About Sterling Mine Ditch Trail
A low elevation trail offering year round opportunities for hikers, equestrian, and mountain bike users. This was the first trail designated a State Scenic Trail in southern Oregon. The trail offers a host of varied vegetation types, and the relatively flat terrain on the trail is great for all levels of experience. 21 miles of trail provides the user with ample opportunities for exploration. The trail follows the historic Sterling Mine Ditch, which carried water to the Sterling Creek Mine, from the 1880s until the 1930s.
How to Get There
From Jacksonville, OR, head west on Cady road, turning left on Sterling Creek Rd. Go 8.7 miles, turning left on Armstrong Deming Rd. Go 3/10 mile, and follow signs at the T intersection for directions to Wolf Gap, Armstrong, and Deming trailheads. For Little Applegate River trailheads, proceed past Armstrong Deming Rd on Sterling Creek, turning left on Little Applegate Rd. Go 3.3 miles, where the road will turn to gravel. Go 2.8 miles to Bear Gulch, 3.4 miles to Tunnel Ridge, and 5.2 miles to Little Applegate trailhead.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Sterling Mine Ditch Trail
Heading to Sterling Mine Ditch Trail? 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?
No central reservation system listed for Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/16680) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Sterling Mine Ditch Trail?
From Jacksonville, OR, head west on Cady road, turning left on Sterling Creek Rd. Go 8.7 miles, turning left on Armstrong Deming Rd. Go 3/10 mile, and follow signs at the T intersection for directions to Wolf Gap, Armstrong, and Deming trailheads. For Little Applegate River trailheads, proceed past Armstrong Deming Rd on Sterling Creek, turning left on Little Applegate Rd. Go 3.3 miles, where the …
How do I contact Sterling Mine Ditch Trail?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-618-2200 or email: BLM_OR_MD_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
