Historic Golden, Southwest Oregon

Mining started on Coyote Creek in the 1850's but the town of Golden was not established until 1890, by William Ruble, the inventor of a gold recovery device called the Ruble Hydraulic Elevator. Today, Golden is one of the few historic mining communities in Josephine County where the original buildings are still present. These include the Golden Church (church photo) built in 1892, a general store built in 1904 and part of the William Ruble residence built in 1892. The church door is usually open if you want to take a look inside. A small cemetery is located outside and toward the back of the church.

Across the street from the Golden church is the trailhead to the Golden Wetlands Loop Trail.

Golden Wetlands Loop Trail
This is a short loop trail through an area heavily mined for placer gold in the late 1800's. Ponds have formed between the many piles of tailings and this has created habitat for birds, bats and water fowl.

The trail is maintained by local residents and the easiest way to find your way around is to walk down from the parking area to the first intersection and turn right so you walk counter-clockwise to the dirt road. Look for the bat roost boxes next to the lower pond on your right as you walk around the loop. Turn left and follow the road looking for the small bridge where the trail returns to the parking area.

Directions to Golden

From Grants Pass, you can follow the scenic Rogue River Loop to Wolf Creek where you turn to follow Coyote Creek Road to Golden. Or you can take Interstate 5 and drive about 20 miles north of Grants Pass to the Wolf Creek Exit (Exit 76). At the end of the off ramp, turn right and follow Coyote Creek Road for about five miles to Golden. Look for the old church on the left and the parking area for the Golden Wetlands trailhead on the right.

Map of Golden Wetlands Loop Trail, Rogue River Scenic Loop Drive, Grants Pass, southwest Oregon Siskiyou Mountains

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...