Page 65 - Southern Oregon Magazine Spring 2019

48HOURS

IN THE APPLEGATE

Back Roads & Hidden Treasures

BY LYNN LEISSLER

f you checked a map for “The Applegate,” you wouldn’t find such a place. In local parlance,
the name refers to a generalized region accessible from Jacksonville and Grants Pass. The
Iname also lends itself to an unincorporated town, roads, a lake, a river, a valley, businesses, a
school, a church and a wine trail. It originated with Kentucky-born pioneer, Jesse Applegate who
helped blaze the Applegate Trail (an offshoot of the Oregon Trail) in the westward migration of the
mid-1800s.

We want to show what a weekend exploring The Applegate might look like—wine tasting, hiking,
dining, alluring country drives. Is it feasible do it all in 48 hours? Absolutely not. We’ll suggest
many possibilities, then let you plan.

There are lodging options in or near The Applegate. Just outside Jacksonville, The Rellik House at
Rellik Winery has three suites. Enjoy Rellik’s wines, and soon, tapas for pairing when their new
kitchen is complete. If you’re entering the area from Grants Pass, consider the historic Weasku Inn.
Farther down the wine trail, Troon Vineyard has a two-bedroom vacation home.

My sister from Buffalo, New York joined me, adding a tourist’s point of view. From Jacksonville, we
took Highway 238 to Ruch, then turned on Hamilton Road and watched for Cantrall Buckley Park
signs. This county park on the Applegate River has picnic tables, campsites, a covered pavilion, and
grills, ready for day use or overnight camping.

Back on Highway 238, the road took us on a gentle meander along the river—farms, grazing cattle,
vineyards, snow-covered peaks in winter. We discussed whether they were hills or mountains we
saw, deciding it depended which part of the country a person called home.

Another place to stay is Horsefeathers Farms Ranchette, as fun and funky as the name suggests.
You’ll see goats, chickens, a Shetland pony, guinea fowl, and dogs. The rustic-style bunkhouse
sleeps five or more, with a kitchen. On a grassy area near the river, enjoy swings, a mini-zipline or
relax in chairs by the river.

For breakfast—their treat—Horsefeathers sends you down the road to the Applegate Store and
Café. Its rustic exterior suggests ordinary food, but not so with Chef Patrick at the helm. He cooks
up “really good food,” his quote. (I’ve eaten there and can attest to his claim.) We chatted over a
cup of coffee. Soon, Jef Kooper ambled over, holding his children’s book, Sugarbob Goes to the Lodge,
based on a real deer who came into the general store to eat candy, Skittles specifically.

Across the road the luxurious Applegate River Lodge and Restaurant overlooks the river and the
Historic Pioneer Bridge. High ceilings, log posts, a massive stone fireplace create the perfect lodge
atmosphere. They host regular music events, weddings and other occasions.

On an adjacent property sits Applegate Country Club, an eatery specializing in pizza—and more.
Patrons can enjoy bocce ball, video games, a library, and a plentiful garden in season.

The area boasts several country stores—Ruch, Williams and Provolt. We popped into Provolt

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