Day Trips: The Applegate Valley

Located less than an hour northeast of Ashland, the beautiful and historic Applegate Valley offers a host of activities for a special day out — from wine tasting to hiking to paragliding to poking around a craft fair or farmer’s market.

Start your exploration at the Wander Applegate website to get the lay of the land: https://wanderapplegate.com/

TO GET THERE take the scenic HWY 238 which starts after Jacksonville: Directions HERE.

Here are Chanticleer’s TOP PICKS for things to do in this rural paradise:

WINE TASTING: Applegate Valley wine country is a thriving AVA with over 18 wineries and over 70 varieties of wine. Here are our top three pics, but it was hard to choose! For more options, check out the Applegate Valley Wine Trail.

Troon Vineyards offers ground-breaking, award-winning wines, right in our backyard. Troon is only the fourth farm in the world to achieve Gold Certification as a Demeter Biodynamic Certified and Regenerative Organic Farm. Wine Enthusiast named them a 2022 finalist for American Winery of the Year.

Red Lily Vineyards has great wines in a truly idyllic setting. Sip your glass by the river, or check out their Summer Concert Series, every Thursday from 6-8 p.m.

Dancin Vineyards is your first stop on the way to the valley, or your last stop coming home, where you can sip top-notch wines paired with a gourmet meal. Set on a bluff between Ashland and Jacksonville, Dancin offers a sophisticated, European setting. Check out their Sunday brunch or live music.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

HIKING: Check out the panoramic views along East Applegate Ridge Trail for a moderate hike through oak savanna, mossy forests, and 360 degree views of the Siskiyou Mountains.

PARAGLIDING: You might mistake the winged creatures hovering above Woodrat Mountain for eagles as you make your way to your first wine stop, but no, those are paragliders. For the brave of heart, check out Sundog Paragliding School which offers reasonably-priced one or two day lessons.

APPLEGATE LAKE offers fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking on clear waters surrounded by wilderness, hiking and wildlife. Check-in at Hart Tish Park general store to rent gear and stock up for a day on the water.

FARMER’S MARKETS and crafts fairs abound in the valley. Try one of these: Williams Farmer’s Market on Mondays from 5-7:30pm during July and August, the Applegate Evening Market at Longswords Vineyard Wednesdays from 5-8pm May through October, and Murphy’s Outdoor Market on Fridays 9am-1pm next to the Hidden Valley Market.

FOOD: Hungry after a long day? Grab lunch or an early dinner at the charming, wood-fired pizzareia in Applegate aptly-named the Applegate Country Club, set amid homey flower gardens and serving terrific pizza, salads, ales and wines.

We’ve only scratched the surface here. Be sure to tell us about your favorite Applegate Valley find and we’ll add it to the list!