Just a few miles southwest of Jacksonville, the East Applegate Ridge Trail winds along a scenic ridge managed through thoughtful conservation by the Bureau of Land Management and local land trusts. This 5.6-mile trail traverses diverse ecosystems—from oak savannah and chaparral to mixed woodlands—offering panoramic vistas of the Applegate Valley, the Siskiyou Mountains, and Woodrat Mountain, a popular paragliding spot.

How to Get There:

• Upper Trailhead (Sterling Creek Road): From downtown Jacksonville, head west on Applegate Street and continue onto Cady Road for about 1.9 miles. Turn left onto Sterling Creek Road and follow it for approximately 4 miles. Then turn right onto BLM Road 38-2-29.1 and continue for 0.6 miles to the designated trailhead parking area.
• Lower Trailhead (Hwy 238): Drive west from Jacksonville on Highway 238 for about 5.2 miles. Look for a small pull-off on the right with a dirt road leading to a parking area. Note: only the upper trailhead has a pit toilet.

Wildlife & Wildflowers:
Spring and early summer bring a spectacular bloom of over 40 wildflower species, including California poppy, lupine, balsamroot, yellowleaf iris, Tolmie’s star tulip, piper’s barberry, Indian paintbrush, columbine, and sea blush. The trail also provides habitat for black-tailed deer, foxes, golden eagles, and even the occasional mountain lion or black bear, making it a vibrant and diverse natural corridor.

Whether you’re seeking wildflower views, peaceful ridgeline hiking, or a firsthand look at regional conservation in action, the East Applegate Ridge Trail offers an unforgettable outdoor experience.