Applegate River and Reservoir
Seasons
Checklists
Location
The Applegate River runs north through western Jackson County. To access the river and, eventually, the reservoir, start in Medford and take I-5 exit 30. Travel west on Hwy 238 to Jacksonville. Continue on 238 through Jacksonville to the little town of Ruch. Here take Upper Applegate Road south to the reservoir. The road follows the river and gives plenty of opportunities to stop and bird. You can also continue on 238 west from Ruch to Provolt. This is the boundary between Jackson and Josephine counties. Most of the river is bordered by private land here and access is very limited along this stretch.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
Lush riparian area bordered by oak woodlands. Species seen here include Common Merganser, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Bushtit, Wrentit, and Bullock’s Oriole.
Nearby Birding Locations
- Upper Table Rock
- Medford and Bear Creek Park
- Kirtland Ponds (White City Lagoons)
- Tou Velle State Park/Denman Wildlife Management Area
- Valley of the Rogue State Park
- Lynn Newbry Park
- Bear Creek Greenway
- Prescott Park and Roxy Ann Butte
- Lower Table Rock Nature Conservancy Reserve
- Whetstone Savannah Nature Conservancy Reserve
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