Sterling Mine Ditch – Deming Gulch Towards Grub Gulch

It was a day for pleasant surprises. First, a surprise hiker joined us after missing the departure of another hiking group. Second, the weather was overcast and foggy in Ashland. However, we escaped the fog into sun as we drove up Sterling Creek Road to the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail system. Finally, Kay’s GPS directions led us to the Deming Gulch Trailhead, rather than the Sterling Ditch Tunnel Trailhead as planned. Always eager for adventure, eight of us headed along the ditch trail towards Grub Gulch.

There were many views of the mountains towards the Applegate Reservoir and the valleys below. It was easy hiking on level ground along the dry ditch. We walked through copper-colored Douglas maple leaves with toothed leaves, a little different then the large, rounded leaves of the bigleaf maple in the Enchanted Forest.

We stopped for lunch after 3 miles. Returning we observed mushrooms that looked like cut cantaloupe slices and bright white mushrooms. This enjoyable day was filled with the pleasant surprises found hiking on a beautiful autumn day. Distance: 6.2 miles, no elevation gain.

Photos By: Kay