SUTA-Jack-Ash Trail Phase II Construction

Since 2009, the Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) has reopened the historic Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) and has been working to create a hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking trail system along the ridges from Jacksonville to Ashland Oregon – dubbed the Jack-Ash Trail. The SMDT and Jack-Ash trails offer dramatic views of the Siskiyou Mountains and the Rogue and Applegate Valleys. With easily accessible location from multiple spots in the Rogue and Applegate Valleys, these trails enhance the region’s recreational assets not only by creating a new trails within this beautiful landscape but also because they will ultimately connect the existing trail systems in Ashland and Jacksonville, as well as the Applegate Ridge Trail.

Because of the scope of the Jack-Ash Trail project, SUTA is tackling it in phases. We are ready to begin building the second phase of this trail system. Phase I of the Jack-Ash was completed in 2017, with 6 miles of new trail constructed to create a route to the top of Anderson Butte and connect both ends of the SMDT. 

How can you help?

For Phase II, 11 miles of new trails has been approved and we would like to begin constructing the first several miles during winter/spring 2022. The new trail segments will provide additional connections and loop hike/ride options within the existing SMDT and Jack-Ash trails. The new trail segments will allow trail users to access new areas within the Anderson Butte Complex, in an area of rugged terrain with stunning views of the Siskiyou Crest and Applegate Valley. These new trail segments will provide multiple options for short and long-distance hiking and riding. Based on our experience building Phase I of the Jack-Ash Trail, each mile of trail costs $12,000-$15,000. The total Phase II project will cost well over $100,000, so we have a long way to go! SUTA has some existing donations and fundraising proceeds, and we are applying for grants, but we are also reaching out to the community for help so we can begin construction. A trail that wanders up a steep mountain requires moving a huge amount of dirt, and we have to build time-consuming retaining walls, switchback turns, remove large stumps and rocks and more in order to create a safe trail for all users that will stand up to use  for decades.

What the community gains

 For the past few years, hikers, runners, equestrians, and bicyclists have seen the SMDT and Jack-Ash Trail turn into a fabulous recreational asset for residents and visitors to our area – thanks to the efforts of the Medford BLM, SUTA, and community volunteers. The SMDT is southern Oregon’s only state scenic trail, and with Phase I of the Jack-Ash Trail, there are more than 40 miles of trail available. With the addition of the new miles of Phase II trails, you will have a greatly expanded recreational gem in your backyards with more opportunities to create your own long and short trail loops to enjoy! 

The addition of trails is also a well-documented contribution to the local economy, whether it is raising property values in the area or providing direct and indirect economic benefits. That positive economic impact also extends to trail construction, as SUTA will provide local trail construction jobs.       

Please help us make this project a reality for the entire community by making a tax-deductible gift to SUTA.