About MCKEE BRIDGE COMMUNITY KITCHEN
Overview Situated along the rocky banks of the Applegate River, the McKee Bridge Community Kitchen is a fantastic day-use picnic shelter and registered National Historic Site. The shelter is constructed with large pine timber and features Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) masonry, including a beautiful stone fireplace. Located in southwest Oregon in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest at an elevation of 1,600 feet, this day-use area boasts nearby volcanic peaks, scenic rivers and fantastic old-growth forests. Recreation The area surrounding this day-use area offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, fish, swim, ski and enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities throughout the year. Nearby Applegate Lake is a recreation lake located north of the spectacular Red Buttes Wilderness Area. The lake is popular for swimming, cycling, boating, canoeing, fishing and hiking the various trails.Mule Mountain Trail offers visitors a special opportunity to access the hillsides above the Applegate Valley and witness the seasonal changes in wildlife activity. It is a long distance hike winding up and around the arid ridges of the Siskiyou Mountains. In the spring time, dwarf star tulips, lilies, shooting stars, larkspurs and buttercups puncture the needle and leaf mat and adorn the grass floor. Facilities The McKee Bridge Community Kitchen is a covered group site. Reservation is for Community Kitchen shelter and not the covered bridge or the day-use/swimming area. You are not allowed exclusive use or prevent other members of the public from using the facility. Natural Features The unique character of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is composed of two distinct geological provinces; the Cascade Range and the Siskiyou Mountains. The Cascade Range is dominated by snow-capped volcanic peaks, such as 9,495 foot Mt. McLoughlin, located within the Sky Lakes Wilderness. The Siskiyou area embodies the most complex and treasured plant communities in the Pacific Northwest.
How to Get There
From Jacksonville, OR, travel 8 miles south on Highway 238 to the community of Ruch, OR. From Ruch, OR, turn left on to Upper Applegate Road (County Road 859). Continue south approximately 8 miles to McKee Bridge Day Use Area, entrance is on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to MCKEE BRIDGE COMMUNITY KITCHEN
Heading to MCKEE BRIDGE COMMUNITY KITCHEN? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for MCKEE BRIDGE COMMUNITY KITCHEN?
No central reservation system listed for MCKEE BRIDGE COMMUNITY KITCHEN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234202) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to MCKEE BRIDGE COMMUNITY KITCHEN?
From Jacksonville, OR, travel 8 miles south on Highway 238 to the community of Ruch, OR. From Ruch, OR, turn left on to Upper Applegate Road (County Road 859). Continue south approximately 8 miles to McKee Bridge Day Use Area, entrance is on the left.
How do I contact MCKEE BRIDGE COMMUNITY KITCHEN?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-899-3800.
References & Official Resources
