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. World-class wild rivers, biological diversity, remarkable fisheries resources and complex watersheds define the Siskiyou. Diverse landscapes provide habitat for a wide-range of wildlife, from spotted owls and bull elk to salamanders and sandhill cranes.
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.
Nearby: The United States Congress designated the Red Buttes Wilderness in 1984 and it now includes a total of 19,940 acres. Management of the Red Buttes Wilderness, located on the California/Oregon border, is shared by the Klamath National Forest and the Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest. Several, nearby lakes are close to McKee. Acorn Woman Peak looks south to Acorn Woman Lakes, a semi-primitive developed recreation area that accepts camping reservations from May through October. Applegate lake is a large reservoir with boat ramps, campgrounds, viewpoints and a developed recreation area named Hart tish. Both Acorn Woman Lakes and Applegate Lake are open for fishing year-round.