Applegate Trails Monthly Hikes Are Educational

Hinkle Lake. Photo by Teya Jacobi

            One of our longtime Applegate Valley, Oregon residents made this comment while on one of the recent hikes sponsored by the Applegate Trails Association (ATA).  This is indicative of the eclectic education one can gain while on one of the group’s monthly hikes in the Applegate watershed.  The faculty for this schooling is…US!  Our collective knowledge of history, biology, ecology, hydrology, geology and an endless variety of other topics amaze all of us who have participated in these events.  The really good news is that we can do this while enjoying the great outdoors… AND staying fit!

            Hinkle Lake was the destination of a recent ATA hike.  This was a pleasant experience, not just for the beauty of the hike, but also for the interesting talk given by one of the hike leaders about the ecology of the lake and its surrounding wetlands.  The number of species residing in the lake is amazing.  We saw critters like fairy shrimp, salamanders, rough-skinned newts, flatworms, and ducks.    Hikers also learned about the unique, threatened flora of the area like alpine liverwort, flowered bleeding heart, Marshall’s currant, Howell’s clover, and wild ginger.  (Unfortunately, too much of this plant life is being destroyed by thoughtless and illegal use of off-road vehicles in this sensitive area.)  Massive old growth fir and cedar were seen along O’Connell Creek.

            But group hikes are only one aspect of this wonderful organization.  Since forming a little over a year ago, the ATA has been hard at work with the BLM and USFS staffs and other local groups to try to promote the non-motorized recreational opportunities that should be protected in our neck of the woods.  As an example, the ATA is working with the Forest Service to seek ways to better protect the Hinkle Lake basin from unauthorized use of OHVs.  Under the leadership of David Calahan, the ATA has been forthright in seeking to better define the boundaries between motorized and non-motorized use of our pristine valley.  OHV use in the Johns Peak area has been the subject of a BLM-sponsored resolution process of which ATA is participant.  You can learn more by visiting this website:  http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/medford/recreation/timbermountain/timb-mt-adrp.php

As a valley resident, you can gain a better appreciation of the issue by seeing for yourself how we can work together to foster better stewardship of our wild resources…come out on a monthly hike!

UPCOMING HIKES

ATA volunteers measure a large cedar found while hiking near Hinkle Lake. Photo by Teya Jacobi

            Sept 7, Short hike:  The next monthly ATA hike will be on the Isabelle Spring Trail, rated easy to moderate.  This section is part of the proposed Applegate Ridge Trail being developed by ATA.  The narrow historic trail follows the contour on the steep rocky west side of Mt. Isabelle to pass through mixed woods of fir, black oak, white oak and mountain mahogany. A huge fire-scarred fir stands sentry over the box spring that was developed in 1940 to serve the lookout on Mount Isabelle. Prior to the spring development, the lookouts packed their water by horse or mule from the Oregon Belle Mine.  Two hikes will be offered–an easy one of two miles and a moderate one of four miles.  Hikers will meet at the Bunny Meadows parking area, one mile up Forest Creek Rd, at 9:00am.  Stress-free hiking in some beautiful terrain!

            Oct 21, Driving tour:  In October, ATA will introduce the panoramic views of the western portion of the Applegate Ridge Trail.  This event will be for all ages and abilities.  We will drive a portion of this system that is accessed from Savage Creek off the Rogue River Highway.  We will carpool from the Applegate Store at 9:00am.

Applegate Ridge Trail

            The ATA is hard at work on a number of fronts, all dedicated to promoting non-motorized recreational use of our trail system.  One of the chief projects is developing a hiking, biking, and equestrian trail, along with access, along the high ridge overlooking the Applegate Valley.  This trail will be many years in making, but will eventually serve local residents in gaining a stunning panoramic perspective of our valley, while enjoying the fresh air and serenity provided free of charge by Mother Nature.  The ATA calls this trail the “Applegate Ridge Trail” (ART).  The group is serious about its mission, but is having a lot of fun putting plans together.  “Preserving and connecting historic trails for future generations” is more than a tagline for this group–it’s a credo that keeps its core group of volunteers motivated and enthused!

ATA fundraiser to be held Sept 22-23 at Jackson Campground

            All of this takes money going forward.  The ATA is very appreciative of the generosity shown so far by valley residents.  These donations have allowed the group to make significant progress on a variety of trail-related projects.  ATA has also applied for a Title II grant to improve trail-heads and install educational signs along the ART.

            In the spirit of its outdoor mission, ATA is holding a fundraising camp-out at Jackson Campground, just below Applegate Lake, on Upper Applegate Rd.  The camp-out will feature educational hikes, music, two gourmet meals (with vegetarian options) prepared by the ATA board members, and a campfire lecture on “Living with Nature in the Siskiyous” by local author and radio commentator Diana Coogle.  “From the Mountains above the Applegate River,” Diana Coogle recently finished her Ph.D. in English. Dr. Coogle enjoys teaching at the University of Oregon and Rogue Community College.

            The camp-out will take place the weekend of September 22d and 23rd. The cost will be $40 per person, $60 per couple, $10 for kids under 12.  Make your reservations early–participation is limited to 30 folks.  All reservations must be in by Sept 10th. Don’t forget to bring plates and utensils.

            To purchase reservations, please email josh@applegatetrails.org or you can give Josh a call at 846-0738. Visit our website, www.applegatetrails.org, for further information.

            Even if you can’t make it, we’d appreciate your donations.  You can hit the “DONATE” button on our website or you can mail a check to ATA, P.O Box 105, Jacksonville OR 97530.  All donations are tax deductible.

            STEP FORWARD WITH A GIFT TO ALL GENERATIONS…THANK YOU!