Route 62 parallels an old stagecoach road between Fort Klamath and the Rogue Valley. While the ruts in the road are gone, the tradition of frontier hospitality lives on in the establishments along this much-traveled mountain pass.

Shady Grove’s top restaurant is Bel Di’s on the Rogue (21900 Rte. 62, Shady Cove, 541/878-2010, 5–9 p.m. Tues.–Sat., 4–9 p.m. Sun., $17–29), with a menu rich in steaks and old-fashioned presentations of chicken and seafood. The dining room is perched on a bluff overlooking the river.

About halfway between Medford and Crater Lake in the vicinity of Prospect are a few eateries worth mentioning. For moderately priced standard American grub, try the Prospect Cafe and Lounge (311 Mill Creek Dr., Prospect, 541/560-3641, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. daily, $12–22).

The dining room at the Prospect Hotel (391 Mill Creek Rd., Prospect, 541/560-3664 or 800/944-6490, 5:30–8:30 p.m. daily June–Sept. and holidays, Fri.–Sun. May and Oct., $10–23) is also recommended. You’ll enjoy roasted red pepper chicken or “Shroomed” Chicken with Linguine à la Karen—a delicious mixture of pasta, chicken, mushrooms, and olives. Local huckleberry pie is a wonderful seasonal treat.

Beckie’s (Union Creek Resort, 56484 Rte. 62, 541/560-3565 or 866/560-3565, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. daily Mar.–Oct., call for winter hours, $7–15) is an intimate place to stop for a bite to eat. One half of the building is an old log cabin; the other half is of modern design with plenty of windows. Breakfast comes with all the trimmings. The lunch menu features sandwiches and burgers. Dinner includes chicken, pork, and steak entrées.