Applegate Lake | Medford

Information

Landmark: Applegate Lake
City: Medford
Country: USA Oregon
Continent: North America

Applegate Lake, Medford, USA Oregon, North America

Overview

Tucked in southern Oregon’s Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest, about 25 miles west of Medford, Applegate Lake glimmers like a wide mirror amid Jackson County’s forested hills, on top of that the Applegate Dam holds back the Applegate River to form a lake that helps control floods, irrigates nearby farms, offers space for fishing and boating, and shelters wildlife along its quiet coves.Ringed by forested hills and rugged mountains, it draws outdoor lovers with its clear lakes for paddling, winding trails for hiking, and quiet spots perfect for camping under the stars, as well as geography and Physical Features: The lake spans about 988 acres, its surface flashing silver in the midday sun, in some ways The water drops to a maximum depth of about 185 feet, gloomy and still far below the surface, alternatively the area sits about 1,900 feet-roughly 579 meters-above sea level, high enough for cool evening breezes.Water flows in from the Applegate River and a handful of petite creeks, while the Applegate Dam regulates how much leaves, in addition forested slopes rise from the Siskiyou Mountains, framing the area in deep green and offering quiet spots to watch deer move through the shadows.Fun and Things to Do - from morning hikes to late-night board games, to boot you can take out motorboats or paddle a kayak, and there are ramps and sturdy wooden docks ready for launching.Fishing’s a immense draw here-the lake teems with rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, bass, and catfish, and you can often spot ripples where a fish breaks the surface, and you can swim in the designated spots, where the water stays calm and secure all summer, warm enough to slip in without a shiver.Kayaking and paddleboarding are best when you can slip into a quiet cove and feel the still water ripple under your board, as well as number two.You’ll find several campgrounds around the lake-Sturgis, Briggs Creek, and Sampson Flat-each offering spots for tents or RVs, with pine needles crunching softly underfoot, equally important picnic areas offer set spots with sturdy tables, fire rings, and a clear view of the lake’s shimmering surface.Some campgrounds offer rustic cabins with creaky wooden floors or roomy group shelters where you can settle in for the night, alternatively three.Around Applegate Lake, you can wander along gentle paths that hug the water or tackle steeper trails winding through cool, shaded forest, in turn the Applegate Lake Trail draws hikers with sweeping views over the water and quiet paths that wind through the surrounding forest, somewhat Trails invite you to watch a hawk circle overhead, catch glimpses of shy wildlife, and snap photos along the way, and number four stands here, simple and plain, like a single mark on a blank page.Wildlife ObservationYou might spot deer slipping through the trees, black bears foraging near berry bushes, or river otters darting in the water, along with ospreys and herons gliding overhead, alternatively you’ll spot the most wildlife early in the morning or as the light fades in the evening, when the air’s cool and still.In spring, snowmelt swells the streams, and glowing wildflowers scatter along the trails, simultaneously summer’s the height of outdoor fun, when the heat invites you to dive into the lake, paddle across the water, or pitch a tent under the stars.In fall, crisp air and red-gold leaves turn the landscape into something worth pausing for, and the trails grow calm under your boots, in turn in winter, heavy snow can shut down some facilities, and you might only reach the lower trails where the air smells crisp and nippy.Getting there’s easy-take Applegate Road, also called Forest Road 37, from either Medford or Grants Pass, where the pine scent hits you the moment you roll down the window, after that parking’s available at both campgrounds and trailheads, each with its own marked spot where you can pull in and shut off the engine.In some spots, you’ll need a permit for day use or camping, and certain times of year come with a fee-like in summer when the trailhead kiosk posts the rates, to boot in forested, mountainous country, you need to stay sharp-slick roots and sudden drops can catch you off guard-so bring the right gear, plenty of water, and keep an eye on the weather.Nearby Attractions - Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest offers miles of hiking trails, quiet campsites under tall pines, and plenty of chances to spot deer or watch eagles soar, to boot rogue Valley Wine Country puts rows of sunlit vineyards and welcoming tasting rooms just a few minutes down the road.The Rogue River draws crowds for rafting and fishing, and its banks are perfect for a quiet picnic under the pines, simultaneously from the Jacksonville Historic District to Medford, you’re just minutes from local cafés, art galleries, and lively dining spots.Tucked into the forested mountains of Southern Oregon, Applegate Lake offers a little of everything-cast a line for trout, paddle across its calm surface, hike shaded trails, or pitch a tent beneath the pines, consequently close to Medford and the heart of the Rogue Valley, it’s perfect for a quick afternoon getaway or as a home base while you wander among the region’s trails, rivers, and tiny-town festivals.

Author: Tourist Landmarks

Date: 2025-09-08