![]() | Sterling Mine Ditch TrailArea of Critical Environmental Concern - Oregon |
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!
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maps

Map of the Ashland Sub-Unit in Southwest Oregon Protection District. Published by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Map of Sterling Mine Ditch Trail & Jack-Ash Trail south of Medford in Oregon. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
brochures
Brochure and Map of Sterling Mine Ditch Trail in Oregon. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Brochure and Map of Sterling Mine Ditch Trail in Oregon. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).