When I arrived in the Applegate Valley, I was caught off guard at how green and luscious it is. The Applegate River and above-average rainfall provides ideal quantities of water for the valley’s numerous wineries and farms, and keeps the area’s diverse forests green and healthy. I assure you, as soon as you set foot in this place, you’ll fall in love with it.

Applegate Lake

Approximately 20 miles south of Jacksonville, the Applegate River pools in a 988 acre reservoir chock full of bass and trout. A recreation area just south of the dam offers well-groomed grass leading down to the water’s edge. Hikers and mountain bikers can take advantage of the 11-mile trail that encompasses the lake. Hikers are encouraged to search for the bigfoot trap.

Squaw Lakes

Just 8 miles east of Applegate Lake you’ll find the upper and lower Squaw Lakes. These beautiful, secluded lakes are great spots for fishing, hiking, and camping. Motor vehicles are not permitted at the lower lake, so be prepared to hike your gear in (only about a mile), or if you’re lucky, the camp host will transport your stuff on his ATV for $5. Each of the camp sites are located right on the lake, and are extremely secluded. While I was there, I had the lake entirely to myself. If you go on a weekend, you can expect company but never a “crowd.”

There is a short (approximately 1-mile long) trail from the lower lake to “Little Squaw Lake” perfect for a quick hike, or, if you don’t mind maneuvering over downed trees, a great little stretch of single-track trail for your mountain bike.

McKee Bridge

One of Southern Oregon’s many covered bridges spans the Applegate River just south of Ruch, approximately 15 miles north of Applegate Lake. Find out more about the McKee Bridge here.

Vineyards/Wineries

The Applegate Valley is home to several world-class wineries. The region’s climate favors many varities of grapes, though Chardonnay, Syrah, and Bordeaux red varietals seem to do especially well. Sunset Magazine called the region “wine country the way it used to be.”

Check out this amazing website for a great map of the area’s wineries: http://applegatewinetrail.com/.

Applegate River Lodge

If you’re not up for roughing it at Applegate Lake or Squaw Lakes, the Applegate River Lodge is where you want to stay. The lodge overlooks the Applegate River and offers 7 large, themed rooms, a restaurant serving delicious food, and a large dance floor for the live music they frequently host. Recently, the Lodge hosted Grammy-winning Booker T. Jones, frontman of the legendary band “Booker T. and the MGs.”

Whatever you do in the Applegate Valley, one thing is for sure: you will love it.

…and don’t forget to check out our Flickr Photostream to see even more photos of the Applegate Valley and the rest of Southern Oregon!