Join SOTA for a volunteer trail work day in the Applegate Valley, where we’ll plan to work on clearing brush and branches from Lower O’Brien Creek trail off of Thompson Creek Road.

Lower O’Brien Creek is a short, 1-mile trail that accesses Upper O’Brien Creek and eventually reaches the top of Greyback Trail and the Boundary Trail, providing access to some of the most majestic recreation areas that Southern Oregon has to offer.

The trail is in need of brushing work and some potential tread restoration, and volunteers can expect to work with loppers, hand saws, shovels, mcleods and/or rakes.

We will plan to work on the trail for 4-5 hours and then reconvene at the trailhead for snacks and drinks afterwards, and to celebrate the work we accomplished! There’s also a high probability we end up at Apple Outlaw on the way home.

Email larry@southernoregontrails.org to RSVP or ask questions. In your email, let us know if you are familiar with the area and what tools you plan to bring, if any.

Location

Since the trailhead does not have room for multiple vehicles, we will meet at the start of NF-1005 at the end of Thompson Creek Road, and carpool the 2 miles to the trail from there.

On Google Maps: NF-1005, Williams, OR or O’brien Creek Lower Trailhead (but we’ll meet at the main intersection before you get there)

Coordinates (DD): 42.103687, -123.235336

Coordinates (DMS): 42°06’13.3″N 123°14’07.2″W

From Applegate, OR (Lindsay Lodge/Apple Outlaw): From “downtown” Applegate, on the south side of the bridge at Applegate River, turn onto Thompson Creek road. Drive 11.8 miles staying on Thompson Creek Road until you come to its end, which will be a large open area that is a 4-way “intersection” of Thompson Creek road, NF-1005, Star Gulch Road, and an unnamed dirt road. We will meet at this intersection/open area.

What to bring

SOTA has tools and hardhats to lend. Weather can be variable this time of year so check the forecast and dress accordingly, with layers if possible/appropriate. Regardless of the temperature, we recommend long pants, long sleeves, and tall socks to protect your skin from weather, poison oak, scratchy brush, bugs, etc. Otherwise, consider bringing:

• Gloves and eye protection
• Loppers and small hand saws are great to bring; we have everything else tool-wise.
• Water and snacks for yourself during the work hours (in a pack, ideally)