Layton Mine Ditch 2-23-26

Photos by Jerry, John, Patricia and Rich

Ashland Hiking Home

After two months of recovery and exercise, I was able to rejoin the Monday group as the hike leader. I was given a warm greeting from our group of 14 hikers. It felt good to be back.

We were doing the Layton Mine Ditch Trail part one out to the Chinese Wall. I had driven out to do the hike solo 10 days previously to see what kind of shape I was in. On that day, I was able to complete just about 70% of the hike, but with the extra adrenaline from leading the group, I was able to complete the hike on Monday.

We first noticed on the Ditch Trail an interpretive sign which gave us a brief history of the Miner's efforts. The Layton Gold Mine was active from the 1870"s to the 1940"s. 

Next, we started seeing early wildflowers springing up after the rain and snow. We were able to identify Red Native Warriors, Henderson's Shooting Stars, Hound's Tongue, pink Manzanita blossoms, and yellow Buttercups.

The first part of the trail is mostly level as it went next to the mining ditch. Madrones, Manzanitas, and White Oaks lined the trail.

We stopped to talk about the abandoned Green Houses set up to grow Marijuana right on the original trail! Then took the half-hidden bypass trail away from the site. Heading far down the bypass, we knew there would be a matching incline. I had to stop a few times on the inclines to catch my breath.

Finally, we reached the ditch level again and soon reached the Chinese laborer's retaining walls made of blasted out rocks, which allowed the ditch to keep flowing with water for the mining project.

We stopped for lunch there and had our group photo taken there by John. We talked about the history of the Layton Mine, which preceeded the Sterling Mine by about 10 years.

Liz and I also talked about the coming Wildflower Walk season, and  upcoming trail First Aid training.

Our hike was 6.4 miles RT with 800' of total gain, which included parking above the TH on Ferris Gulch Road.

We had some sprinkles walking back on the trail, but overall it was a great day and good to be back!

Happy Trails,

Rich