4.7
(4395)
7,529
hikers
02:25
8.41km
90m
Hiking
Embark on the East Applegate Ridge Trail, a moderate hike spanning 5.2 miles (8.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 294 feet (89 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 24 minutes. As you traverse the route, you will experience varied terrain, moving through steep grasslands, rocky sections,…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.34 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
8.35 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (970 m)
Lowest point (590 m)
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Weather
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Monday 25 May
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8°C
59 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
The two main trailheads are located at Highway 238 and Sterling Creek Road. Many hikers opt to arrange a shuttle between these two points to enjoy a predominantly downhill experience, as starting from Highway 238 involves a significant climb.
The trail is open year-round for recreation. Spring is particularly vibrant with an abundance of wildflowers. Due to significant sun exposure on south-facing slopes, it's advisable to hike on cooler days or come prepared with ample sun protection, especially during warmer months.
Yes, the East Applegate Ridge Trail is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to preserve the trail for everyone.
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to hike the East Applegate Ridge Trail. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is freely accessible to the public. For more information on BLM regulations, you can visit their website: blm.gov.
You can expect varied terrain, transitioning through steep grasslands, rocky sections, conifer forests, and oak woodlands. The trail also meanders through chaparral thickets and open grasslands, predominantly following ridge tops.
The trail offers spectacular panoramic views of the Applegate Valley, Mount Ashland, the Red Buttes, and the towering Siskiyou Mountains. You might also spot paragliders launching from Woodrat Mountain. Notable features include a unique madrone tree and relics from 1877 hydraulic gold mining, such as a ditch, tunnel, flume, and headgates, along the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail section.
Keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, lizards, and golden eagles. In spring, the trail is particularly vibrant with wildflowers like hound's-tongue, balsamroot, columbine, silver lupine, and Indian paintbrush.
The full 8.4 km route is considered moderate to difficult. However, the level of difficulty varies significantly by starting point. Beginning from the Sterling Creek Road trailhead offers a more gentle experience, with the initial 2 to 3 miles being relatively flat or rolling, which could be more suitable for beginners or families looking for a shorter, easier outing.
Yes, the route primarily follows the East Applegate Ridge Trail itself, but also passes through sections of the BLM Road 38-2-18.
The East Applegate Ridge Trail holds the distinction of being designated an "Oregon Signature Trail" by the Oregon Trails Coalition. It's also a multi-use, non-motorized trail popular for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, offering diverse scenery and historical mining relics.