Trail Talk – August 2019

Summer’s heat makes afternoon hiking a challenge: our senses blasted by bright, hot, parching air. Sweat dries too quickly on our brow, and thirst seems to be our constant companion. The flowers are fading toward autumn, madrone trees have shed their outer bark in sheets of dark crimson paper, and their two-year old leaves lie crunchy, yellow, and slick underfoot. Scrub oak and poison oak leaves dry and turn color, saving precious moisture for another season. The chattering streams of Spring have gone dry and the occasional watering holes in the canyons of the upland Siskiyous attract critters of all sizes. These days are known as the “Dog Days,” when even humankind looks for shade to lie in and pant.

We find ourselves drawn more to early morning or late evening trips into the woods and along the trails. We look to higher elevations, where meadows hang on to remnants of flowering glory. We head to the cool fern-filled canyons, and notice that even the birdsong has become muted. This is the time of year that rewards the dedicated traveler with solitary forays along empty trails. And for the adventurous sort, who are willing to branch out and explore, there is novelty to be found on trails less traveled.

Jacksonville sits in the midst of a remarkable number of easily-accessed trailheads. Beyond the Woodlands trails, beyond the Forest Park trails, as one heads out into the Applegate area and up into the higher forests, new trail adventures await. East Applegate Ridge Trail runs between Sterling Creek Rd. and Highway 238 at Forest Creek Rd. Farther up Sterling Creek Rd., the Jack-Ash Trail provides access from Griffin Lane to the top of Anderson Ridge. It also connects to Sterling Ditch Trail which runs on up into Little Applegate Valley. All of these trails boast scenic views, and if travelled early in the day, cool temperatures. At the highest elevations, wildflowers bloom well into August.

Beyond Applegate Lake, up Middle Fork of Applegate River, lies Red Buttes Wilderness. With elevations above 6000 feet, this stark metamorphic range has pocket lakes and ponds, and numerous seeps and streams. Wildflowers and butterflies reward the more strenuous hiker. Overnight backpacking trips are recommended for these outings, and happily, in August, the mosquitoes have thinned considerably. Stargazing at these elevations is phenomenal because the summer haze of the valleys seldom reaches these high venues. Sadly though, wildfire smoke might impact even these high meadows and ridges.

As we look for the days to start cooling some, evening walks become more enjoyable. A light trail snack and a cool beverage are happily carried to trailside benches, where one can sit and enjoy evening coming on. Birds who’ve been so quiet during the heat of the day begin singing again. Shy squirrels emerge and forage, the occasional cottontail lets its presence be known, and possibly even a skunk or raccoon might wander by. Don’t let the summer doldrums get you down—be willing to adjust your schedule a bit and get out on the trails to see how Mother Nature handles Summer’s heat.