Applegate Lake Trail Run
(Applegate Lake, Ore.) Having just finished running the Applegate Lake perimeter, my legs shake as I write this article. I had hiked this trail around seven months ago in around five hours with breaks. After trail running it, I have a new appreciation for the loop. Make no mistake. This is a difficult run.
Hiking this 18 mile trail puts the difficulty level at around moderate. The distance is lengthy, but due to the level trail, lack of elevation change, and lack of switchbacks, it is a mellow track. But this is the first time I have run 18 miles without break. I run about 25-30 miles a week so finishing with a decent time was very rewarding.
Begin at the view point just right of the dam where there is a trail head. Just keep the lake on the left; unless you are British, then you might want to run the other way. Follow a pleasant trail for the first three miles until it dissolves and you have to take the road to your right. This 2 mile stretch takes you over the bridge to the southern end of the lake.
The sights are stunning. Ospreys glide overhead with fish in their claws. Conifers and deciduous Madrones decorate the hills. It’s some beautiful land.
After the stretch of road, take another left onto gravel and run for about two miles. You’ll climb a hill, pass an Applegate map posting, and then descend onto the bank trail. This trail runs for at least eight miles by picnic benches and shorelines. The ridges up the bank seem endless. As soon as you traverse one, you’ll see the start point across the lake, leading you to believe the trail is ending soon. But once you clear the corner you’ll run through another draw, repeating the process about seven or eight times.
On one of the last ridges there is a false trail that leads out to a viewpoint, adding about half a mile to the run. Pass this trap and you’ll hit your last turn, go over a boat ramp, and hit the final 1 mile stretch onto hardball to cross the dam and finish. The final portion is very motivating.
At Applegate’s elevation, there is poison oak in abundance if you leave the beaten path. I ran in road shoes, with shorts, and had very little problems. Only packing a 1 liter camelback, I went through about half of it but could have used a sports bar or Gu packet. After mile 13 my legs started running out of gas.
As I said earlier, this trail can be a leisurely hike. There are plenty of opportunities to swim in the cool water, and plenty of picnic tables to have lunch. The lake is serene and the only trash I saw was on the road.
If you want to run this trail in the summer, try and start at 7 a.m. to avoid the sun through most of the run. Running or hiking Applegate Lake is very challenging, so be careful. Bring enough water and food.
541 Live tip: If it’s your first time running Applegate Lake, get a loved one to wait for you at your car with a pizza. I wish I had.
Directions to Applegate Lake:
From Medford, Applegate Lake is 31 miles (about 50 min by car)
- Take Medford exit 30 Past Rogue Valley Mall
- Crater lake Hwy turns into Ross Hanley drive. This meets 238
- Following 238 going thru Jacksonvillie Oregon
- Turn left at Ruch on Upper Applegate Road
- Park at the Applegate Dam
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