Mckee Bridge Community Kitchen

About

Situated along the rocky banks of the Applegate River in southwest Oregon, the McKee Bridge Community Kitchen is a day-use picnic shelter and registered National Historic Site. The shelter showcases impressive Civilian Conservation Corps masonry from the 1930s, including a beautiful stone fireplace, historic CCC tables, and wood cook stoves. The large pine timber construction provides a covered gathering space for groups up to 50 people. The surrounding area offers access to swimming and fishing in the Applegate River, with much of the day-use area flat and easily accessible except for steps leading down to the water. Nearby Applegate Lake provides additional recreation including boating, hiking, and year-round fishing. The Mule Mountain Trail and Red Buttes Wilderness offer hiking opportunities through the diverse Siskiyou Mountain landscape. This is a day-use facility only with no overnight camping. The Community Kitchen shelter can be reserved through Recreation.gov for $50/day, though reservations do not provide exclusive use of the facility.

Directions

From Jacksonville, OR, travel 8 miles south on Highway 238 to the community of Ruch, OR. From Ruch, turn left onto Upper Applegate Road (County Road 859). Continue south approximately 8 miles to McKee Bridge Day Use Area; entrance is on the left.