Area Information:
Getting to Know the Applegate Valley

Map of Southern Oregon The Applegate Valley is located in the southwest corner of Jackson County, Oregon, and a portion of southeast corner of Josephine County. It's just minutes from the California border and centrally located two hours from the coast, 45 minutes northwest of Ashland, 30 minutes west of Medford (and it's airport) and 20 minutes west of the town of Jacksonville.

The valley is reached via State Hwy 238 from either Medford through historic Jacksonville, or Grants Pass at the Redwood Hwy 199 junction. (Click the thumbnail of the map of Southern Oregon on the right to see a larger image.)

The Applegate River

The Applegate River flows from the Siskiyou Mountains northerly toward Ruch, (pronounced Roosh), then westerly toward Grants Pass (a distance of about 40 miles) where it feeds into the Rogue River.

Maintained, paved roads follow the river, and most of its tributaries, all the way through wide fertile valleys and wooded areas.

There are parks and picnic spots by the wayside inviting one to spend a leisurely day in the cool, clean air of the Applegate.

Some of the interesting side trips...

a good forest-service road from the Applegate Lake through the mountains along Carberry Creek, past old mining claims and wooded areas down Thompson Creek to Hwy. 238 at Applegate
the loop from the top of Jacksonville hill along Sterling Creek, famous for early day gold mining, to the remains of the settlement of Buncom at the junction with the Little Applegate Road. History buffs could browse for days investigating pioneer sites and old cemeteries throughout the area.

Here's a link to the US Forest Service's page about the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Weather


Plan your trip Local Radar Detailed Forecast

There are four definite but mild seasons in the Applegate
Valley's microclimate.

A crisp spring, with weeks of alternate sunny and showery days, is characterized by early wild flowers, blossoming fruit trees, returning flocks of birds, and an urge to make a garden or scout for wild mushrooms.
A short, warm summer (most nights are cool and comfortable) with the hottest time of the year in mid to late August
A long colorful autumn with everything ready to harvest at once
A a short winter of rain and varying amounts of snow.

Some years it is necessary to protect water pipes from freezing, but extremes of climate are usually mild in the Applegate. Snow is seldom a problem. Roads are kept open and there is excellent school bus service. Annual rainfall is about 20 to 25 inches, increasing to 40 inches or more at higher elevations and close to high mountains. There is considerable variation within a few miles.

Here's a link to the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Medford, the nearest large city.

Soil Types

Soil types vary: most are fertile and well drained. Pastures are of good feeding quality. Many varieties of wine grapes ripen to perfection, as evidenced by the many wineries and vineyards throughout the valley.

Wine fans are quickly becoming aware of the valley's potential for wine making. Informal tours and tasting are available daily in summer, and on weekends in the winter. Wineries in the Applegate Valley feature distinct, handcrafted varietal wines as well as exciting blends. Many featured wines are only available at the wineries or in limited distribution.

You're invited to visit the following links for more information:

Recreation

Paragliding over the Applegate Valley The Applegate Valley is a fantastic location for many outdoor activities. The Applegate Lake is surrounded by extensive hiking trails and offers great fishing, swimming, and camping/picnic areas. Visit the trail to the "Big Foot" trap, camp at Squaw Lakes, float down the Applegate River or fish for Steelhead or Trout. You'll find snow and water skiing nearby and the Applegate Valley is even a fantastic find for hang gliders & paragliders.

Here are some useful links:

Jacksonville

Historic Jacksonville is a quaint miners' town that offers fine dining, shops, the Jacksonville Museum (including a "hands-on" children's museum). Jacksonville is the home of the Britt Festivals that present many great pop, blues, jazz, and classical talents every year. With a population of just over 2,000, it's a great town to be a part of.

Ashland Shakespeare Festival

The Applegate Valley is just 45 minutes away from the world famous Ashland Shakespeare Festival. With an eight-and-a-half-month season of eleven plays in three theatres plus numerous ancillary activities, it is visited by people from all over. It was founded in 1935

Water

Many people coming to Oregon want to buy land on a stream, expecting to use the water. All surface water in Oregon is under State control and may not be used without proper legal authority. Most farms in Southern Oregon have water rights appurtenant to the land. Water is applied by gravity flood or by pump and sprinkler. Many farms have their own ponds which provide irrigation water and fishing. We recommend a consultation with the State Water Master in the County Court House whenever water rights are involved. Domestic wells vary in depth.

Stores, Schools, and Community Churches

There are no incorporated towns in the Applegate. Community activities are varied and are sponsored by schools, churches, granges, garden clubs, home economic units of the County Extension Service, 4-H clubs, Scouts, etc. The valley has many excellent restaurants with various menus, and services such as medical, beauty, movie rentals, grocery stores, and much more. You have very little need to leave the valley.

Area Information: Getting to Know the Applegate Valley