On the first full day of our visit to Oregon we decided to take a suggestion from our innkeepers and visit Applegate Lake. They praised its beauty and surroundings and that was enough to convince us to start out day's tour there. From Jacksonville, where we were staying, highway 238 provided a direct route. We were only to remember to take a left turn onto Upper Applegate Road in Ruch. Once in Ruch we stopped at a well equipped supermarket and bought some hydrating drinks. We also stopped at the local tourist office following its signs. It was closed, perhaps because it was Sunday and Memorial day weekend at that. Actually, it seemed like it had not been open in a while. The police station in the same small mobile home was closed as well.

The road meandered through a valley following a small creek. The sun was out and the nature around us was beautiful. After ten or so miles we started ascending and before we knew it we saw the sights of Applegate Lake. We first walked out to a lookout area (probably part of the dam) on the lake itself. The water was deep blue. Surroundings green forests reached down to the water. Snowcapped Siskiyou Mountains were in the distance. It was an Alpine idyllic type of moment. We proceeded to hike along the water from the initial parking lot to the main boat launch area. It was peaceful and stunning. We saw birds everywhere. The best moment came when we reached an Osprey nest in front of us on a tall stump. The bird kept on circling above and warning us not to approach which we of course did not. Next on our itinerary was to drive the length of the lake to the South. We encountered enchanting vistas and stopped several times to take photographs. At the Southern tip of the lake where the Applegate Road meets Carberry Creek Road we found a most pleasant grassy area with great water access. Here, families were barbecuing, resting, swimming, canoing and enjoying the nature. Parking was $5 here but it seemed worthwhile to spend some time here. On our way back, at the North end we crossed the dam and headed down Squaw Creek Road. We turned around after a few minutes and did not spend much time exploring this side of the lake.

After several hours spent at Applegate Lake we were off to new adventures. Our visit to Applegate Lake was wonderful. Even though it was a Memorial day weekend Sunday, the park was almost deserted. We did see some bicyclists and runners preparing for an upcoming triathlon at the lake. There were other visitors here and there. It created a perfect feeling that we were somewhere remote but still not too remote. On our way back to Jacksonville Highway we stopped at the McKee Covered Bridge. This was a fun stop and provided additional photo opportunities and amusement. The nature at and around Applegate Lake is magnificent and certainly a worthwhile destination while in Southern Oregon. Recommended if you like lakes in Alpine settings (and who does not).