Applegate Lake

Wednesday we headed to Applegate Lake and hiked along the Payette Trail from the southern end to Hal’s point. The weather gods were on our side and it was great to be outdoors before the forecasted storm hit on Thursday. We passed two older (60+) mountain bikers on the trail, who were riding very fancy electric mountain bikes with high end helmets. The trail was colder than expected, since we were in the shade and started hiking in low 40 degree weather. Lunch on the other hand was wonderful, with full sun and a picnic table.

During the hike, we noticed that there were signs to “Stringtown”. Nanci did her research after the hike and learned that Stringtowns were old mining towns set up in the 1800’s. They normally ended up changing their name as they became permanent, but many just faded away. The one just east of Applegate Lake never converted and was a town of Chinese immigrants, living in tents and cabins. The residents of Stringtown may have been working on the Carberry Ditch and other projects in Applegate area creeks., which powered the water cannons used for mining then (possibly Sterling Mine Ditch?).

The only downside to hiking the trail, starting from the south, is the steep uphill at the end. However, we all survived and enjoyed the outing.

Hike Leader: Keeley