Sterling Mine Ditch – Tunnel Ridge to Litttle Applegate TH

We left Ashland in a deep fog, which disappeared after Talent. We had a few drops of rain but it ended before we got to the TH. The weather cooperated the rest of the hike, dry, and warm enough to hike in a sweatshirt. We had parked a shuttle car at the Little Applegate TH so that we could hike in one direction.

Now for the hike. Tunnel Ridge was a festival of colors. Later, the hillsides were full of oaks in their fall colors. The trail was in excellent shape with lots of views. We climbed the 1,000 feet of ascent to the usual lunch spot. The surrounding mountains were topped by clouds so it was difficult to tell one from another. The hike down went from one orange colored hillside to the next and after it was a pleasant stroll down through the trees below the mine ditch..

The final test. We managed to fit seven hikers and packs in my Highlander with no trouble at all for the 3 mile shuttle. Then it was off to Boomtown for beer and fries. Everyone enjoyed a great hike and socializing afterwards.

Hike Leader: Kerr

Photos By: Bob