20 Things To Do In Applegate Valley – 2024

Stretching 50 miles from the California border to the Rogue River near Grants Pass, the valley follows the Applegate River as it meanders past rolling hills and stunning farmland. Revel in world-class wine, explore farmstands and farmers’ markets, hike panoramic mountain trails, and spend a day boating or fishing at Applegate Lake or its crystal-clear river. Whether it’s a family outing, a romantic getaway, or an afternoon adventure, there’s something for everyone in Applegate Valley.

1) Follow the Applegate Valley Wine Trail.

Home to some of the oldest vineyards in Oregon, Applegate Valley’s wine roots run deep. Around Grants Pass, you’ll taste a wide array of flavors, with over 70 varieties grown in the greater Rogue Valley.

Take a self-guided tour of over 20 vineyards and tasting rooms spread along the Applegate Valley Wine Trail. Plan a stop at Troon Vineyards, 1-of-4 in the world, to receive the Regenerative Organic Gold designation and visit their neighbor, Wooldridge Creek Winery, the only combined vineyard and creamery in the state. Afterward, tour the gardens at Schmidt Family Vineyard and try one of their famous wood-fired pizzas.

2) Enjoy Scratch-Made Pastries at Pennington Farms

Nestled in the heart of Applegate Valley, Pennington Farms is one of Southern Oregon’s most mouth-watering bakeries. This family-operated organic berry farm has been dishing out sweet and savory baked goods since 1980.

At their farm stand, located inside a beautiful old barn, guests are delighted with scratch-made baked goods, freshly picked fruit, jams, and an assortment of gifts. While there, enjoy a cappuccino and berry-filled pastry, or drop in for lunch and try their legendary chicken potpie. Visit the farm Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm and Saturdays 10 am-4 pm.

3) Visit Mama Bees Flower Farm

4) Paddleboard or Kayak at Applegate Lake

Pack a picnic, grab your swimsuits, and head to Applegate Lake for a day on the water. Located about 40 miles from Grants Pass, the lake offers visitors a quiet reprieve throughout the hot summer months. Plan a day of boating, fishing, swimming, or hiking along the shoreline. Don’t have your own boat?- no problem! Rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Hart Tish Park General Store.

5) Cool off along Applegate’s Middlefork

Located near Applegate Lake, the Middle Fork of the Applegate River is a lush oasis of sparkling swimming holes hidden beneath a canopy of old-growth trees. Along this stretch, you’ll find waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and mossy canyons to explore. While visiting the Middle Fork, plan a day of hiking along the Middlefork National Recreation Trail and take a dip after working up a sweat.

6) Spot Sasquatch at the Bigfoot Trap

Since 1974, the Bigfoot Trap has been a local favorite and has drawn visitors nationwide. Follow the Collings Mountain trail, 3/4 of a mile from Applegate Lake. While hiking, trekkers should expect a few creek crossings and beautiful old-growth trees.

7) View Panoramic Vistas Along the East Applegate Ridge Trail

Work up a sweat with a hike along the East Applegate Ridge Trail near Ruch. Follow the ridge line through oak savannah, mossy forest, and panoramic hillsides. Rated easy/ moderate, the hike offers 360 views of the surrounding Siskiyou Mountains and valleys.

8) Follow the Art & Nature Trail at Pacifica

Tucked away near the community of Williams, Pacifica is an Applegate Valley gem.

Open seven days a week, this non-profit outdoor space offers free access to hiking, riding, and biking trails, a fishing pond, a disc golf course, and a self-guided art walk. While there, you can learn about native plant species and check out the farm animals that live on the property.

9) Score Some Fresh Produce at a Farmer’s Market

Throughout the week, Applegate Valley hosts several farmer’s markets that showcase local growers, artisans, and musicians.

Head to the community of Williams for the Williams Farmer’s Market open Mondays from 5-7:30pm during July and August, stop by the Applegate Evening Market at Longswords Vineyard Wednesdays from 5-8pm May through October, and Fridays find Murphy’s Outdoor Market 9am-1pm next to the Hidden Valley Market.

10) Learn about Oregon’s Rich Mining History

When gold was discovered in Southern Oregon, miners left california to seek their fortunes around the Applegate, Illinois, and Rogue River Valleys.

Today, you can follow in their footsteps and explore the evidence they left behind. Take the short interpretive Gin Lin National Recreation Trail, which offers beautiful vistas of the Applegate River, piping, ditches, tailings, and evidence of hydraulic mining. Nearby, check out Buncom Ghost Town, an abandoned mid-19th-century mining town. Down the road from Buncom, take a hike along the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail, which showcases one of the most impressive engineering feats of Southern Oregon’s Gold Rush—a hand-dug 26-mile ditch connecting the Little Applegate River and the Sterling Ditch Mine. A popular segment of the trail is the 5-mile Tunnel Ridge/ Bear Gulch Loop, which features the ditch tunnel, flume remnants, panoramic vistas, old-growth trees, spring wildflowers, and a seasonal waterfall.

11) Visit the Valley’s First Cider Tasting Room

Plan a stop at Blossom Barn Cidery, Oregon’s only cidery dedicated solely to Perry.

Unlike pear cider which is made mostly from apples, Perry is almost exclusively made from pears. Pop into their
solar-powered tasting room, located along the Applegate Valley Wine Trail on Kubli
Rd. Visit them Fri-Sun 12-7pm when you can often find food trucks and live music.

12) Plan a stay at the Lindsay Lodge

Formerly known as the Applegate Lodge, the recently acquired and renovated Lindsay Lodge is tucked away in the midst of Southern Oregon’s wine country.

With balconies overlooking the Applegate River, it’s the perfect place to plan a romantic getaway. Their restaurant is open to the public Thursday-Sunday with curated dining and drink menus.

13) Walk Across McKee Covered Bridge

Built in 1917, the historic McKee Bridge once served miners and loggers crossing the Applegate River from Jacksonville to the Blue Ledge Copper Mine. Now, visitors can walk across the bridge and visit it’s neighboring park that features an outdoor piano, bbq grills, and picnic areas.

14) Catch a Show at Vista 222

Vista 222, a private event venue in the heart of Applegate Valley wine country, offers jaw-dropping views and delicious wine, while guests enjoy outdoor concerts, comedy acts, food trucks, and artisan festivals.

15) Visit Furry Friends at Sanctuary One

If you love farm animals, it would behoove you to check out Sanctuary One in Applegate Valley.

This nonprofit animal rescue houses farm animals and pets like llamas, goats, horses, dogs, and pigs. Considered a ‘care farm’, the space is both a refuge for animals and a place of healing for people. Schedule a tour Friday and Saturday mornings during the warmer months.

16) Explore the Southern Oregon Lavender Trail

Every June and July marks Southern Oregon’s Lavender Festival. Visit the handful of lavender farms throughout the valley, including the English Lavender Farm, which features U-pick lavender, wreath-making classes, and dozens of other lavender products.

17) Go Back in Time at the Williams General Store

For over 125 years, the Historic Williams General Store has been an Applegate Valley staple, providing farm-fresh produce to the community since 1897. Stop by for a snack while exploring Southern Oregon’s wine country and take home some locally made goods.

18) Cast a Line at Provolt Recreation Site

What was once a seed orchard is now a unique place to discover Oregon’s heritage!

Whether you’re hiking, biking or horseback riding along the trails or paddling along the river, the Provolt Recreation park offers the perfect place to enjoy wildlife and gorgeous views of the valley. On the way there, drop by Provolt Country Store and Deli which makes scratch-made paninis, pizzas and more and plan a picnic at the park Thursday-Sunday.

19) Take Home Some Ferments From Whistling Duck Farm Store

Follow Williams Highway to Whistling Duck’s Farm Store, where you’ll find fresh organic produce, ferments, prepared food, and culinary offerings from other regional businesses. Open 11am-6pm Mon-fri, 11am-5pm Saturdays.

20)- Play a Round of Golf at Applegate River Golf Club

Head to Applegate River Golf Club and experience one of the most beautiful courses in Southern Oregon. The 9-hole course is situated along the Applegate River with 360 views of the surrounding mountains and offers a course that both beginners and experienced golfers will enjoy.