WILD ROGUE
Welcome to STERLING MINE DITCH TRAIL!
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 go
open 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. No Fees. 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.
directions
From Jacksonville, 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.
Contact info
point of interest
3040 Biddle Rd
Medford, OR 97504
541-618-2200
BLM_OR_MD_Mail@blm.gov
The trail is maintained with help from the Siskiyou
Upland Trails Association (SUTA) and community
volunteers. Visit SUTA’s Web site to see how you
can help: sutaoregon.org
