The ride to Applegate Lake and back is possible at just about any time of the year, it just so happens that it's about the best moderate length ride to open the season in the spring. It's a beautiful ride, generally starting in Jacksonville, climbing for roughly two miles and 500 feet before dropping back down to the Applegate Valley. From here on the ride cruises thru the pastoral and frequently spectacular valley until it reaches the usual turnaround point at the top of the dam. Ride length starting in Jacksonville is about 45 miles following the traditional out-and-back route with a little more than 2,000 cumulative feet of climbing. The pavement continues for the length of the lake and is actually very nice riding. If you cross the Dam, the pavement continues for a couple miles with a good 400 foot climb and a good view of the lake.

Aside from the opening climb, and the grade to the top of the dam, the road is never steep. Between Ruch and the lake, the road gradually climbs, but the grade is barely noticable. If you would like a longer trip, you can climb Cady Road directly out of Jacksonville and follow Sterling Creek and Little Applegate Roads a la the Woodrat Ride. Otherwise this is a simple out-and-back route following Hwy 238 to Ruch and following the Upper Applegate Rd to the Dam.

Rides may start anywhere in the valley and proceed to Jacksonville. Once you get to Jacksonville, follow 238 until Ruch. Turn left and continue to the lake.

Traffic on 238 is frequently quite heavy, but the highway has broad shoulders. On the Upper Applegate Rd traffic is known for going very fast and the shoulders are narrow when present at all. Road Quality is good but Upper Applegate Rd has received a fresh coating of chipseal.