.org/tag/cert/) - [Community Emergency Response Team](https://www.sutaoregon.org/tag/community-emergency-response-team/) - [Bird Watching](https://www.sutaoregon.org/tag/bird-watching/) - [Nature Walk](https://www.sutaoregon.org/tag/nature-walk/) - [Nature Hike](https://www.sutaoregon.org/tag/nature-hike/) - [Bird](https://www.sutaoregon.org/tag/bird/) - 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