About Sterling Mine Ditch Trail/ACEC
Take a trip back in time on the historic Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. The ditch carried water from the Little Applegate River to operate hydraulic giants used on Sterling Creek for gold mining. Construction of the 26.5-mile-long ditch in 1877 employed up to 400 workers, many of them Chinese laborers. Today, the ditch is used by hikers, trail runners, equestrians, and mountain bikers of all ages and abilities. The trail passes through oak and ponderosa pine woods, madrone groves, fir forests, and open grassy areas with excellent views of the mountains and Little Applegate River. The spring wildflower show is spectacular!Know Before You GoOpen year-round for hikers and trail runners. Equestrians and mountain bikers should avoid using the trail after significant rains. Wolf Gap trailhead is closed to mountain bikes year-round.Day-use only.Seven trailheads allow for trips of various lengths.Restrooms and water are not available; carry your own water.Dogs are allowed and must be under control.Respect private property and stay on trails.Watch for ticks, poison oak, rattlesnakes, and other trail users.Point of InterestThe trail is maintained with help from the Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) and community volunteers.
How to Get There
From Jacksonville, Oregon: Follow Highway 238 for 7.6 miles; turn left on Upper Applegate Road. After 2.8 miles, turn left on Little Applegate Road. Drive 3 miles to intersection with Sterling Creek Road. To access the Bear Gulch, Tunnel Ridge, and Little Applegate trailheads, continue on Little Applegate Road. To access the Grub Gulch, Deming Gulch, Armstrong Gulch, and Wolf Gap trailheads, turn left on Sterling Creek Road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Sterling Mine Ditch Trail/ACEC
Heading to Sterling Mine Ditch Trail/ACEC? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Sterling Mine Ditch Trail/ACEC?
No central reservation system listed for Sterling Mine Ditch Trail/ACEC. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/262671) for the latest entry policy and availability.
Is Sterling Mine Ditch Trail/ACEC accessible?
No accessible facilities.
How do I get to Sterling Mine Ditch Trail/ACEC?
From Jacksonville, Oregon: Follow Highway 238 for 7.6 miles; turn left on Upper Applegate Road. After 2.8 miles, turn left on Little Applegate Road. Drive 3 miles to intersection with Sterling Creek Road. To access the Bear Gulch, Tunnel Ridge, and Little Applegate trailheads, continue on Little Applegate Road. To access the Grub Gulch, Deming Gulch, Armstrong Gulch, and Wolf Gap trailheads, turn …
How do I contact Sterling Mine Ditch Trail/ACEC?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-618-2200 or email: BLM_OR_MD_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
