Applegate Ridge Trail (East)

March 10, 2018

Last September we almost hiked the entire Applegate Ridge Trail (east), but stopped less than a mile short in an out and back hike from the Sterling Creek Road TH.  Today we began our hike from the Highway 238 TH access and am happy to report that we hiked the entire trail TH to TH, 11 miles worth.

Where the Applegate Ridge Trail starts along Highway 238

By starting at the Highway 238 TH access, our hike began with a slow but steady climb up to the ridge for about 1.5 miles.  It didn't take long to get warmed up, and since this morning we were shrouded in clouds until we reached the top of the ridge, warming up felt good.

The start of our hike featured much cloud cover and very cool air.

Once on the ridge, the clouds are gone and the views were incredible!

After our climb ended and we made our way through a few forested sections of the trail, we began the best part of the trail, the 3 miles or so that cross the ridges and allow views of the surrounding Applegate Valley and mountains, many that are still snow covered.

Views of snow covered mountains in the distance

Once we arrived at the Sterling Creek Road TH, we had about a 10 minute break before the Friends of the Umpqua Hiking Club arrived from Roseburg.  We then hiked the trail back to our car with the club and enjoyed talking with some of the club members while enjoying the wonderful views from the other direction.

This oak tree has seen better days

One of the many amazing views along this trail

Glenn's favorite tree along the trail

Not too many wildflowers out yet along the trail, although we did see a few Oak Toothworts, Desert Parsley, and some Popcorn Flowers.  Regardless, the views all along the ridge make the hike more than worth it.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol