Trail Talk – June 2026

SUMMER IS UPON US, and our intrepid Jacksonville Woodlands and Forest Park volunteer trail crews are happy to present our trail-using public with well-maintained trails for their hiking, running, and biking pleasure. For that matter, just simple rambles in the woods, along shaded stream beds and up across ridges through the remarkable vegetation of our Klamath Siskiyou region, taking in the views and observing our wildland flora and fauna, bring joy and satisfaction.

A winter of trail work, widening here, reinforcing there, and correcting grades and treads is generally not noticeable, but well appreciated. Heavily eroded trails might have needed some re-alignment, and respectful trail users respect these minor changes. Lately, brush and heavy grasses, particularly foxtails with their annoying spiky seeds, have been weed whacked. Poison oak has been controlled along the trails, and stray branches have been pruned back.

We once again stress respectful usage of our trails. Etiquette and safe travel dictate that uphill traffic claims right-of-way, unless surrendered with hand or verbal signals. The reason is that downhill folks claim a wider field of vision. Again, we also ask that corners, particularly switchbacks, are not shortcutted. These “cowpaths” lead to erosion and eventual failure of the trail.

Recent media coverage has highlighted a few of the trails. These TV personalities have expressed keen interest in this resource so close to town. The plentiful benches in both wide open view areas and tucked away in secluded corners, often near streams in the canyon bottoms, provide for restful breaks and opportunity for “Nature bathing.” Birdsong filters through the foliage. Perhaps a cool breeze carries the scent of a summer’s afternoon amongst the sword ferns and bracken, or the heady aroma of the oak savanna.

For a mostly shaded walkabout in the summer, a favorite route commences from Parking Area P3 in Forest Park. Carry water and be aware of summertime trail hazards: yellow-jackets or hornets, and the omnipresent deer ticks. Occasional trailside benches provide comfortable rest areas. Head up Jackson Creek Trail all the way to its intersection with Jackson Ridge Trail. Water for thirsty dogs is generally available at this point. Then a climb, up and over Jackson Ridge to an intersection with Atsahu Trail. Here, a hiking trail takes one to Weathertop, the high point in the park, before looping back down to Atsahu Trail, which leads to Norling Mine. Staying along the creek, head for Shade Creek Trail which eventually ties into Canyon Falls Trail, and returns to P3.

The photo accompanying this article is of California ground cone, a parasitic plant that arises in late spring. Each year, park visitors have questions about it, so here’s a tutorial. It receives its nutrients from the roots of our quite common Pacific madrone, hence its ubiquitous appearance throughout our woodlands. A rare variant of the most common deep burgundy variety is quite golden in appearance and scattered populations occur in Forest Park. Close inspection reveals the orchid-like blooms. Apparently, the tuber is edible but quite woody. It is a member of the broomrape family.