With fall just around the corner, my daughter, grandchildren and I took a day trip out to Oak Glen—apple country. A native-born Southern Californian, I had never heard of Oak Glen until my daughter happened upon it on the Internet a number of years ago. Looking for something to do, we decided to make the trek out there and go exploring.

Coming from Eastvale, the first exit for Oak Glen off the 10 is in Yucaipa, after Redlands and before Beamont. Oak Glen Road makes a loop from Yucaipa through historic apple ranches and Oak Tree Village through Cherry Valley to Beaumont. Visiting the various apple ranches offers lots of variety to keep kids entertained.

Our first stop was the Parrish Pioneer Ranch. According to a local historian, Mormon pioneer Enoch Kidder Parrish traded his four-horse freight team and wagon with Joseph P. Fuller (who may be some relation to the owners of Eastvale’s Fuller Rancho—see Eastvale History article) for 160 acres of land owned by Fuller in what is now Oak Glen.

At the Parrish Ranch, we bought sandwiches—which were fantastic—and  ate outside under a shade tree while serenaded by a transient robin at Apple Dumplin’s Bakery Café. Of course we bought an apple pie for home (also delicious). Across the parking lot is a wonderful little art gallery, Wildland Images Gallery owned by a husband and wife team, Fariad and Jennifer. Fariad happily  shared some of his favorite spots in and around Oak Glen including the ponds at Los Rios (only open in the fall), Oak Knoll park, and recommended we pick up Mile High Ranch Rd. after Riley’s Ranch to view the sunset while driving on the ridge of the mountain (area map highly recommended--we missed the turnoff). One point of interest on the Parrish Ranch are the Giant Sequoias planted in 1905 by Enoch's son, Frank. I know of no other place in Southern California where you can glimpse a view of these magnificent trees. Plan to stay long enough to catch their Western Stunt show.

A bit down the road from the ranch is Oak Tree Village. The village has a slew of unique shops. It's worth a stop and wander. A bit further down the road is Riley's at Los Rios Rancho. Aside from historic wagons and adorable shop with a tree inside, it is also the start of The Wildlands Conservancy trail. We couldn't resist buying honey sticks, creamy apple blossom honey, and butter pecan syrup.

A good sign of a good time is losing track of time, which we did--Oak Glen is worth a trek off the beaten path. The last leg of our journey back to the 10 was scenic and relaxing. The road follows the ridge of the mountain offering inspiring views of our San Bernardino Mountains.

Images from Oak Glen (Click on an image to open slide-show view):