The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
In the spring of 1890, the Myrtle Creek Consolidated Hydraulic Gold Mining and Manufacturing Company hired about 200 men of Chinese descent to build a ditch to make it easier to mine for gold in the Roseburg, Oregon area. The project continued until 1894 when the company declared bankruptcy. While many believe that the digging of the ditch was a ploy to gain investors, visitors to the China Ditch Automobile Loop, as it is called, can still drive along 33 miles of the ditch on county roads that are partially on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and partially in the Umpqua National Forest. Hikers can also explore over 4,000 feet of this ditch listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The BLM is a government agency that manages many acres of public lands throughout the US to preserve them.
The Roseburg, Oregon area is a fantastic place for a camping adventure as you can find several nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds to stay in. These campgrounds usually charge minimal or no camping fees. Generally, you can stay for up to 14 days, so you can spend time exploring the entire region, including Crater Lake National Park, which is two hours and thirty-three minutes southeast of China Ditch Automobile Loop, and Redwood National Park, which is three hours and forty-two minutes southwest in California. If this area is not your home, research "BLM camping near me" as you formulate your plans.
Start hiking Bohemia National Recreation Trail #1407, which is an hour and a half to the northeast in the Umpqua National Forest, by climbing the lookout tower located just off Sharps Road. Then, follow this out-and-back trail up the mountain. Watch as you hike along to spot old mining activity on this hike up Bohemia Mountain. The views from the top of the surrounding forest are stunning when the wildflowers are in bloom in the springtime.
Length: 7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Also located in the Umpqua National Forest, Brice Creek Trail #1403 meanders along Brice Creek through a rocky canyon, and you can see several small waterfalls from it. This trail was originally laid out in the early 1900s to provide access to the Bohemian Mining Camp, so watch for signs that people traveled it very early on. You can view the tunnel constructed to carry water to Lund Park.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Marten Flume Trail #1419A in Umpqua National Forest follows the path that ran along a three-sided wooden tunnel that brought water to Lund Park during the early 1900s. You will need to walk through a creek while following this trail, so be sure to do it when it's been dry for a couple of days. Try your hand at skipping rocks at this quiet location.
Length: 0.75 miles
Intensity: Easy
Hemlock Lake, which is in the Umpqua National Forest an hour and twenty-three minutes northeast of China Ditch Automobile Loop, is a terrific place to fish for rainbow trout and kokanee as the state stocks this 28-acre reservoir several times each spring. Anglers often catch 16-inch fish in the late summer at this location. A boat ramp at the lake's east end makes it easy to launch your vessel. There is also a trail clear around this lake, so many people choose to fish from the banks.
Two hours to the northeast of the BLM site in the Umpqua National Forest, McKinley Rock is a terrific place to climb. There is a one-mile hike to get to the start of these climbs. The hill stretches approximately 350 feet into the air. You can enjoy numerous routes rated about a 5. It is best to climb at this location during warmer months.
The Winchester Dam Viewing Area, located thirty-eight minutes northwest of China Ditch Automobile Loop near Roseburg, is a fantastic place for wildlife viewing. Consider visiting with the biologists as they count the fish that still use the fish ladder that was first constructed in 1890. Often, migratory birds come to this location, which has been used for many years to produce electricity for Roseburg. The surrounding hills are often home to elk, deer, and black bears.
Central Park in Sutherlin, Oregon about forty-five minutes northwest of China Ditch Automobile Loop is a fantastic place for a picnic. You will love seeing the old steam locomotive. Spend a few moments paying your respects at the veteran's memorial. If you have children along, they will love the playground. Throughout the year, various community events occur at this location.
If you want to go RV camping somewhere where there are amenities, you have a couple of choices. Millsite Park RV Park, seventeen minutes southwest of China Ditch Automobile Loop, provides full-hookup RV sites with 30/50-amp power, showers, restrooms, and a dump station. At Rivers West RV Park, located twenty-two minutes southwest of China Ditch Automobile Loop, there are spacious, full-hookup sites along with restrooms and showers and laundry facilities.
If you would rather "rough it" and take advantage of Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities along the China Ditch Automotive Loop, one place you can stay is at the Cavitt Creek Falls Recreation site, which is thirty-two minutes to the northeast. The campground here is constructed on three levels. There are ten campsites, vault toilets, and drinking water available. At Coolwater Campground, forty-six minutes northeast of China Ditch Automobile Loop, there are seven campsites with fire pits and picnic tables and vault toilets. However, there isn't any drinking water.
To see the complete China Ditch Automobile Loop, you will need to drive on gravel roads. It is vital to slow down when you are driving on gravel. Avoid making sudden turns of the steering wheel because your vehicle may slide. Turn the wheel into the slide instead of in the opposite direction if it does.
Check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Spend some time before you leave on this BLM RV camping adventure deciding how you want to take care of your trash. Please do not litter as you drive or hike. It takes everyone working together to keep this area pristine, and you can do your part by keeping your trash contained until you get to an appropriate spot to dispose of it.
It is easy to get to the China Ditch Automobile Loop from Myrtle Creek, Oregon. Drive east on County Road 15 for 8.7 miles. This is the start of the loop. Then, turn on County Road 28. Turn east on County Road 14 before turning back on County Road 15 to get back to the starting point.
Address: County Road 15, Myrtle Creek, Oregon 97457
Ready to visit China Ditch Automobile Loop? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
