Applegate Motel

17923 Applegate Rd, Applegate, CA 95703, Auburn Lake Trails, United States

Guest rating: 2.7 / 5

Overview

Applegate Motel is a small, independently run roadside motel located at 17923 Applegate Rd in the rural community of Applegate, California, within the Auburn Lake Trails area. It holds no formal star rating and carries a modest public rating of 2.7 from 43 reviews, reflecting its budget, no-frills character. The property serves as a basic overnight stop for travelers passing through the Sierra Nevada foothills rather than a destination resort.

Rooms

Specific amenities and room features are not documented for this property. Guest feedback suggests the rooms are older and have drawn criticism for cleanliness and upkeep, so travelers should set expectations accordingly and consider inspecting a room before committing to a longer stay.

Location & Nearby Recreation

The motel's setting puts guests within a short drive of numerous outdoor recreation spots, including Upper Lake Clementine Beach (about 4 km away), Foresthill Divide Loop Trailhead 1 (4.5 km), Codfish Creek Falls Discovery Trail (4.6 km), and Lake Combie (4.4 km). Slightly farther out are Lake Clementine itself (6.6 km), the Lake Clementine Trail and Quarry Road Trail (around 10 km), and No Hands Bridge (10.6 km). This makes the motel a convenient low-cost base for hikers, anglers, and day-trippers exploring the Auburn State Recreation Area and surrounding foothill trails.

Regional Attractions

Beyond the immediate outdoor sites, guests can reach the Auburn State Recreation Area Ranger Station (about 12 km), Old Town Auburn Business Association area (13.8 km), Colfax Heritage Museum (11.5 km), Placer County Museum (13.7 km), Mt. Vernon Winery (13.5 km), Hidden Falls Regional Park (15.5 km), and Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park (19.4 km). These give visitors a mix of historic Gold Country towns, museums, wineries, and regional parks to explore during a stay in the area.

Best for

This motel best suits budget-conscious travelers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts who want a simple, low-cost place to sleep while spending their days at nearby lakes, trails, and the Auburn State Recreation Area. It's well suited to hikers and campers passing through the foothills rather than travelers seeking upscale amenities or polished accommodations.

Travel tips

Because the motel sits in a rural stretch of Applegate Road, having a car is essential for reaching both the property and the surrounding trailheads, lakes, and towns, many of which are 4 to 20 km away. Plan to fuel up and stock supplies before arriving, as the immediate area is oriented toward outdoor recreation rather than dense commercial services. Given mixed feedback on room condition, it may be worth calling ahead or asking to see a room before check-in.

What guests say

Guest feedback on Applegate Motel is mixed. Some reviewers speak positively about the friendliness of the owner, describing personal, welcoming service. On the other hand, a recurring negative theme concerns room condition, with guests citing dated decor, dirtiness, and inadequate maintenance. Overall, the modest 2.7 rating from 43 reviews reflects this split between appreciated hospitality and concerns about cleanliness and upkeep.

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