The Trails of Jacksonville, OR
Setting out today I thought of an afternoon of exercise, sun, and the avoidance of any dangerous wildlife. With numerous recent sightings of a red fox in our neighborhood, rumors of a cougar in the area, my first sighting of a baby rattlesnake, and lastly the neighbor's cat missing for over a week, I thought it best to go somewhat prepared. With my hiking stick in hand and my Gerber Patriot clipped firmly on my belt, I headed out.
Editor's Note: With Monday's sighting of the baby western rattlesnake I have officially encountered all four of North America's poisonous snakes in the wild. Having grown up in Middle Georgia I have had multiple encounters with copperheads, water moccasins and even the rare coral snake. Georgia has its fair share of
rattlesnakes, I just have been fortunate to never cross one in the open. So for what it is worth Lord, we can check this off my bucket list, no real need to have any more.
Southern Oregon is well known for great outdoor activities and Jacksonville's hiking trails are a great part of those activities. A short distance from our home is the Britt Festival's outdoor amphitheater, home to a great summer concert series that we have been fortunate enough to enjoy this year. Hidden from view behind this amphitheater is a series of hiking trails than span some 20 plus miles.
Jacksonville's Woodland Trails are not just scenic they are rich with history. Jacksonville, Oregon is much like Dahlonega, Georgia as it is the home of the first gold rush in the area. Jacksonville was founded as a gold mining town and over the years its culture has been shaped due to this history.
Downtown Jacksonville is reminicent of the old days with historic buildings and a quaint small town atmosphere; easy to do when the population is less than 3,000.
Along the many trails are placards explaining the history of gold mining practices in the area.
The trails are fairly well marked for even the novice day hiker. Some trails allow bikes (motorized and pedals) as well as horseback riding. Others apparently do not.....
As you work up a sweat hiking you should be cautious for the many
odd looking holes just a few feet from the trails. At first you might think
kids have been playing cowboys and indians digging large holes to hide in.
Then one of the many signs educates you to the true definition of the term
GLORY HOLE.
Many of the holes have long since collapsed, but ever so often one is found that causes a risk to people. The one pictured here has had an iron fence placed around it for everyone's protection. Yeah Mom, I know. Protection for little boys like me.
And if you can make it out, yes, that is a car down in the hole. Unfortunately no explanation of the car is listed on the plague.
Boy Scouts Make Effort to Educate and Restore a Little History
Water cannons made a hard job a little easier. As noted on one of the plagues,
"but today the ecological devastation caused by hydraulic mining would not be tolerated".
Following the various trail signs is always important. It is equally important to pay attention to those signs posted by property owners who do NOT want you crossing onto their land. Reminicent of shining days, moon shine that is. If you look close enough you can just make out the "private property" spray painted on the rear fender.
Hiking the trails is always enjoyable and the history is fascinating. It is easy to get lost in the moment and let the mind wander. Today I think I was busy starring at the ground more than looking up. Perhaps due to my recent snake episode. But as always, God presents something to remind you to pay attention, look around more often. Some may call this situation awareness. Either way I was quickly reminded to keep an eye, or two, out for those who might want to do me harm.
For any outdoor enthusiast Southern Oregon has something to offer. Twelve months of the year too! I joke that we would be safer in the water here and safer on land in Savannah. Here we deal with rattlesnakes, cougars and bears, Savannah, sharks and alligators. You figure it out. At any rate for more specific details of Jacksonville and the area around please visit Wikipedia's site at
as always,
bkd
John Keating: Sucking the marrow out of life doesn't mean choking on the bone.
John Keating: There's a time for daring and there's a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for.
***********************************************************************************
