Sharon Sparlin: September 2021

It was August 2021 that I was first introduced to Joanna Davis, owner of the Applegate River Lodge and Restaurant. I attended a high school class reunion and was astonished, not only with the sheer beauty of the lodge structure itself, but also with it's serene and picturesque surroundings. So much so that I returned three weeks later to experience a one-night stay.

Applegate River Lodge

A family owned business since 1992, the Applegate River Lodge is located at 15100 Highway 238, between Grants Pass and Medford Oregon, overlooking the Applegate River and the historic Pioneer Bridge.

The Lodge is located about 7 miles from some of Southern Oregon’s most famous vineyards. The Applegate Valley Wine Trail consists of a group of 18 unique wineries, producing an assorted selection of high quality and hand-crafted wines. You will want to give yourself ample time to experience some of these exceptional vineyards during your stay.


Wine Trail wine map

The lodge is comprised of seven non-smoking themed rooms, each offering balcony views of the Applegate river along with the historic Pioneer Bridge. The structure is crafted with hand skinned log poles of pine, fir and redwood.

1) MYRTLE

Antique style featuring myrtle wood with queen bed.

Myrtle Suite

2) GOLDMINING

Original 100 year-old barn wood and gold mining antiques with queen bed

Goldmining Suite

3) SPORTSMAN

Full bed on main floor / king bed in loft

Sportsman Suite

4) INDIAN

Dedicted to Native Americans with queen bed on main floor and queen bed in the loft

Indian Suite

5) LOGGING

In honor of the Oregon trees with twin on lower level and queen bed in the loft.

Logging Suite

6) CATTLEMAN

Western fantasy with a twin and full size bed on lower level with king bed in the loft

Cattleman Suite

Cattleman Suite

Your amenities include:

Spa Tubs in rooms
Dining Restaurant & Bar
Open fire common area
A/C and heat in suites
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Balconies with river views
Individually themed suites
River access
Tranquil outdoor seating area
Free parking

Joanna assigned me the Cattleman suite. I quickly settled in to the downstairs portion and then decided the next order of business was to pour a glass of wine and head out to the balcony deck. Furnished with two comfortable wooden chairs and a small square wooden table, I found it quite easy to become lost in the moment as I sipped away on my new bottle of Oak Knoll 2017 Pinot Gris and watched the river drift slowly by.

Sipping wine on back deck with friend Marci

Oak Knoll 2017 Pinot Gri

The Applegate River Lodge Restaurant serves traditional Pacific Northwest flavors while the outdoor patio and deck help create a truly enchanting dining experience. Live acts are showcased and rotate from the deck area to the cozy atmosphere inside the main hall, featuring a fireplace, plush chairs and bar access.

Inside lodge

As dinnertime approached I made my way to the restaurant deck. It was here I once again met with owner Joanna Davis and her daughter-in-law. The evening proved to be such a delightful as we listened to live music, watched the sky explode into color as the sun set over the Applegate River, enjoyed local wine and consumed a dish of their famous “Red Oak Mushrooms”. Marinated in garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, white wine, herbs and spices, then grilled over their “Red Oak” grill and finally topped with fresh cut basil. Oh, such a wonderfully delicious appetizer.

Restaurant Menu

Next time you are in the Applegate area be sure and schedule your stay at the Applegate River Lodge and dine on the fantastic food offered at the restaurant. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information contact Applegate River Lodge https://www.applegateriverlodge.com/

at 541-846-6690 or drop them an eMail to applegatelodge@gmail.com

Sharon Sparlin

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Friday, September 24, 2021

APPLEGATE RIVER LODGE