Jacksonville Woodlands 11-21-25

Photos by Kay

Ashland Hiking Home

Off we went into the fog and mist on the Jacksonville Woodlands trail system.  We started from the Jacksonville Library parking lot, trekked up the stairs to Britt Garden and then turned right onto the Sarah Zigler Nature Trail along the creek. Emerald moss glistened on fallen logs and tree trunks.  Bright orange, mauve and brown mushrooms popped up along the trail.  All 13 of us hiked several trails up to Panorama Point to catch some sun.  Next, we continued towards Oregon St. but turned off on the trail to see the Chinese mine diggings and then continued to Hill St.  There we turned right up the hill to take the Bebee Woods trail past the French Mine loop.  The large madrone trees were filled with noisy robins and cedar waxwings munching on the red berries.  One hiker commented that it was like being in an aviary.  Finally, we hiked down Graham St, crossed 3rd St, and caught the Grove Trail and Beekman Loop to the Arboretum.  Afterwards we passed by the 1873 Beekman House Museum.  The Beekmans were a prominent pioneer family that established Jacksonville.  We were fortunate to have Lynn with us, who is a Beekman guide and she told us about the water tower and the water system that the Beekmans built for their home.  Lynn will be volunteering at the Beekman Christmas Bazaar for the weekends of Dec. 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21.  Many of us ended the hike with lunch at La Fiesta, thankful for hiking friends and good food as we near Thanksgiving.  Hiking distance – 4.0 miles, elevation gain – around 300’, number of crosswalks – 4.