Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Time: 9AM – 2PM
Location: Taylor Creek Trail, exact location TBD
Flavor: Primarily brush-clearning

Join SOTA for a volunteer trail work day in the Briggs Valley west of Grants Pass, where we’ll plan to work on clearing brush and storm debris from the Lower Taylor Creek trail.

Lower Taylor Creek is the backbone trail of the Briggs Valley and will be a main focus of SOTA’s work in 2026. The 7-mile trail connects to many other trails, trailheads, swimming holes and waterfalls. It has been in need of maintenance for years since the 2018 Klondike and Taylor Creek fires, but SOTA and others have been chipping away at it. This year, our goal is to get the entire trail completely reopened and passable! However, this is one volunteer day and we’ll just tackle a section of it. 😉

The trail needs brushing work, downed tree and strom debris removal, and some potential tread restoration. Volunteers can expect to work primarily with loppers and hand saws, and possibly with shovels, mcleods and/or rakes. We could also use tool-free volunteers to act as swampers, moving brush out of the trail with their hands.

We will plan to work on the trail for 4-5 hours and then reconvene at the trailhead for lunch and drinks afterwards, and to celebrate the work we accomplished!

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

There are multiple trailheads along Taylor Creek. We will update the specific location after a mid-January scouting mission.

There is little to no cell service in the Briggs Valley, so plan your maps and route ahead of time to ensure you know where to meet us.

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 breathable and removable 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. Please bring:

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Gloves and eye protection
• Water and snacks for yourself during the work hours (in a pack, ideally)
• Optional – loppers, clippers or small hand saws, though we have tools to lend depending on group size