Applegater Spring 2017
WAHOO! The East ART is
scheduled to begin!
We got dirty with construction
of the Jack-Ash Trail!
BY DIANA COOGLE
BY NEAL ANDERSON
T h e
on July 9,
Bureau of Land
Diana Coogle
Management
will lead a hike
(BLM) has
up Mount
given the
Elijah, when
Applegate Trails
the wildflowers
Association
should be in
( ATA ) t h e
full bloom
go-ahead for
on one of the
Hiking the East ART with ATA.
building the
best wildflower
E a s t A R T,
hikes in this
the eastern-most leg of the proposed part of the Siskiyous.
Applegate Ridge Trail between Cathedral
ATA has also booked some
Hills in Grants Pass and the Jacksonville showings of our film, Walking
Woodlands.
the Wild Applegate, directed by Tim
After years of doing the preliminary Lewis, about the thru-hike ATA board
work of meeting BLM criteria, jumping members Josh Weber and Luke Ruediger
through their hoops, writing grants, and made along the route of the proposed
raising money, we are so excited! We plan Applegate Ridge Trail. The film was
to start trail construction by the end of shown at the Siskiyou Film Festival in
March. We’re planning some work-party February. Upcoming showings are Friday,
days for all enthusiastic trail builders who March 3, at Three Rivers Outdoor store
want to help with this project, tentatively in Grants Pass and Wednesday, April
set for April 1, April 30, and May 21. 12, at the Jackson County Horseman’s
Watch our website (applegatetrails.org) Association meeting. Contact Alex
or our Facebook page for more details. Weinbrecht at alex@applegatetrails.org
Although our energy is now going for more information if you are interested
towards the actual trail building, we are in attending one of these showings.
still planning to hold some hikes this
In addition to Applegate Trails
summer. On May 13, Mike Kohn will lead Association t-shirts, ATA will have some
a hike up Mule Mountain. On June 11, handsome caps for sale at any of our
Alex Weinbrecht will lead an equestrian events. Look for them when you’re there!
“hike” on a trail of her choosing, and
Diana Coogle • dicoog@gmail.com
The Jack-
Ash Trail, which
will connect
Jacksonville and
Ashland along the
ridgelines between
Anderson Butte
and Wagner Butte,
has begun with
construction of
Phase 1. This trail
is designed for
people who want
to enjoy the outdoors by leg-powered
(nonmotorized) means—hikers, runners,
bicyclists, equestrians, bird-watchers, and
people who just want to mosey along.
The views are awesome, and the diverse
ecosystems include mature woodlands,
open grasslands, and summer shade.
After years of planning by
the Siskiyou Upland Trails Association
(SUTA) and the Medford Bureau of Land
Management (BLM), the community
actually began constructing the Jack-Ash
in late 2016 with help from the BLM
staff, the Northwest Youth Corps crew,
and several dozen SUTA volunteers.
People were jazzed at just how much
solid, passable trail they had constructed
in one morning. Within a month, some
gentle slopes with red flagging had been
transformed into a flat dirt trail weaving
along hillsides.
Local crews will be hired to
construct more of the trail in early 2017
with financial support from Title II
grants and other fundraising. Portions
will be open for foot traffic in mid-2017,
with use by bicyclists and equestrians to
follow after the trail has solidified a bit.
We are constructing more than
four miles out of a total of 15 miles of
new trails for Phase 1 of the Jack-Ash.
The trail will allow users to make many
loops with the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail
and the existing networks of BLM roads
and trails.
SUTA organizes work parties on
the Jack-Ash Trail and the Sterling Mine
Ditch Trail, designated by Oregon Parks
Trail horse trials at Pacifica
If you are looking to spice up your trail rides or show your partnership
between you and your horse, you will enjoy the Grayback Brushriders Trail Horse
Trials on May 7, 2017, at Pacifica, 14615 Water Gap Road, Williams. The trials
involve a three-hour ride, about seven miles long, with judged obstacles and
situations one might encounter along a trail anywhere. The first rider will go out
at 9 am.
Riders are judged on how well the horse and rider negotiate the obstacles,
with emphasis on safety and calmness. The entry fee is $20 preregistration and
$25 the day of the ride. For rules and entry forms, email trottingalongmelody@
gmail.com or call Kay Johnson at 541-846-6077.
Over the past years, Pacifica has played host to many horse events, such as
Saddle-up for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Poker Rides, fundraisers,
Trail Horse Trials, seminars and clinics. Pacifica is a scenic 400-acre facility with
beautiful views and a very diverse environment, perfect for horses and riders.
23
SUTA’s first trail work party in November 2016.
Creating a pathway on the Jack-Ash Trail.
and Recreation as southern Oregon’s
first Scenic Trail. The first trail-work
party was held on February 18; future
work parties will take place on Saturday,
March 18, and Saturday, April 22, from
8:30 am to 1:30 pm. SUTA serves mid-
morning snacks and lunch. For details,
see sutaoregon.org.
Come enjoy the trails, and join
us at the light-hearted yet constructive
work parties. If you would like to
donate, please log onto sutaoregon.org.
Especially consider joining us for the
work party on April 22, when you will
be able to see a large chunk of the newly
constructed Jack-Ash Trail.
Neal Anderson
ngeoanders83@wildblue.net
Applegate Store & Cafe
Open 7days a week!
Deli & Picnic Supplies
Breakfast • Lunch •To-Go Orders
Gas • ATM • Espresso
Beer & Wine
15095 Hwy 238, Applegate, OR
541-846-6659
Horsefeather Farms
Ranchette
Guesthouse Stayovers B & B
13291 Hwy 238, Applegate, OR
Stay at a real country farm on the
Applegate River!
Call for information and reservations:
541-941-0000
www.horsefeather-farms-ranchette.com
Bring the kids
! Pet friendly
!
