Buck Rock Tunnel Hike: Exploring an Abandoned Railroad Project in Southern Oregon

Trail Length: Approximately 6-mile loop

Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 feet

Trail Type: Overgrown dirt roads and single-track trails

Recommended Equipment: Flashlight

Location: Near Ashland, Oregon, in the Cascade-Siskiyou region

There aren't many hikes where you can walk through the woods, discover two abandoned railroad tunnel entrances, and explore a piece of Southern Oregon history that was nearly lost to time. The Buck Rock Tunnel hike is one of them.

Tucked away in the mountains south of Ashland, Oregon, these unfinished railroad tunnels are remnants of an ambitious 19th-century project. Chinese immigrant laborers spent months cutting into the mountainside, working from opposite sides of the ridge in an attempt to create a railroad route through the Siskiyou Mountains.

The project was abandoned before the tunnels could meet. Today, more than 140 years later, the two entrances remain hidden among the trees, offering curious hikers a chance to explore a fascinating chapter of Oregon's railroad history.

This approximately six-mile loop takes you to both the western and eastern tunnel entrances, with a few interesting discoveries along the way. It's not necessarily a hike for someone looking for spectacular views and scenery, but if you enjoy history, exploration, and finding unusual places in the woods, Buck Rock Tunnel is worth putting on your list.

Starting at the Buck Rock Tunnel Trailhead

The hike starts at the trailhead off Buckhorn Springs Road. There's parking for approximately 10 to 12 vehicles, but don't expect any facilities. There are no restrooms or other amenities at the trailhead, so plan accordingly.

The route consists of a mixture of overgrown dirt roads and narrower single-track trails. There are several junctions along the way, and not all of them are marked. Most of the route appears on the AllTrails map, but I encountered at least one unmarked trail or road that wasn't shown.

If you watch the trail report video here: https://youtu.be/CvtiCJM0aqg you'll get the important turns and junctions as we go.

Hiking to the Western Buck Rock Tunnel Entrance

From the trailhead, you'll reach your first major junction, a Y intersection. This is where the loop divides, with one direction leading toward the western tunnel entrance and the other eventually taking you toward the eastern entrance.

I recommend starting with the western entrance. It's the easier one to locate, and the route is marked with recently added signposts.

Have a downloaded map, (OnX, AllTrails or Gaia) and pay attention to the signpost with their maps. It's easy to take a side trail and end up missing the trail to the tunnel entrance.

At the side trail, (single track) leading to the western tunnel entrance, you'll find the first part of the trail is fairly steep, but manageable for hikers who are comfortable walking on steep ground. I recommend hiking poles to make it easier.

After the short hill, the path levels out and you'll reach another Y intersection. The trail to the left takes you to a historical plaque installed by the Southern Oregon Historical Society in 1977. It's worth taking a few minutes to look at it before returning to the junction.

From there, take the trail on the right to reach the western tunnel entrance.

Why Was Buck Rock Tunnel Dug?

Standing in front of the western entrance, it's natural to wonder why anyone would go to the trouble of digging a railroad tunnel in such a remote location.

To understand that, we need to go back to the second half of the 19th century, when railroads were transforming the American West.

The Oregon and California Railroad was extending its line south from Portland toward California. Connecting the two states by rail meant finding a practical route through the Siskiyou Mountains, a formidable obstacle for railroad engineers.

One proposed route crossed the mountains near Buck Rock. A tunnel would allow trains to pass through the ridge rather than climb over it, helping create a more manageable railroad grade.

Construction began in 1883, with Chinese immigrant laborers making up a significant part of the workforce. Chinese workers played an important role in building railroads throughout the American West, often performing some of the most difficult and dangerous work.

Imagine what it must have been like to work here in the 1880s.

Before digging could even begin, workers needed tools, food, building materials, and explosives brought into this remote mountain location. Access roads and work areas had to be established. Workers needed somewhere to live, too, often in temporary camps and wooden structures.

Then came the actual excavation.

Working with hand tools, drilling equipment, and explosives, crews gradually broke through the rock. The blasted material had to be removed before they could continue digging. There were risks from premature explosions, unstable rock, falling debris, and the challenges of working through winter in a remote mountain environment.

Two teams worked from opposite sides of the ridge, one at the eastern entrance and the other at the western entrance. Their goal was to eventually meet somewhere inside the mountain.

But they never got that far.

The Buck Rock Tunnel project was abandoned before the two excavations could connect.

Finding the Eastern Buck Rock Tunnel Entrance

After visiting the western entrance, it's time to make our way around the loop toward the eastern side of the mountain.

This is where navigation becomes a little more interesting.

There's three more signposts along the trail and then they end. This is where your downloaded map or printed map helps. Watching the video will help too. :)

There's a straight path leading downhill and as you go down the path you'll see a clearing on the right. This is where you'll leave the more obvious route and head into the forest toward the eastern tunnel entrance. At the clearing, turn right and follow the less obvious route through the trees.

The eastern entrance is considerably more obscured than the western one.

Over the past 142 years, fallen rock and landslides have partially covered the opening. As a result, the entrance is smaller and steeper than you might expect. The surrounding ground is uneven, and path down into the tunnel is loose dirt and rock. Hiking poles make the descenct and return ascent a lot easier.

Why Was the Buck Rock Railroad Tunnel Abandoned?

The historical marker installed by the Southern Oregon Historical Society records the beginning of construction on August 17, 1883, and the abandonment of the work on February 8, 1884.

That means the project lasted only about six months according to the dates on the marker.

So what happened?

The railroad company was going broke, and the proposed route through Buck Rock ultimately lost out to an alternative route over the Siskiyou Summit. With the company's finances under pressure and another route selected, there was no longer a reason to continue excavating the Buck Rock tunnels.

Think about that for a moment.

Workers had spent months in a remote mountain location, doing exhausting and dangerous work, only to have the project suddenly cancelled. They had been digging into solid rock from opposite sides of the mountain, with the expectation that their efforts would eventually produce a working railroad tunnel.

Then the plans changed.

We can only imagine how the workers felt when they learned that the project was over. All that effort, all those difficult working conditions, and all that blasted rock, for a railroad that would never run through Buck Rock.

The tunnel was left unfinished, and the surrounding construction areas gradually disappeared into the forest.

A Forgotten Piece of Southern Oregon History

For decades, the unfinished tunnels remained largely forgotten outside the knowledge of a few locals familiar with the area.

That changed in 1966, when Bureau of Land Management forester Mark Lawrence rediscovered the site. He documented the tunnel entrances, helping bring attention to a remarkable piece of local railroad history.

In 1977, the Southern Oregon Historical Society installed historical markers at both entrances. These markers helped identify and preserve the story of the abandoned project.

The Bureau of Land Management acquired the property in 2014, and the site is now associated with the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

More recent archaeological work by the BLM and Southern Oregon University has helped document the site and the lives of the Chinese workers who lived and worked here. Archaeologists found artifacts associated with the work camps, including pieces of porcelain, glass, nails, and oil lamps.

These discoveries are important because they help tell the story of the people behind the construction, not just the railroad project itself.

Completing the Buck Rock Tunnel Loop

After exploring the eastern entrance, return through the clearing and continue along the route.

You'll pass a car hood with bullet holes on your left. It's one of those unexpected sights you occasionally come across when exploring remote forest roads.

Further along the road, such as it is, ends and you will be walking along a single track carved into the side of the gully. After the gully the road starts again.

A little further on you'll encounter a mound of dirt covering a large boulder. This is where AllTrails indicates the two trails end. But of course, you can just walking around it completing the loop.

Continue onward and you'll eventually reach a large open meadow. This is the viewpoint area identified on the AllTrails map and provides a welcome change from the forested sections of the hike.

From here, continue along the route until you reach the original Y intersection. Take the main trail back toward the trailhead, completing the loop.

What Should You Bring on the Buck Rock Tunnel Hike?

This is a relatively short hike by backpacking standards, but it's still worth preparing properly. The route includes uneven ground, overgrown roads, unmarked junctions, and sections where the trail isn't particularly obvious.

A few items are especially useful:

• Flashlight: Bring a good flashlight if you intend to look into the tunnel openings. A phone flashlight is not going to give you enough light.

  
  

• Navigation: Download your map before leaving home. Cell service may be unreliable, and some junctions aren't marked.

  
  

• Hiking footwear: Wear footwear suitable for uneven dirt trails, loose material, and potentially slippery ground. Several parts of the trail are clay which means when it's been raining, it forms a sticky mud.

  
  

• Water and snacks: Carry enough water for the full hike, particularly during warmer weather.

  
  

• Basic first-aid supplies: A small first-aid kit is sensible for any hike involving remote trails and uneven terrain.

  
  

One important safety point: a flashlight does not make entering an abandoned mine or tunnel safe. The tunnel interiors can contain unstable rock, loose debris, and other hazards that aren't necessarily visible from the entrance. Historical warnings specifically mention falling rock and the potential for serious head injuries.

Is the Buck Rock Tunnel Hike Worth Doing?

If you're looking for a well-maintained trail with spectacular mountain views from beginning to end, this might not be your first choice.

But if you enjoy discovering unusual places, exploring Southern Oregon history, and seeing something that most people would never know was hidden in these woods, Buck Rock Tunnel is a fascinating destination.

The six-mile loop offers more than just a walk through the forest. You're following the remains of an ambitious railroad project that began in 1883, visiting two unfinished tunnel entrances, and getting a glimpse into the difficult work performed by Chinese immigrant laborers more than a century ago.

There's something particularly interesting about standing in front of an unfinished tunnel and imagining the people who spent their days cutting into the mountain, never knowing that their work would eventually become a hiking destination.

The railroad never made it through Buck Rock. But the story has survived.

And that's what makes this hike worth exploring.

If you enjoy discovering unusual trails and forgotten history in Southern Oregon, add Buck Rock Tunnel to your list.

See you out there!

Boundary Springs Trail: Where the Rogue River Begins

Trail report: A Southern Oregon hike through volcanic history, wildfire recovery, and the source of the Rogue River.

You can also watch the video at: https://youtu.be/PcS67jXuxpA

If you’re looking for a Southern Oregon hike that offers more than panoramic views, the Boundary Springs Trail is worth adding to your list. Located in the Upper Rogue River area, this trail takes you through a landscape shaped by an ancient volcanic eruption, a devastating forest fire, and thousands of years of flowing water. The destination is Boundary Springs, where groundwater emerges from a hillside and forms the beginnings of the Rogue River.

The springs are fascinating on their own, but what makes this hike especially memorable is everything you discover along the way. You’ll see how the forest is recovering from the 2015 National Creek Complex Fire, learn how rain and snowmelt travel through volcanic rock before emerging as springs, and gain a new appreciation for the natural forces that shaped this part of Oregon.

This is a hike for people who enjoy learning about the landscape as much as walking through it. Regular day hikers, occasional hikers, families with children accustomed to hiking, and Cub Scout, Webelos, and Scout troops can all find something worthwhile here, provided the group is prepared for the distance and current trail conditions.

Boundary Springs Trail at a glance

• Location: Upper Rogue River area, Southern Oregon, near Crater Lake National Park

• Trailhead: Mazama Viewpoint, off West Diamond Highway (Oregon State Route 230)

• Distance: Just under 5.5 miles round trip

• Elevation gain: Approximately 550 feet

• Estimated hiking time: About 3 hours, depending on pace and stops

• Main attraction: Boundary Springs, the source of the Rogue River

• Other highlights: Smaller springs, the Rogue River, volcanic geology, and a forest recovering from wildfire

• Best suited for: Day hikers, curious nature lovers, families with hiking experience, and organized youth hiking groups

Allow extra time if you enjoy photography, want to examine the springs, or plan to stop along the trail to discuss the geology and forest ecology.

Getting to the trailhead

Your hike begins at Mazama Viewpoint, off West Diamond Highway, also known as Oregon State Route 230. The trailhead is part of the Upper Rogue River trail area.

After setting out, you’ll hike for just over half a mile before reaching the junction marked for Boundary Springs. Turn left and follow the Boundary Springs Trail. From here, the Rogue River is frequently visible or audible as you make your way toward the headwaters.

The river is a companion for much of this part of the hike, but the destination is not a traditional mountain viewpoint. Instead, the reward is a chance to see water emerging directly from the volcanic hillside and beginning its journey downstream.

As with any hike in this region, check current trail and road conditions before setting out, particularly later in the year when weather can change quickly.

A forest still recovering from wildfire

One of the first things you’ll notice is that the forest doesn’t look the way you might expect.

In August 2015, the National Creek Complex Fire burned approximately 21,000 acres, affecting portions of the landscape around Boundary Springs. The fire killed many trees and left some areas marked by blackened trunks, dead standing trees, and fallen timber.

As you walk, you’ll encounter sections where the damage is still obvious. In other places, young trees and new vegetation are filling the spaces left by the lost forest canopy.

Some older trees survived, providing a reminder that a wildfire rarely affects every part of a landscape in exactly the same way.

The contrast can be striking. One area may look green and full of new growth, while another still appears severely burned.

Why does a burned forest recover unevenly?

The answer involves several factors.

Fire intensity: Some fires burn primarily through surface vegetation, while others kill many of the trees in their path. The more severe the damage, the more difficult recovery may become.

Seed availability: Surviving trees and nearby unburned forest can provide seeds for a new generation of trees. Where seed sources are limited, regeneration may take longer.

Water and weather: Young trees need sufficient moisture to become established. Conditions in the years following a fire can strongly influence how quickly vegetation returns.

The condition of the landscape: Soil conditions, the amount of surviving vegetation, and the arrangement of fallen trees and other plant material all influence what happens next.

As you explore the trail, you can see these differences for yourself. The landscape becomes an outdoor lesson in forest ecology, with different stages of recovery visible across the same general area.

But new growth doesn't mean the original forest has been fully restored. Mature trees, established vegetation, and the habitat associated with an older forest can take decades or longer to develop. Some severely burned areas may remain visibly changed for many years.

That is part of what makes this hike so interesting: you aren't looking at a finished landscape. You're seeing a forest in transition.

The volcanic history beneath your feet

The story of Boundary Springs goes back much further than the 2015 fire.

Approximately 7,700 years ago, the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama created the caldera that now holds Crater Lake. The eruption spread enormous quantities of volcanic material across the surrounding region, including pumice deposits that profoundly changed the landscape.

Over time, rain and melting snow seeped into these porous volcanic deposits and fractured rock. Some of that water traveled underground before emerging at springs.

Meanwhile, water flowing over the surface gradually eroded the landscape. Over thousands of years, the Rogue River cut channels into the volcanic deposits, helping create the river valley and smaller canyons found in this region.

As you hike toward Boundary Springs, you're crossing a landscape shaped by both dramatic geological events and the slow, persistent work of water.

It's a useful reminder that the scenery around us is often the result of processes that began long before the forests and trails we see today.

Following the smaller springs to the source

After following the Boundary Springs Trail, you'll reach the spur marked for the springs. Turn left and follow the path alongside a small stream before the trail bends to the right toward the main spring.

The smaller stream is worth noticing. It is fed by another spring that contributes water to the Rogue River farther downstream. Depending on the season, its flow may be modest or much more impressive.

Spring snowmelt and rainfall can make these smaller watercourses especially interesting to observe. By late summer or fall, after the snow has melted and rainfall has been limited, the streams may look less dramatic.

Then you reach Boundary Springs itself.

Even in late October, the main spring was flowing strongly during this hike, despite the end of the snowmelt season and relatively little summer rainfall. The trail passes over the area where water emerges from the rocks, giving you a close look at the source of the Rogue River.

It's a surprisingly different experience from standing beside a large, established river. Here, you can see where the water begins to gather and flow.

Does Boundary Springs get its water from Crater Lake?

It's an understandable assumption. Crater Lake is nearby, and its enormous volume of water makes it an obvious candidate.

However, the springs are not simply outlets from Crater Lake. Their water comes from precipitation, including rain and winter snow, that enters the ground and moves through the volcanic deposits and underlying rock.

The porous geology provides pathways for water to travel underground before reappearing at the surface. Boundary Springs is one place where that underground journey becomes visible.

The spring's flow also demonstrates how much water can move through this landscape. At peak flow, the smaller springs can discharge approximately 600–900 gallons per minute, while the main spring can reach roughly 3,000–3,600 gallons per minute.

Those figures help put the scene into perspective. What looks like water quietly emerging from a hillside can produce a substantial and persistent flow.

After visiting the main spring, continue a little farther to see another smaller spring contributing to the Rogue River. It's worth completing this short extension before returning to spend more time at the main source.

Where the Rogue River begins its journey

Take a moment to sit near the spring and listen to the water.

A small sitting pad is a good idea if you want to rest on the ground or a downed tree. Some surfaces in the burned forest may leave soot on your clothing, so choose your spot carefully.

This is a good place to slow down and appreciate what you've found.

The Rogue River begins here as groundwater emerges from the volcanic hillside and gathers into a flowing stream. From this quiet setting, the river travels roughly 215 miles across Oregon before reaching the Pacific Ocean.

Along the way, it grows, cuts through canyons, passes forests and communities, and becomes the river familiar to anglers, boaters, rafters, and residents of Southern Oregon.

Standing at Boundary Springs, it's remarkable to think about that entire journey beginning with water emerging from the ground beneath your feet.

The destination also brings together the different stories you've encountered on the trail: the ancient eruption of Mount Mazama, the movement of water through volcanic rock, the forest that developed across the landscape, and the wildfire that changed it in 2015.

The springs are the destination, but the journey helps explain the landscape around them.

Is Boundary Springs a good hike for families and Scout troops?

Yes, for groups that are comfortable covering nearly 5.5 miles on foot and are prepared for changing trail conditions. This is particularly rewarding for hikers who like to learn as they go rather than simply walk toward a viewpoint.

Regular day hikers

If you hike regularly, Boundary Springs offers a manageable half-day outing with a distinctive destination. The elevation gain is moderate, and the variety of natural features gives you plenty to explore without committing to a full-day expedition.

Occasional hikers

Occasional hikers may enjoy this trail as a goal-oriented outing. The distance is substantial enough to require preparation, but the reward is more unusual than a typical overlook. Choose a comfortable pace, carry sufficient water and food, and leave time to return before conditions deteriorate.

Families with children

Families with children who are already accustomed to hiking can use this trail to introduce geology, rivers, and forest ecology in a real-world setting. Children can look for evidence of new growth, compare burned and recovering sections of forest, and observe the small streams feeding the Rogue River.

For younger hikers, the round-trip distance may be the biggest challenge. Plan regular breaks, bring snacks, and turn around if the group's energy or conditions warrant it. Keep children close around the springs, streams, and any uneven or slippery ground.

Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Scout troops

Boundary Springs can make an excellent outdoor learning destination for organized youth groups. Leaders can use the hike to discuss:

• Geology: How volcanic eruptions changed the region around Crater Lake.

• Water: How rain and snowmelt travel underground and emerge as springs.

• Rivers: How small springs contribute to a river's flow.

• Forest ecology: Why some trees survive wildfires and why recovery varies from one area to another.

• Observation skills: How to record changes in vegetation, terrain, and water flow along a trail.

For organized groups, leaders should assess the abilities of the youngest participants, plan appropriate supervision, check current trail conditions, and establish a realistic turnaround time. Keep the group together and follow Leave No Trace practices.

The goal isn't simply to reach the spring. It's to help young hikers understand what they're seeing along the way.

What to know before you go

A few practical considerations will help make the hike more enjoyable.

• Allow about three hours or more. The estimate assumes a reasonably steady pace. Photography, educational stops, and breaks will add time.

• Bring water and snacks. Even a moderate hike requires preparation, particularly for children and groups.

• Wear suitable footwear. Expect natural trail surfaces and be prepared for uneven ground and potentially slippery conditions.

• Check seasonal conditions. Rain, snow, ice, and changing road conditions can affect access and hiking safety.

• Respect the recovering forest. Avoid climbing on unstable dead trees or disturbing new vegetation.

• Be careful near water. Rocks and stream edges can be slippery, and spring outlets may have uneven footing.

• Pack out everything you bring. Keep the springs and surrounding landscape as undisturbed as possible.

The burned landscape is part of the trail's story, but it can also present hazards. Use good judgment, especially when hiking with children or a large group.

Final thoughts: A Southern Oregon hike with a story to tell

Boundary Springs is a great choice if you're looking for a Southern Oregon hiking experience that goes beyond scenic views.

What makes this trail special is the connection between the destination and everything you see along the way. The spring is fascinating, but so is the landscape that feeds it and the forest that continues to change around it.

If you've visited Boundary Springs, I'd love to hear about your experience. When did you hike the trail, and what did the forest look like when you were there? The landscape is still changing, so observations from different seasons and years can tell an interesting story.

For more Southern Oregon hiking trail reports, outdoor skills, and adventures exploring the natural world, visit Amputee Outdoors on YouTube and join me out on the trail.

Tunnel In the Middle of Nowhere - Bear Gulch to Sterling Mine to Tunnel Ridge

Bear Gulch to Sterling Mine to Tunnel Ridge

Bear Gulch Trailhead

We start this trail at the Bear Gulch trailhead, south of Jacksonville.  There’s parking here for 7-10 cars, but when I was there in mid-October on a Friday, mine was the only car there all day.

The Bear Gulch trail connects to the Sterling Mine Ditch trail system.  You can easily turn this 5 mile hike into a much longer one, or, as you’ll see later, a shorter hike if you prefer.  The shorter version is a little steeper and you don’t get to walk along 150 year history.

Elevation gain is 700 feet, you’ll be walking along a single track pack dirt trail and while the drive here is only about 25 miles from Medford, the last several miles is a gravel and dirt track so you’ll be going slower than on a paved road.

Along the way you’ll encounter a two or three downed trees, one of which I removed some branches from to make passage easier.  None of them are difficult to get around.

As you hike along in the lower elevations, you’re going to be in a white oak and ponderosa forest.  There’s very little brush alongside the trail here, but later the bushes encroach on the path a little, so I recommend tick spray for your legs, clothes and gear.

I love hiking in the autumn, mornings are crisp, the sound of crunching leaves, the smell of the forest, leaves turning red, orange and gold.  Truly beautiful.

Eventually, the sun crested over the hills and that morning crispness became warm and eventually hot.  I brought three liters of water, but should have brought four.

While this trail doesn’t have the grand views of trails like Observation Peak, Hyatt Lookout, Mt. Ashland or Grizzly Peak, it still provides some beautiful views of the hills.

At some point, these two trees are going to end up on the trail.  That’s why I pack a folding saw as you’ll see later.

Bear Gulch to Sterling Mine Trail

Just past a mile and a half, the Bear Gulch trail connects to the Sterling Mine trail.  You’ll want to go right here and for the next two miles you’re going to be hiking a very easy, level path alongside a ditch dug into the hillside. 

As I mentioned earlier, this isn’t necessarily a destination hike for spectacular mountain panoramas, but it offers an appealing combination of natural scenery, a little exercise, and the satisfaction of finding somewhere less familiar.  This is a hike for people who enjoy exploring quieter trails, wandering through oak woodland, and discovering the historic Sterling Mine Ditch trail system.

The real attraction here is the combination of natural scenery and a fascinating piece of Southern Oregon's mining history. You aren't simply walking through the woods: you're following traces of an ambitious 150 year old engineering project that helped shape the local landscape.

Let me explain.

Sterling Mine and Tunnel History

We need to wind the clock back to the mid-19th century. Southern Oregon was gripped by gold fever following strikes in places like Jacksonville and Sterlingville (a booming, now-vanished mining town down in the Applegate watershed).

Extracting gold through hydraulic mining required an immense, consistent volume of water under high pressure. To solve this, miners undertook monumental engineering feats, digging an intricate network of hand-dug ditches that stretched for dozens of miles along the mountainsides to siphon water from higher elevations down to the mining claims.

The crown jewel of these efforts was the Sterling Mine Ditch, completed in the late 1870s (specifically around 1877–1878). Stretching over 26 miles, the ditch transported water from the Little Applegate River all the way to the hydraulic mines of Sterling Creek.

As the Sterling Mine Ditch contour-lined the steep, rugged mountainsides south of Jacksonville, it occasionally hit sharp, protruding ridges. Surveyors and miners faced a choice: they could either engineer the ditch on a dizzying, expensive wooden flume all the way around the outside curve of the ridge, or they could punch straight through it.

At Tunnel Ridge, they chose the latter.

Miners and laborers—using hand tools, black powder, and backbreaking work —bored a tunnel straight through the rock wall to act as a shortcut for the water channel. Instead of looping the water around the long contour of the ridge, the ditch entered the hillside on one side and popped out cleanly on the other, keeping the grade steady and shortening the system's overall length.

Sterling Mine Trail 

         

This ancient Madrona tree is one of the most impressive of its kind I’ve seen in southern Oregon.  I know no one reading this would ever carve something like this into a tree, but if for some reason you ever feel like carving something into a tree, don’t.

<picture of a circle with lines making multiple triangles within it carved into a madrona tree>

Along the way to the tunnel I found this tree that had toppled over the trail and while I didn’t have a saw big enough to cut the tree, I could at least get the branches out of the way to make the passage easier.

You’ll find a couple of these retaining walls like these where the men building the ditch couldn’t dig into the hillside and so had to create a retaining wall to continue the ditch.

I recommend taking advantage of this bench next to this massive fallen tree, (there’s three benches in all from the Bear Gulch trailhead to the Tunnel Ridge trailhead) to relax and take in the view for a little while.

The Tunnel

OK, here’s the tunnel I told you about.  The entrance and exit are narrow, and I recommend bringing a flashlight, wearing trousers and stowing you hiking poles before you enter.  You’ll have to crawl on your hands and knees going in and coming out of the tunnel. I don’t recommend this tunnel if you have a fear of closed spaces.

Once you’re past the entrance it’s possible to sort of crouch and walk along the tunnel, just watch your head.  You can see the light at the end of the tunnel, so it’s not completely black in there.

Emerging from the tunnel you’ll find yourself in a cut made into the hillside.  Get you hiking poles out and go right from the tunnel.

If crawling on your hands and knees isn’t something you want to do, that’s OK, just walk up the hill from the tunnel entrance. 

Both options will bring you to point where the Tunnel Ridge trail connects to the Sterling Mine trail. Follow the sign down the hill to the Tunnel Ridge trailhead. 

The walk down to the Tunnel Ridge trailhead is an easy decline.  You’ll spend more time exposed so sunblock, a sunhat and sunglasses would be good to bring along.

So, who is this trail best for?

• For regular day hikers: a comfortable half-day outing, good for breaking in new boots, packs or trying out new gear.

• For occasional hikers: achievable if you take your time, wear suitable footwear and are comfortable walking several miles on dirt surfaces.

• For families: potentially a good outing for children who are used to hiking, but the climbs, uneven footing and poison oak require attention.

The Tunnel Ridge trail will put you back onto the Little Applegate road, go right and in just a little over half a mile, you’ll be back at the Bear Gulch trailhead. 

What Should You Bring on This Hike?

For a hike like this, I'd concentrate on a few practical essentials:

• Water: Bring enough for the distance, temperature, and your individual needs. I carried three liters in October and wished I'd brought four.

• Hiking footwear: Choose shoes or boots that provide suitable grip and support on dirt, loose ground, and uneven surfaces.

• Sun protection: Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat for the more exposed sections.

• Tick and poison oak precautions: Use appropriate repellent, avoid brushing against vegetation, and check your clothing and skin afterward.

• Flashlight: Essential if you intend to enter the tunnel.

• Navigation: Carry a map or reliable offline trail navigation, and pay attention to junctions and trail signs.

• Trekking poles: Useful for many hikers on uneven ground, but stow them before crawling through the tunnel.

• A small first-aid kit: Useful for treating minor cuts, blisters, and other common trail problems.

If you'd like to see what this trail looks like, and come along with me as I crawl through the tunnel, watch the video on Amputee Outdoors: https://youtu.be/2ugerXSJ8OY