Discover Jacksonville Gold

Explore the Great Outdoors of Jacksonville, Oregon

Where History, Nature & Adventure Flow Together

Tucked into the rolling foothills of Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, Jacksonville is more than a historic gold rush town—it’s a launch point for unforgettable outdoor experiences. Surrounded by oak woodlands, pine-covered ridges, and the crystal-clear Applegate River, the region invites you to step outside and discover an adventure that’s both rooted in history and bursting with wild beauty.

A River with Deep Roots: The Applegate

Winding peacefully through the valley, the Applegate River is both a natural sanctuary and a living piece of Oregon’s pioneering past. Originally traveled by Indigenous peoples and later named for the Applegate Trail blazers who sought safer passage west, this waterway continues to offer connection, serenity, and recreation.

Whether you’re looking to cast a fly, float gently through forested bends, or picnic on its rocky shores, the Applegate delivers the perfect blend of calm and curiosity. For guided river adventures, check out Momentum River Expeditions—specializing in rafting and kayaking trips on both the Applegate and Rogue Rivers.

Ride Through History with Applegate Trail Rides

Saddle up and see the valley as early settlers once did—on horseback. Applegate Trail Rides, based at Pacifica: A Garden in the Siskiyous, offers scenic guided trail rides for riders of all levels, ages 5 to 75. Explore meadows, forests, and ridge trails with knowledgeable local guides Tara and Tess Wesolowski.

📞 (541) 660‑6796
✉️ Applegatetrailrides@gmail.com
🌐 applegatetrailrides.com

Paragliding from Woodrat Mountain

For a truly spectacular view, take to the skies above the Applegate Valley. Woodrat Mountain is one of the top paragliding sites in the Pacific Northwest—and home base for Rogue Valley Hang Gliding & Paragliding. Beginners can enjoy tandem flights with certified instructors, soaring over vineyards, rivers, and mountain peaks.

Trails to Wander, Views to Keep

Jacksonville offers a network of trails that caters to every pace and preference—from leisurely forest strolls to ridgeline epics. Here are the standouts:

Jack-Ash Trail

A growing non-motorized route connecting Jacksonville to Ashland, this multi-use trail offers 4.7 miles of scenic terrain in Phase 1, traversing Anderson Butte. With sweeping views, oak woodlands, and well-graded paths for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, the Jack-Ash is a must-experience.

East Applegate Ridge Trail (ART)

A local favorite, this 5.6-mile point-to-point hike offers stunning views of the Applegate Valley and Siskiyou Mountains. It’s popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners alike.

  • Trailhead: Sterling Creek Road
  • Managed by BLM with volunteer support from SUTA

Jacksonville Woodlands Trail System

For a more casual and family-friendly experience, explore over 16 miles of trails around town. Many paths include interpretive signs that highlight the area’s gold rush history, native plants, and wildlife.

A Landscape Steeped in History

The great outdoors around Jacksonville isn’t just about beauty—it tells a story. These lands were walked by Takelma people long before settlers arrived. During the 1800s, gold prospectors, farmers, and loggers carved out their paths, many of which now form the trails we explore today. You can ride where horses hauled ore, hike where miners lived, and paddle rivers that carried generations of people forward.

Your Basecamp for Adventure

From high-altitude thrills to riverside serenity, Jacksonville invites you to rediscover the outdoors in a place where the past and present flow together. Whether you’re here to unwind, explore, or just breathe in the pine-scented air—this little town has something wild and wonderful waiting for you.