The History of Apple Farming in Oak Glen
Oak Glen is a small mountain community tucked into the San Bernardino Mountains, just 15 miles east of the city of San Bernardino. Sitting at an elevation of 4,734 feet with a population of around 600 people, it has become one of Southern California’s most beloved destinations for apple picking, festivals, and weekend getaways.
But long before apple pies and cider stands lined the road, Oak Glen had a very different story.
Before the Orchards: The First Inhabitants
Long before European settlers arrived, the Cahuilla and Serrano peoples called Oak Glen home.
Acorns: The Original Staple Crop
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The unique elevation and climate produced large black acorns, prized for food.
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The tribes harvested and processed acorns using metates – grinding stones still visible in the streambeds today.
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Acorns were leached along the waterways, a process that left behind archaeological evidence over 100 years old.
These early inhabitants lived in harmony with the land, relying on its natural abundance long before apples ever arrived in The Glen.
Early Settlers and the First Ranches
European settlers began arriving in the late 1800s, and their earliest crops were surprisingly not apples.
Potatoes: The First Major Crop
According to Huell Howser’s California’s Gold, the very first Caucasian settlers grew potatoes in the 1890s – thanks to Oak Glen’s cool climate and rich soil. Fun fact: on the “front side” of Oak Glen is a shortcut road called Potato Canyon Rd, a nod to the history of potato farming in the glen.
But everything changed in 1876.
The First Apple Orchard (1876)
In 1876, Enoch Parrish planted Oak Glen’s first apple orchard. He recognized something special about the area:
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A cool mountain climate
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High elevation
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Rich, well-draining soil
These conditions were ideal for growing apples – especially heirloom varieties that struggled in hotter regions.
Soon after Parrish, the Wilshire family began planting orchards of their own, laying the foundation for Oak Glen’s future as an apple-growing community.
Growth of Apple Farming in the Early 1900s
The Rivers Family (Los Rios Rancho) – 1906
In 1906, the Rivers brothers arrived and established Los Rios Rancho – Spanish for “The Rivers Ranch.”
Today, Los Rios Rancho is more than 100 years old and remains one of Oak Glen’s most iconic destinations, drawing over 300,000 visitors each year.
The Law Family and Roadside Commerce – 1930s
In the early 1930s, the Law family contributed another major chapter to the town’s agricultural history by building:
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The first roadside packinghouse
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The first restaurant
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The first gift shop
This shift toward visitor-friendly commerce began shaping Oak Glen into what it is today.
The Oak Glen Schoolhouse: A Glimpse Into Early Mountain Life
No history of Oak Glen is complete without mentioning the Oak Glen Schoolhouse, one of the community’s most charming historical landmarks. Built in the early 1920s, the one-room schoolhouse served as the educational center for the children of farming families who lived and worked in the Glen. At a time when the nearest towns were far below in the valley and travel was difficult – especially in winter – this simple structure became a vital hub of daily life.
This schoolhouse is now a museum that is open to the public for tours. Staged to preserve what it would’ve looked like during it’s prime, it’s a flashback to the past and a fun place to visit.
The Rise of Apple Tourism (1940s)
Although Oak Glen had exported apples for decades, the 1940s brought a major transition.
Several family farms began selling:
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Fresh apples
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Homemade apple pies
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Apple cider
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Apple butter
Roadside stands became an instant success, attracting travelers from across Southern California.
Oak Glen quickly transformed from a quiet agricultural area into an apple boom town, especially during harvest season.
Heirloom Apples: A Treasure Preserved
One of Oak Glen’s most unique qualities is its commitment to heirloom apple varieties – many of which have disappeared from commercial orchards.
Varieties Still Grown in Oak Glen Include:
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Ben Davis
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Gravenstein
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Pink Pearl
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Arkansas Black
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Glen Seedling
These apples are prized for their flavor, history, and rarity. Many of them are grown only in Oak Glen today.
A Changing Industry: From Exporting to Agritourism
As large-scale apple production shifted to other regions, Oak Glen’s export industry declined dramatically.
But instead of fading, the town reinvented itself.
Today, Oak Glen growers make much of their revenue through:
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Pick-your-own apple experiences
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Festivals and seasonal events
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Cider pressing
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Restaurants, bakeries, and gift shops
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Educational programs
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Outdoor recreation
Visitors now walk the same orchards planted over 100 years ago – connecting history, agriculture, and tourism in a uniquely hands-on way.
Preserving the Land: The Wildlands Conservancy (1996)
In 1996, The Wildlands Conservancy purchased Los Rios Rancho and surrounding lands to ensure Oak Glen’s rural character would endure.
They opened the Oak Glen Preserve, which offers:
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Scenic hiking trails
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Picnic areas
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Wildlife viewing
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Educational programs
Their stewardship helps protect the mountain backdrop and orchard landscapes that make Oak Glen so iconic.
Oak Glen in Modern Culture
According to the Los Angeles Times, the fictional mountain town in Tamara Thorne’s horror novel Moonfall is based on Oak Glen – testament to its unique charm and atmosphere.
Geography at a Glance
Oak Glen covers:
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15 square miles
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Nearly 100% land
Its high-elevation climate continues to shape both its history and its agricultural success.
Conclusion
From acorn groves to potato farms to the thriving apple orchards that define it today, Oak Glen’s agricultural story is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in the land itself.
Over a century later, many of the original ranches are still operating – inviting visitors to taste heirloom apples, explore historic orchards, and experience a living piece of California history.