Ruch, Oregon
Ruch is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. It is located on Oregon Route 238, southeast of Grants Pass. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 840.
Ruch, Oregon | |
|---|---|
Ruch Ruch | |
| Coordinates: 42°14′14″N 123°2′29″W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Jackson |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.74 sq mi (17.44 km2) |
| • Land | 6.74 sq mi (17.44 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,527 ft (465 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 819 |
| • Density | 121.60/sq mi (46.95/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code | 97530 |
| Area code(s) | 458 and 541 |
| FIPS code | 41-64150 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1148830 |
Ruch was named after Casper M. Ruch, who bought a tract of land where the community now stands in 1896. He built a blacksmith shop, a store and a house. When he was appointed as a postmaster of the new post office in 1897 and allowed to name it. He named the post office after himself. The post office closed in 1939.
There are two structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Ruch—McKee Bridge and Star Ranger Station.
The Ruch area is home to several Oregon wineries and in the Applegate Valley AVA, a sub-appellation of the Rogue Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area). A small elementary school, Ruch Elementary, is located near the center of the community. The school serves Kindergarten to 8th grade with the Cougars as their mascot.
The Applegate River runs through the southwest edge of the valley.