The Applegate Valley

The Applegate Valley is located in the Southwest corner of Jackson County and Southeast corner

of Josephine County. It is just minutes from the California border and is centrally located

only two hours from the Coast and 45 minutes Northwest of Ashland.

It is a short 30 minute commute to Medford and just 20 minutes to Historic Jacksonville.

The valley is reached via Highway 238 from either Medford or Grants Pass.

The Applegate River

The Applegate River flows from the Siskiyou Mountains toward Ruch, then to Grants Pass 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 many parks and picnic spots by the wayside, inviting you to spend a leisurely day in the cool, clean air of the Applegate.

Weather

The Applegate Valley is well known for its clear blue skies. The valley enjoys all four seasons through its own mild micro-climate. A crisp spring with weeks of alternating sunny and showery days characterized by early wild flowers, blossoming fruit trees, and returning flocks of birds. Short, warm to hot summer with cool comfortable nights. The hottest time of the year hits mid to late August. A long comfortable autumn with ready to harvest crops. A short winter of rain and varying amounts of snow in the higher elevations. Annual rainfall is about 20-25 inches in the valley and 40 inches or more in higher elevations. What's Today Look Like?

Recreation

You'll find an array of community activities from holiday dinners and gatherings to seasonal festivals and weekly live music entertainment. Join an organized hike or ride to see the natural landscape of the Applegate valley. It is a fantastic location for outdoor enthusiasts. The Applegate Lake is surrounded by extensive hiking trails and offers great fishing, swimming, and camping or picnic areas. Visit the trail to the "Big Foot" trap, camp at Squaw Lakes, float the Applegate River or fish for steelhead and trout. Snow and water skiing are popular activities nearby and the Applegate Valley is a fantastic find for hang gliders and paragliders. Other popular activities includes the Applegate Wine Trail and Lavender Trail.

Soil Types

Most valley soils are fertile and well drained. Much of the valley floor boasts pastures of good feeding quality for a variety of livestock and many organic vegetable and herb farms. The Applegate Valley is a popular and growing wine production area with many varieties of wine grapes. The Applegate Valley Wine trail is a great way to get familiarized with the area and its local fare. You'll find many established and upcoming wineries and farms with award winning products.

Water Rights

The Applegate Valley with its many water tributaries; springs, creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes; offer a variety of irrigation and water rights. Whether state water rights, personal well rights, or purchased rights from the Corp. of Engineers, irrigated land is sought after for both personal and commercial production.