Track download from Jerry: Little Applegate Viewpoint 11-14-22.gpx

A day that started blustery and cold in Ashland turned calm and clear out on the trail.

There seemed to be a lot of interest in this new short hike as 13 turned out to join the adventure. We were exploring the new section of the Jack-Ash Trail out from Wolf Gap. A one mile stretch that starts with a short climb on the Wolf Gap Trail, then the new trail splits off to the left. You continue going up through Oak woodlands, then break out into the sun as the trail levels out with views of the Little Applegate valley and the Siskiyous mountains across the valley.

SUTA (the Siskiyou Uplands Trail Association) had made a nice trail similar to the Anderson Ridge Trail. This open trail heads east out from Wolf Gap then turns south across a saddle then up to the viewpoint with 360 degree views.

On this day, past the local mountains, we could see snow covered Corn Woman peak, Kangaroo Mountain, the Red Buttes and Little Greyback. Just across the valley, we saw Dutchman's Peak, Big Red Mountain, Wagner Butte and Anderson Ridge.

The SUTA plans to continue the eastbound portion of the trail around the bend to the north and then switch back down to connect with the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail.

From the viewpoint you can also imagine the SUTA's future proposed plan to continue the J-A Trail towards Ashland. The plan is to continue the Anderson Ridge Trail across Anderson Butte Road and eventually hook up with the Wagner Butte Trail. From there it's up and over and down Wagner Glade Trail to Lithia Park just seven more miles away!

We had scouted the new spur a couple of weeks back and on that day had done 10 miles (6.5 miles on the ditch trail). Judging that was too much for the Mondays, we came up with a 5+ mile hike first out the new spur then down and up the Wolf Gap Trail adding another 3+ miles. There was a bit of a grumble about uphill after lunch, but everyone made the climb back up to the parking area and we saw smiling faces all around.

So 5+ miles and about 750' of gain.

We welcomed new members Allison and Ken from another hiking group and new member Denise down from Grants Pass.

Post hike six of us stopped at Boomtown for refreshments.

It was a glorious day,
Rich