Trail Talk Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Jacksonville Review Online

Seven-Year Review of ATA’s Accomplishments – by Diana Coogle, ATA Board Member

Seven years ago, with a vision of establishing a non-motorized trail from Grants Pass to Jacksonville, David Calahan started the Applegate Trails Association. Working with a board of dedicated volunteers, ATA has already accomplished much.

Most notably, of course, we have successfully built and opened the East ART, the first part of the proposed Applegate Ridge […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:16:22-07:00June 5th, 2018|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Upgraded Trails & More – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – May 2018

Frequent visitors to Jacksonville’s Forest Park have been excited by two recent trail improvements: Rail Trail’s rehabilitation and a new Rattlesnake Gulch Trail. Spring is a great time to explore these parts of the park with their endemic wildflowers waxing and waning through their respective seasons. Hot days will soon be […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:16:25-07:00April 27th, 2018|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Finding Spring On Our Woodland Trails – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – April 2018

Finding Spring on our woodland trails starts simply with a step onto the path that leads away from all things urbane. Here, in our little village nestled in a corner of the valley, we find these paths with little trouble and at every opportunity. So, what’s new on the trails?

Folks have […]

By Clayton Gillette|2018-04-13T10:39:52-07:00March 30th, 2018|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Explore More in 2018! Dig Deep into Nature at the Table Rocks

Lace up your boots and grab your hat!— it’s time to explore our public lands in Southern Oregon. Whether you are interested in learning about plants and animals, geology or cultural history, we’ve got a hike for you. “Explore More!” at the Table Rocks and discover something new.

Every weekend this spring, The Nature Conservancy and […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:16:28-07:00March 15th, 2018|Event News, Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Sights And Smells of Spring in Our Woodland Areas – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – March 2018

So, the rains came. And the creeks rose. Water flowed into the old reservoir and mallards returned, quacking with delight at the prospects of dining in the newly opened establishment. After so many arid days under sweltering skies, here was blessed respite. Now the turtles came forth from their […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:16:28-07:00March 1st, 2018|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

November Rains – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – November 2017

The rains return to wash the smoky air. A sweet fragrance rises from the heavy layer of summer’s discarded madrone leaves and bark. Dogwoods become crimson, big-leafed maples brilliant yellow. Fall’s mushrooms push upward through the brightly carpeted forest floor and bloom in their unique ways. The seasons cycle through another […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:16:37-07:00October 27th, 2017|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Jacksonville Woodlands Association Membership

Over the past 25-years, the Jacksonville Woodlands Association (JWA) has enjoyed strong community identity in its role to advocate and support the Jacksonville Woodlands. At present, the JWA is focused on development and maintenance of Woodlands trails, Beekman Arboretum, vegetative management activities, and informational maps, brochures, trail signs and kiosk. These efforts are in partnership […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:16:37-07:00October 27th, 2017|Trail Talk|Comments Off

We Trail Folks… – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – October 2017

Our friends, the trails. We can see them romantically—fantastically leading us away on adventures. Or consider them purely utilitarian—a way to get from point A to point B. Sometimes, we find them a challenge to be conquered. And yet there they are: paths leading away, to be followed if we are […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:16:41-07:00September 28th, 2017|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Making Tracks – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – September 2017

As the heat of another record-hot summer begins to abate in this season of the equinox, our feet yearn to revisit our trails within this forested landscape we call home. From early September until winter’s harsh grip sends us scampering to the coffee shops for warmer libations, the outdoors beckons our […]

By Clayton Gillette|2017-09-25T09:26:49-07:00September 6th, 2017|Featured Stories, News Flow, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Snow in August – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – August 2017

Another 100 degree day in the Bear Creek Valley, another early morning trail run kept short by daunting afternoon temperatures, and my mind’s fantasy went to snowy trails in August. Who could blame me?

Oregon, unlike our neighbor to the south, does not have a lot of trails that boast elevations in […]

By Clayton Gillette|2017-08-18T15:41:57-07:00July 28th, 2017|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

An Eye to Crater Lake – by Kate Williams

Are you thinking of taking a trip up to Crater Lake National Park this summer? Are you wanting to escape the heat of the Rogue Valley to bask in some cool mountain air? As you probably already know, Crater Lake National Park is an 80-mile drive from Jacksonville—about an hour-and-a-half to two-hour drive, depending on […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:16:49-07:00July 1st, 2017|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Cool Summer Forest Park Trails – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – July 2017

In a recent article, the Mail Tribune referred to the Pacific Crest Trail as a “well-kept secret.” A surprising phrase, because for 40 years Oregon’s official highway map has delineated this popular trail with a dotted red line stretching from Donomore Meadows near Dutchman Peak, across the Siskiyou Crest and up […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:16:49-07:00July 1st, 2017|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Trails Abound in our Valley – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – June 2017

It’s time to reflect on our local trails as we head into our summer months. As residents of the Rogue Valley, we can pretty much head any direction, and in less time than it takes to shop for groceries, we find our feet pointed ahead on a path meandering over hill […]

By Clayton Gillette|2017-06-21T12:26:37-07:00June 4th, 2017|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Siskiyou Trail Now Open – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – May 2017

As our hit-and-miss spring heads into an uncertain summer, more folks find themselves on our forest trails. An unusually-wet winter gives way to drier days when intrepid hikers take to the woods to enjoy a walk amidst the carpets of flowers, cascading streams, and trees alive with birdsong. Cool crisp mornings […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:16:52-07:00May 2nd, 2017|Trail Talk|Comments Off

You’re Never Too Young to Hike – Local “Hike it Baby” Chapter Going Strong – by Kyleen Brodie

Water? Check. Hiking Shoes? Check. Diapers? Check. Baby? Hmm…

This is just the beginning of the checklist that runs through my mind every time I leave the house for a hike with my 12-month-old son, Miles. We are lucky to live in a wonderful place with hiking trails outside our door and even luckier to have […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:16:55-07:00March 29th, 2017|Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Hike Our Heritage at the Table Rocks

Every weekend this spring, The Nature Conservancy and Medford District Bureau of Land Management are offering free, guided educational hikes at the Table Rocks. Hikes are led by specialists from around the region who will share their knowledge about the unique natural and cultural environments that make the Table Rocks such an integral part of […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:16:55-07:00March 29th, 2017|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Pull on Your Hiking Boots and Join the Applegate Trails Association on the Trails! – by Diana Coogle

It’s hiking season! Maybe the snow hasn’t quite melted in the higher altitudes, but it has turned mushy, and I’m about to retire my skis and pull out my hiking boots. The Jacksonville Woodlands are sprouting wildflowers, and I’m ready to walk the hills, chasing the snowmelt onto the high-altitude trails, following the wildflowers higher […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2017-03-29T16:40:19-07:00March 29th, 2017|Trail Talk|Comments Off

SUTA’s Jack-Ash Trail Construction Climbing Across Anderson Butte – by Hope Robertson

The Siskiyou Upland Trails Association is excited to begin construction of the long-awaited Jack-Ash Trail. Last November, construction started for the first phase of the Jack-Ash Trail, thanks to help from the Medford BLM, local volunteers, and a Northwest Youth Corp Crew. Significant progress was made for several weeks, and then winter came along with […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:16:55-07:00March 29th, 2017|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Welcoming Our Well-Watered Woodlands – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – April 2017

Spring is finally upon us, yet those friendly white flakes of so many recent winter days flutter past my window as I write this. We’ll venture bravely forth to see what wonders a long, wet, cold season has bestowed upon our forested hills. Perhaps the blooms […]

By Clayton Gillette|2017-04-18T07:56:20-07:00March 29th, 2017|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Join Jacksonville Woodlands Association for 24th Annual Hike-a-Thon

Celebrating the Rebirth of the Beekman Arboretum

With spring all around, come join us for the 24th Annual Jacksonville Woodlands Association Hike-a-Thon and annual meeting on Saturday, April 15, 2017. This year we will be highlighting the C.C. Beekman Arboretum. The C.C. Beekman Native Plant Arboretum occupies a 3-acre, bowl-like site in the heart of Historic […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:16:57-07:00March 29th, 2017|Event News, Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Southern Oregon Land Conservancy 2017 Community Hikes

Registration: Spring is here and so too are outstanding opportunities to join SOLC for our Spring Hike series! Hikes are free but fill up quickly so reserve your spot early! To read more about each hike and to register, please go to landconserve.org. Even if a hike is full, join the […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:16:57-07:00March 29th, 2017|Event News, Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

East ART is a GO! – by Diana Coogle, Applegate Trails Association

Could there be any more exciting news to the Applegate Trails Association than the recent go-ahead from the BLM to start construction of the East ART? We are stoked!

The East ART is the first leg of the Applegate Ridge Trail that we hope to construct from Jacksonville to Grants Pass. Jumping through BLM hoops, laying […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2017-03-03T12:22:07-08:00March 3rd, 2017|Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

The Rock Underfoot – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – March 2017

Oh, but if we could hear what the stones have to tell us. So often we walk along the trails admiring the flora and fauna, ignoring the living rock beneath our feet. Sub-consciously we might appreciate the rock cycle and the millennia needed to morph sandstone […]

By Clayton Gillette|2017-03-09T16:43:09-08:00February 28th, 2017|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

The Big Snow of ’17 – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – February 2017

By the time folks read this, January’s snow in Jacksonville will be a memory. One could argue that Forest Park never looked better, especially after the gray days of late December. Who would have thought that “Ski Jacksonville” would be a thing? Yet, there was that nice snowpack and miles of […]

By Clayton Gillette|2017-01-08T14:39:38-08:00January 4th, 2017|Now, Trail Talk|2 Comments

Welcoming the Rain on Our Trails! – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – December 2016/January 2017

A recent October day, rainy and blustery like so many other October days this year, found me traveling along Cook and Green Trail, a Forest Service Trail that abuts the Red Buttes Wilderness just over the California border above Applegate Lake. Unlike many trails in other areas, […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:17:05-07:00November 30th, 2016|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Time of Seasonal Change… Great Time to Hike – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – November 2016

Aldo Leopold, in Sand County Almanac, tells of exploring once-developed areas that have been reclaimed by wilderness. And surprisingly, it’s not all that long after humans have left the area. Here, around Jacksonville, we find wild areas of a similar nature. Where our predecessors had mining ditches, houses and barns, roads, […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:17:07-07:00October 24th, 2016|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Eagle Scouts Accomplishing Great Things in Forest Park – by Tony Hess

The Forest Park and the City of Jacksonville have been the beneficiaries of two Eagle Scout projects this year. An Eagle Scout project is one of many requirements a scout must complete to achieve this highly-respected rank. As defined by the Boy Scouts of America, the project purpose is “To learn leadership skills, or to […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:17:12-07:00October 1st, 2016|Community, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Enjoying Forest Park in Fall – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – October 2016

A recent fast-pack adventure through the Strawberry Mt. Wilderness made me appreciate the well-maintained trail system of Jacksonville’s parks all the more. Steeple-chasing through downed timber on overgrown trails that disappear into brush fields becomes a bit work-like. A follow-up trip into Sky Lakes saw more of the same. So here’s […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:17:12-07:00October 1st, 2016|Trail Talk|Comments Off

2016 National Public Lands Day Event at Sterling Mine Ditch Trail

BLM is hosting a National Public Lands Day event on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail—with help from SUTA on Saturday, September 24, 2016, from 8:30am-1:00pm.

Volunteers will help re-route a steep section of trail that currently goes over the tunnel. At the 2014 Public Lands Day event, we re-routed the trail on the other side of […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2016-09-22T10:50:40-07:00September 22nd, 2016|Event News, Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Forest Park Guided Hikes Going Great! – by Kandee McClain

The first three Forest Park Guided Hikes have been well-attended, and it has been fun to meet new trail enthusiasts as well as to see some favorite trails through eyes that are seeing them for the first time. The new Forest Park maps have been a hit and some of our new hikers have been […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:17:14-07:00July 26th, 2016|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Time for a Walk in the Woods – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – August 2016

It’s summer…a great time to sneak out in the coolness of dawn and dusk for a walk in the woods. Be assured that you’ll find many other forest critters doing the same. So where in Forest Park are you least likely to run into other hikers or bikers? Certainly, as you […]

By Clayton Gillette|2016-11-30T16:32:11-08:00July 26th, 2016|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Guided Forest Park Hike is July 18, 2016

If you want to start-off the third week of July with a friendly group of people, outstanding scenery and some exercise, join us for another guided hike in the Forest Park! The hike is set for Monday, July 18—meet at 8:30am at P-3 (parking lot 3 on Norling Creek Road) in the Forest Park and […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:17:17-07:00June 29th, 2016|Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Hike to the Top of Mt. Elijah with Applegate Trails Association – by Diana Coogle

The recent excitement ATA generated from our May hike on the proposed Jack-Ash and Applegate Ridge Trails hasn’t blotted-out our excitement about the hikes we lead on currently-established Applegate trails. It’s now my turn as hike leader on July 10, 2016 and I’m going up Mt. Elijah, via the Sturgis Fork and Boundary trails… and […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:17:17-07:00June 29th, 2016|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Great New Trails to Hike in Forest Park – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – July 2016

Forest Park is unlike most city parks in that there aren’t amenities like flush toilets and playgrounds. As the name implies, it is a park in the forest, and is designed to be a place where folks can enjoy a walk (or run or bike) in the woods. […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:17:17-07:00June 29th, 2016|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Beekman Arboretum Nature Walk and Clean-Up

Come join us for the first annual Beekman Arboretum Nature Walk and Clean-Up event on Saturday, July 16th, 2016!

Join Jacksonville residents Lauren Kemple, Becka Kem and Rhonda Brown for a short nature walk followed by voluntary arboretum clean-up. You’ll stroll through the arboretum, identifying many plants and learn about their origin and medicinal and culinary […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2016-06-28T11:35:51-07:00June 28th, 2016|Event News, Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Bella Bucks Benefit Bridge

In early June 2016, Jacksonville Woodlands Association received a generous $1300 donation from Bella Union Restaurant. When Bella Union co-owner Christian Hamilton wrote the check, he said he was very proud to have done so! The Bella’s Jay Stumpff told the Review that the donation was a gift to help the JWA continue its excellent […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2016-06-28T11:14:40-07:00June 28th, 2016|Community, Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Exploring Forest Park – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – June 2016

Ok. So you’re a first-time visitor to Jacksonville’s Forest Park. Yes, you’ve heard the talk about Jacksonville’s claim to being the “Hiking Capital of Southern Oregon,” and you want to experience the trails in the Jackson Creek Watershed. Where to start?

As you drive up Reservoir Road […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:17:19-07:00May 31st, 2016|Trail Talk|Comments Off

Guided Hike Series at Jacksonville’s Forest Park

Join us for a guided hike in Jacksonville’s Forest Park to be held on Monday, June 20, 2016 beginning at 8:30 am. This is the second hike in a series of 5 this season, all held on the third Monday of the month and sponsored by the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Committee. Take a right […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2016-05-25T16:45:02-07:00May 25th, 2016|Event News, Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

On the Civility of Trails – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – May 2016

No longer a line item in most governmental budgets, trail maintenance for hiking trails across the US has become the responsibility of the user groups. It’s not always an onerous task; indeed, it’s healthy work in the out-of-doors, a wonderful diversion from time spent in stale gyms, […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:17:22-07:00May 1st, 2016|Trail Talk|Comments Off

2016 JWA Hike-a-Thon Wrap-up – by Gayle Stokes

Did you know that the original Britt Gardens, designed by Jacksonville pioneer photographer and horticulturist Peter Britt, was once a destination attraction in the Northwest? Portlanders would make special train trips to come see the gardens.

Did you know there was once a brewery that stood next to the sidewalk going up to the Britt grounds, […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2016-05-22T08:31:43-07:00May 1st, 2016|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Help Spruce-Up Riverside Trails at Cantrall Buckley Park on April 23

It’s our birthday! On April 23rd, the Applegate Trails Association (ATA) celebrates 5 years of community hikes, events and trail building. Our first project for 2016 is sprucing-up the two riverside loop trails at your local, community-run Cantrall Buckley Park. The trails just need some trimming and light tread work to make them ready for […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:17:24-07:00April 21st, 2016|Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

The Trees of Forest Park – by Clayton Gillette

A wiser man than most once observed that if one can’t see the forest for the trees, then maybe one should focus on just one tree and the forest will come into view in all its splendor. And that is the essence of living in the moment…being aware of the one thing you can see, […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:17:25-07:00March 30th, 2016|Trail Talk|Comments Off

26th Hike-a-Thon to Feature New 5K Fun Run – by Bob Budesa

Trail Talk – April 2016

What in the world does THAT mean?

Well, let me explain. The Jacksonville Woodlands Hike-a-Thon is 26 years-old this year, and in an attempt to encourage a younger participation and hopefully new members, one of our board members, Omer Kem, suggested adding a “Fun Run.” Oxymoron? To some, I suppose.

The 26th Jacksonville […]

By Trail Talk|2016-04-16T08:39:12-07:00March 30th, 2016|Trail Talk|Comments Off

SOHS Healthy History Hikes: The Gin Lin Trail

Jeff LaLande strips away the years to reveal Chinese gold fever in a three quarter mile hike along the Gin Lin Trail in the Applegate. LaLande discovered many of these sites in his years of service as a Forest Service Archaeologist. The Healthy History Hikes series is co-sponsored by the Southern Oregon Historical Society and […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2016-03-19T08:07:33-07:00March 18th, 2016|Event News, Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Safety First – by Omer Kem

Trail Talk – March 2016

The trails in the Jacksonville Woodlands and Forest Park are beautiful this time of year. “Misty,” “rainy,” “snowy,” “windy,” “muddy,” and “damp” are all great ways to describe them as winter makes it way to spring. There are a few simple things you can do before heading out to […]

By Trail Talk|2020-09-30T14:17:28-07:00March 2nd, 2016|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Winter Hiking in the Forest Park – by Clayton Gillette

Trail Talk – February 2016

Winter finds Forest Park subdued and enticing. The crackling crunch of summer’s madrone leaves, followed by the deep rustle of ankle-deep big-leaf maple and oak leaves is a distant echo. Blooms of the forgotten spring sleep under a carpet of forest litter and snow, yet swelling […]

By Clayton Gillette|2020-09-30T14:17:30-07:00January 28th, 2016|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Trail Heaven – by Omer Kem

Trail Talk – Dec 2015/Jan 2016

Let me start by introducing myself! My name is Omer Kem, husband/dad/business owner in that order. My wife, son and I recently moved back to Jacksonville after spending two years away living in Ashland. We are so very excited to be back in what we feel is “trail heaven.”

My commitment […]

By Trail Talk|2020-09-30T14:17:35-07:00December 1st, 2015|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

Forest Park is an Off-Road Wonderland!

Trail Talk – November 2015

If you were thinking that winter would bring your cycling season to an end, you may want to reconsider! Jacksonville’s Forest Park offers miles of trails to be explored, and opportunities to keep your level of fitness maintained until next spring!

Now, keep in mind that the following information is recommended for […]

By Trail Talk|2015-10-29T11:32:03-07:00October 29th, 2015|Trail Talk|Comments Off

New Directional Signage is Another Forest Park Improvement Project

Trail Talk – October 2015

The Forest Park is a big area, 1,100 acres to be exact. With many sloped hillsides, its actual size is even larger with twenty-four miles of trails spread-out over twenty-two trails…park hikers and bikers can really get to some far-out locations.

In the early […]

By Trail Talk|2020-09-30T14:17:40-07:00September 30th, 2015|Featured Stories, Trail Talk|Comments Off

ATA Offers Day-Long Educational Event at Cantrall Buckley Park

Recognizing that there’s much to learn about this beautiful area we live in and that many people who live here have extensive knowledge about it, the Applegate Trails Association has organized an educational seminar—and a festive event—called “The Call of the Wild,” at Cantrall Buckley Park on September 19, 2015 from 9:30am-4:00pm.

The event will get-off […]

By Jacksonville Review Online|2020-09-30T14:17:44-07:00August 28th, 2015|Now, Trail Talk|Comments Off