McKee Bridge Day-Use Area – A Little Gem Of Applegate River

McKee Bridge Day-Use Area and Community Kitchen sits near McKee Covered Bridge on the Applegate River in Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests, just a short drive from Jacksonville and Medford. It is a fantastic spot for a refreshing dip, picnicking, swimming, and maybe even an Oregon country-style wedding!

The McKee Bridge Community Kitchen is a unique feature of this place. This is a reservable group picnic shelter registered as a National Historic Site.

It is constructed with large pine timber, has a stone fireplace, and even two pianos! It is not unusual to see wedding ceremonies held on the McKee Covered Bridge and at the McKee Community Kitchen.

You are only reserving the Community Kitchen shelter. The picnic area is separate and open on a first-come basis. There are 45 picnic sites, drinking water, and vault toilets. Day-use area has plentiful parking.

Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities at the McKee Bridge Day-Use and the surrounding area.

The Applegate River is easily accessible for fishing, wading, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. The swimming hole is just down the river from the bridge, and you can access it by taking a short set of rocks and steps.

On the other side of the creek is a cliff with a rope some swimmers use to jump into the water.

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests is excellent for hiking, skiing, biking, and scenic views of volcanic peaks, rivers, and old-growth forests.

Open: Year-round for day-use
Managed by: US Forest Service

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, sheltered group picnic site, drinking water, and vault toilets
Activities: Swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and picnicking

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Only for group picnic shelter

You can reserve the McKee Bridge Community Kitchen at recreation.gov

Elevation: 1,600 ft (488 m)

McKee Bridge Day Use Area is located:

• 16 miles southwest of Jacksonville
• 22 miles southeast of Medford
• 104 miles southeast of Roseburg.