I first hiked the then new East Applegate Ridge Trail (East ART) in late 2017. The LovedOne couldn’t join me then due to pressing fiber projects (there’s a pun in here somewhere). Today was, however, a sweet spot for her between the library and the fiber, so we were off to enjoy the East ART in absolutely perfect hiking weather. 🙂 One thing I love about this trail – in addition to its great views – is its passage through a variety of our signature plant communities. Oak woodland, pine forest, madrone forest, grassy meadows, buckbrush thickets, alluringly colorful poison oak – this trail has them all.
I had hiked it as a 10-mile out-and-back from the upper trailhead, which necessitated a climb back. 😦 But with the recent completion of the lower trailhead off Highway 238, we were able to do a shuttle and hike one-way downhill. 🙂 This allowed us to focus on the wonderful views of the Applegate Valley and its surrounding peaks. And make it to Jacksonville in time for lunch. 😛 Maybe not the most arduous of hikes but a heck of a good one nonetheless. And judging from the width and compaction of the tread, and the cars parked in the lots, a pretty popular one too! 😀
BOOTS on the TRAIL 
I did the 10 mile version the first time but we weren’t up for that this time. Being able to easily shuttle – now that there are two parking lots to accommodate it – allowed us the option of a shorter way to enjoy this great trail. But, yes, I felt cheated, so I carried a sack of cement around the backyard for an hour after we got home to make up for it. 😉 😉 🙂
LikeLike
We did an out and back 10 miler at the E-ART last week. We started at the new trailhead off 238 so that the climbing was at the start of our hike. Shuttle hiking is cheating 🙂
LikeLike