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Sterling Mine Ditch Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Beautiful swathes of untouched, undeveloped wilderness, BLM sites are a wonderful way for visitors to step back in time and explore an area’s wild or historic sides. These sites, which may be campgrounds, trails, historic locations, or day-use areas, are generally quiet and secluded. To find BLM sites offering camping amenities, search “BLM camping near me.”

Located near the Siskiyou National Forest and near the town of Jacksonville, Oregon, the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail was the first state scenic trail designated in southern Oregon. The trail has historic significance, as it follows the Sterling Mine Ditch, which once supplied water to the Sterling Creek Mine. Today, this lengthy trail gently winds through beautiful forests. It’s an excellent option for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and photography. Because the trail is so long, it can be reached via several trailheads.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Sterling Mine Ditch Trail

The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail is located at a lower elevation, and it’s mostly flat, so it’s a good option for a range of activities and hiking experience levels. Hikers can join and leave this long trail at several different points.

Length: 21 miles

Intensity: Easy

East Applegate Ridge Trail

Located near the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail, this trail offers superb views, and, during the spring and summer months, visitors can often see abundant wildflowers.

Length: 5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Stein Butte Trail

Located in the nearby Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, this trail offers spectacular views of the area.

Length: 8.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Petard Trail and Liz Trail Loop

Part of the Jacksonville Woodlands Trails, this path loops through beautiful scenery and is a great way to see wild animals.

Length: 5.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Tunnel Ridge Trail

Located in the nearby Tunnel Ridge Recreation Site, this trail, which offers gorgeous views, can be accessed from the same trailhead as the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail.

Length: 1.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

One of the best places for fishing in the area is at the nearby Spaulding Reservoir, where rainbow trout are generally plentiful. The Jacksonville Reservoir is also a popular place for fishing and boating. Anglers can either bait cast, spin, or flyfish. To fish in either area, however, you will need an Oregon fishing license.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail is a great place to spot local wildlife. Visitors can also view wildlife on any of the trails in the Jacksonville Woodlands Trails System or in many locations in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Native species include black bears, owls, otters, mountain lions, quail, rabbits, shrews, elk, beavers, bats, painted turtles, frogs, and snakes.

Picnicking

Doc Griffin Park in Jacksonville offers shaded picnic areas and a small water park and playground. Cantrall Buckley County Park also offers picnic tables and grills, and there are shaded grassy areas to spread a picnic blanket as well.

Horseback RidingHorseback Riding

There are many locations for horseback riding throughout the area surrounding the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. The trail itself is very popular, and equestrians can also utilize many of the surrounding hiking trails.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

There are many options for regular and BLM RV camping in the area around the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. The Southern Oregon RV Park offers 92 full-hookup sites, and each site has a fire pit and picnic table. The park offers easy access to fishing, hiking, and boating options. RV camping is also available at Cantrall Buckley County Park. For a slightly more rugged RV experience, visitors can camp at the Beaver-Sulphur Group Campground, which offers several spots for small RVs.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Carberry Creek Campground. There are few amenities in the area, but the views are beautiful, and there is easy access to the river. Harr Point Campground, located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, also offers free camping. There are five sites, all with picnic tables and fire pits.

RV Rentals Near Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Sterling Mine Ditch Trail BLM trip

The area around the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail sees relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. The summer months can be warm and humid, but temperatures during the winter months generally hover around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The area does see a good amount of rain throughout the year, however, so be prepared for inclement weather. 

Rattlesnakes are relatively common around the trail and throughout the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest area. Stay alert to your surroundings and listen for a rattle. If you see or hear a snake, watch it from a distance and never try to move or disturb it. Wait until it passes to continue on your way. 

Before you start your adventure, you may want to make yourself familiar with the area and the policies at each BLM site you plan to visit. Rules do vary from site to site, so it’s always good to be prepared. Since many BLM campgrounds do not take reservations, it’s also a good idea to call ahead and ensure there’s enough space. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

Leave No Trace practices, such as planning ahead and being courteous to other visitors, can help to protect Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and sites and make every adventure more enjoyable for everyone. You can also pack out all of your trash and help to protect the area by picking up any litter you see. Only make fires in designated areas, and only use firewood that you’ve gathered from the area where you’re staying. Stay on the trails to limit your impact on the environment, and never move or take home any plants, animals, or rocks.

Leave No Trace
Location

Sterling Mine Ditch Trail Location

From Jacksonville, take Cady Road west before turning left on Sterling Creek Road. Continue for 8.7 miles before turning left on Armstrong Road. Follow the signs for the Wolf Gap, Armstrong, and Deming trailheads. Make a left on Applegate Road and continue for 3.3 miles. The road will change to gravel. Continue for another 2.8 miles for the Bear Gulch trailhead, or 3.4 miles for the Tunnel Ridge trailhead. You can also go 5.2 miles to reach the Little Applegate trailhead.

Ready to visit Sterling Mine Ditch Trail? 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.

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