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 Trail. We have several updates to share, along with the work party dates for this season.
Trail Improvements and New Segments
This past spring was a busy and productive time for our trail crews. We are excited to announce the completion and opening of two new trail segments in late spring. The Armstrong Ridge Trail, a 1.5-mile route, now forms a lollipop loop from the top of the Armstrong Gulch south access trail to the western part of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. Additionally, the Big Oak Trail, which stretches 1.2 miles between the Tunnel Ridge and Little Applegate Trailheads, follows part of the Sterling Mine Ditch before winding through scenic terrain filled with large manzanitas and oaks. This new trail creates another 7-mile lollipop loop from either trailhead. We encourage everyone to get out and explore these beautiful new trails the next time you are searching for a different route.
Trail Maintenance and Volunteer Efforts
Beyond the new trail segments, we also made significant progress in trail upkeep. Thanks to the hiring of a trail crew, nearly all sections of both trails were weed-whacked in late May and early June. The crew was also able to repair the damaged puncheon at Blacksmith Gulch about 2 miles from the Little Applegate Trailhead. The puncheon was damaged in a flash flood and had proven challenging to repair so we’re happy to have this completed. The weed-whacking was done after about a dozen dedicated volunteers spent many hours clearing hundreds of trees that had fallen during last winter’s snowstorm. Jim Reiland, our SUTA maintenance coordinator, organized numerous volunteer workdays that focused on using chainsaws to remove as many of the downed trees as possible. While a few large trees remain, we will continue collaborating with the BLM and certified volunteers to remove them once fire season concludes this fall.
Fire Incidents and Trail Access
During the summer, two lightning-caused fires—the Deming Gulch and Armstrong fires—occurred near the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. Fortunately, neither fire directly impacted the trails. The road from the Deming Gulch horse trailer parking area was reopened to allow crews and equipment access to the Deming Gulch fire. We are currently working with BLM to determine when mitigation efforts along that road can occur. The Armstrong fire, a small fire at the top of the new Armstrong Ridge Trail, was quickly contained at just 2 acres, thanks in part to the access trail constructed earlier in the year. The fire crews were able to use the trails to more quickly gain access to the fire. You can see the small burn scar left by the fire when hiking the Armstrong Ridge Trail in the photo below.
Upcoming Trail Projects
Looking ahead, we plan to construct approximately 3 miles of new trails this season. This work will complete the 11 miles of new trail segments approved as part of the 2021 Jack-Ash Phase II Record of Decision. The new segment, called the Cascade View Loop, will be accessible from a BLM road near the high point on Griffin Lane. Stay tuned for announcements regarding progress on this project. The Cascade View Loop will be another lollipop trail, winding through challenging and scenic terrain with views of the Cascades.
2025-2026 Work Party Schedule
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. Time is generally 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with lunch provided. The planned dates are as follows:
- November 15, 2025
- December 13, 2025
- January 10, 2026
- February 21, 2026
- March 14, 2026
- April 18, 2026
We hope you can join us for one or more of these work parties. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the vibrant fall colors along the trails!