A Weekend in The Applegate
WHAT TO DO IN APPLEGATE
KID FRIENDLY IDEAS IN THE APPLEGATE
Applegate is around 45 minutes just outside Medford. It is close to the California border – and is one of our favorite day trips. Applegate is charming, beautiful, and full of outdoor adventure. A few of the things we love to do when heading towards Applegate is Hiking to the Big Foot Trap, taking paddle-boards out in Applegate’s no wake Lake, visiting the English Lavender Farm and making a quick stop at Pennington Farms for their delicious homemade pies and jams.
Hiking to the BigFoot Trap
Hiking to the BigFoot Trap also called (Collings Mountain Trail) is a great trail for all ages. Beginning at Hart-tish Park picnic area the trail crosses Upper Applegate Road and drops down to Grouse Creek. An abandoned miners’ cabin and the bigfoot trap are about 0.75 mile up the trail. The trail continues another 7 miles out and back. We typically just head to the BigFoot Trap and back, ending back at Applegate Lake.
Applegate Lake
Applegate Lake is the perfect spot to cool off after hiking to the Big Foot Trap. It is directly across the street from the trailhead to the trap – you can actually use their parking lot for the hike if you need to. We love this lake because it is a no-wake lake – so no fast boats cruising by. It is the perfect lake to bring paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, any water toys you can think of.
McKee Bridge
You can’t visit Applegate without walking through the McKee Bridge. Built in 1917, it was served as a mining and logging road until the mid 1950’s. In 1989, the McKee Bridge Committee was formed to help renovate, preserve and maintain the bridge. The McKee picnic Ground is at the west end f the bridge along the Applegate River.
English Lavender Farm
If you can make it out to The English Lavender Farm during peak season, their Lavender festival is the best. It is a u-pick lavender farm with an adorable store, homemade lemonade and ice cream, and picture perfect backdrops. You can see more of our visit HERE with plenty of pictures and information.
Homemade Baked Good from Pennington Farms
One of the first things we ever did when we moved to Southern Oregon was drive out to Pennington Farms. They have the most delicious baked goods. You can typically find them at the downtown Farmers Markets, but its always fun to see their store.
