First-time guests to Southern Oregon are sometimes amazed on the pure great thing about this continuously missed area. From limitless waterfalls to pure scorching springs to monolithic volcanoes, areas just like the Rogue Valley and Umpqua Forest really have all of it.
I grew up in Southern Oregon in a small city referred to as Rogue River. It was solely after returning house having turn into knowledgeable panorama photographer, nonetheless, that I spotted how scenic the yard I had taken without any consideration really was!
On this information, you’ll uncover 25 of the very best issues to do in Southern Oregon. These embody the very best hikes and nature trails, distinctive adventures, uncommon locations to remain, and way more. Additionally, you will discover suggestions for touring within the areas that will help you plan your itinerary.
Don’t neglect to depart some feedback after studying, and particularly after visiting, to assist me enhance this information!
Disclosure: So as to hold offering you with free content material, this submit seemingly incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. When you make a reserving or buy by means of one in every of these hyperlinks we earn a small fee at no further price to you. So a HUGE thanks to you should you click on one in every of these hyperlinks 🙂
🚗 Touring to Southern Oregon: An Overview
In regards to the Southern Oregon Area
The area usually known as “Southern Oregon” spans locations off of the I-5 freeway south of Roseburg. This contains cities like Medford, Grants Move, Ashland, and Klamath Falls in addition to the cities and sights adjoining to them.
Although technically within the south of the state, neither the Southeastern or Southwestern corners are usually related to “Southern Oregon”.
There are some absolute treasures at Samuel Boardman on the coast and the Alvord Desert to the east, however each of those require prolonged detours to succeed in.
Getting Round
You’ll completely want a car to discover Southern Oregon. Public Transportation providers are extraordinarily restricted and many of the highlights require driving.
Nonetheless, a typical 2WD car shall be high-quality for the entire locations featured within the Prime 25 Issues to Do in Southern Oregon listing.
When you can’t drive or favor to have issues taken care of for you, there are a number of tour choices however these are considerably restricted. We’ll point out these all through the submit, the place related. Moreover, we’ll cowl tour choices in additional element towards the top!
Greatest Place to Keep
Town of Medford is the perfect house base from which to discover Southern Oregon.
It’s the largest metropolis within the area offering probably the most various vary of lodging choices, probably the most centralized, and positioned straight adjoining to the I-5.
That is additionally the place you’ll discover the one main airport in Southern Oregon.
25 Greatest Issues to Do in Southern Oregon (at a Look)
- Go to Crater Lake Nationwide Park
- Chase Waterfalls By means of Umpqua Nationwide Forest
- Soak in a Geothermal Pool at Toketee Scorching Spring
- Raft the Well-known Rogue River
- Hike Iconic Mt McLoughlin
- Make a Fur Pal at Wildlife Photographs
- Attend a Play on the Oregon Shakespeare Pageant
- Hike to the Prime of Desk Rock
- Style World Well-known Pinot Noir within the Rogue Valley
- Day Journey to the Oregon Coast & California Redwoods
- Go Spelunking at Oregon Caves Nationwide Monument
- Hit the Slopes of Mt Ashland
- Go Stargazing & Milky Manner Looking
- Discover Historic Jacksonville
- Spend a Day on the Lake
- Picnic at Valley of the Rogue State Park
- Hop Throughout the Border to Shasta-Trinity Nationwide Forest
- Style the “World’s Greatest Cheese” Award Winner at Rogue Creamery
- Scramble In regards to the Avenue of the Boulders
- Spend the Night time in a Treehouse at Out ‘ N ‘ About
- Hellgate Jet Boat Tour
- Kayak Crystal Clear Wooden River in Klamath Falls
- Hike A part of the Pacific Crest Path
- Discover the Rising Craft Beer Scene
- Attempt Your Luck at 7 Feathers On line casino
Every of those featured gadgets shall be mentioned intimately under.
🗺 Map of the Greatest Issues to Do in Southern Oregon
Use the interactive map above to search out the precise places for all 25 of the featured locations on this information.
Merely click on on the map to open in a brand new tab, or click on right here.
📸 Prime 25 Greatest Issues to Do in Southern Oregon
🏞 1. Go to Crater Lake Nationwide Park
Indisputably, Crater Lake Nationwide Park is likely one of the most lovely locations on the planet and the one place you completely MUST go to in Southern Oregon.
Perceive that Crater Lake NP is a distant area of the state and could be tough to get to within the winter when street circumstances are poor. Throughout non-summer months, solely the South Entrance to the park is open and whereas it’s plowed often, the excessive elevation tends to current challenges.
Whatever the time of yr, a go to to Crater Lake will at all times be probably the greatest issues to do in Southern Oregon.
There are two choices for lodging inside the park; Crater Lake Lodge or the Cabins at Mazama Village. Moreover, there are campsites and backcountry choices out there. Nonetheless, these are all solely out there seasonally in the course of the summer time months from Could to September or October.
In any other case, day journeys are doable with Medford and Klamath Falls being the closest cities. Medford is preferable as there may be extra to see and do between the 2, and the street (Freeway 62) is far simpler to drive.
There are a handful of different pure sights off of Hwy 62 between Medford and Crater Lake together with some scenic waterfalls similar to Pearsony Falls, Mill Creek Falls, and Barr Creek Falls. Make sure you embody these in your itinerary as properly.
💦 2. Chase Dozens of Waterfalls within the Rogue Valley & Umpqua Nationwide Forest
Southern Oregon is house to many lovely waterfalls, lots of which could be visited on a day journey from Medford all alongside one stretch of freeway.
Amongst them is Toketee Falls; probably the most lovely waterfall in Southern Oregon. It’s nestled into Umpqua Nationwide Forest between the town of Roseburg and Crater Lake Nationwide Park.
A roaring cascade splits columnar basalt rock because it continues by means of an enchanted lush inexperienced surroundings. A go to to Toketee Falls is a must-do when visiting Southern Oregon!
The hike to the principle waterfall viewpoint is lower than a mile with no actual elevation acquire. Although it isn’t paved nor wheelchair accessible, it’s manageable for many even with mobility points.
Whereas Toketee Falls is probably the most picturesque within the area, additionally, you will move by a number of others all price a cease. These embody Nationwide Creek Falls, Mill Creek Falls, Barr Creek Falls, Pearsony Falls, Watson Falls, Clearwater Falls, and White Horse Falls.
⚠️ READ THE FULL GUIDE
ALL THE WATERFALLS OF SOUTHERN OREGON: A ROAD TRIP GUIDE
♨️ 3. Soak in a Geothermal Pool at Toketee Scorching Spring
Soaking within the pure rock tubs at Toketee Scorching Springs, aka Umpqua Scorching Springs, is likely one of the most enjoyable and pleasurable issues to do in Southern Oregon. It is usually probably the greatest FREE issues to do!
What was as soon as a locals-only treasure has turn into fairly common, however stays an unbelievable expertise. Finish a day of chasing waterfalls all by means of the Umpqua Nationwide Forest with a brief hike (about 1 mile) to the a number of pure tubs nestled into the hillside of the North Umpqua River.
Remember that clothes is non-compulsory right here and most elect birthday fits over swimsuits! Alcohol and marijuana use are additionally quite common at this location.
In case you are adventurous, Toketee Scorching Spring must be in your bucket listing. If touring with youngsters, nonetheless, chances are you’ll wish to skip this one.
🚣♀️ 4. Raft the Well-known Rogue River
Rafting the Rogue River has been a favourite pastime of Southern Oregonians for generations, however gained nationwide notoriety following the filming of the Hollywood blockbuster “The River Wild“.
Completely different sections of the river supply alternatives for all talent ranges. These of you who simply wish to cool off and float, for instance, can prepare a rental and drop off out of Shady Cove and by no means have to paddle. Thrill seekers, in the meantime, can goal for the Galice part and navigate a Class V speedy.
Whereas rafting is definitely going to be way more pleasurable within the scorching summer time seasons, spring and autumn are additionally common occasions.
You will discover quite a lot of tour choices for rafting the Rogue River, from half-day scenic floats to white water rafting and even multi-day adventures.
⛰ 5. Hike Iconic Mt McLoughlin
Standing majestically over the Rogue Valley and visual from a lot of I-5, Mt McLoughlin is probably the most iconic function of Southern Oregon and an emblem of delight locally.
Enjoyable reality, it additionally was once generally known as Mt Pitt and can nonetheless be labeled as such, often.
For these with a need to succeed in the very best vantage factors, varied mountaineering trails to the highest of Mt McLoughlin can be found when snow is just not current. The most well-liked possibility is USDA Path #3716 – a 5-mile path to the summit maintained by the forest service. That is additionally a part of the Pacific Crest Path (PCT).
In fact, you don’t have to climb it to get pleasure from it! Most of my favourite views and photograph ops are from the bottom, particularly among the close by alpine lakes.
📸 DISCOVER MORE:
MOST BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS IN SOUTHERN OREGON
🐺 6. Make a Fur Pal at Wildlife Photographs
Wildlife Photographs is the very best factor to do for households and animal lovers in Southern Oregon, and you may be ok with supporting them!
This isn’t a zoo, nor an exhibition, however slightly an animal rescue and rehabilitation heart. 90% of the animals they look after are re-released, however those that can’t be turn into academic ambassadors. Nearly all of these ambassadors had been tried to be saved as pets and might due to this fact not safely be re-introduced to the wild.
Wildlife Photographs has been featured on a number of TV packages, probably the most notable being “Crikey! It’s the Irwins“.
Guests can browse Wildlife Photographs on a self-tour or interact with among the animals by way of a “wildlife encounter expertise.”
That is Sophie and my favourite place within the Rogue Valley to go to and help. Now we have labored with them on a number of events and might’t say sufficient good issues in regards to the workers or the work they do.
🎭 7. Attend a Play on the Oregon Shakespeare Pageant
Regardless of the identify, the Oregon Shakespeare Pageant (or OSF as it’s identified domestically) produces basic and up to date performs that go properly past the scope of Shakespeare.
This is likely one of the best nationwide attracts in all of Southern Oregon and an absolute must-do in case you are visiting between late April and December.
Throughout this time annually, 800-850 performances happen. If doable, I like to recommend attempting to catch one in every of them staged within the out of doors Allen Elizabethan Theatre.
When you are in Ashland, additionally, you will discover an artsy, quirky downtown with an emphasis on all issues artisan. Along with the funky retailers and boutiques, you’ll uncover craft breweries & distilleries, upscale eating, and inevitably some type of seasonal occasions happening.
🥾 8. Hike to the Prime of Desk Rock
Desk Rock is just not well-known outdoors of the Rogue Valley, however it’s maybe probably the most heralded pure function within the area amongst locals of Medford and Central Level.
You’ll catch your first glimpse of Desk Rock from the I-5 freeway as you close to Central Level. In case you are searching for an excuse to stretch your legs with a view to savor, you possibly can hike to the highest of each Higher and Decrease Desk Rock.
Higher Desk Rock is a 3.2-mile roundtrip climb with a average elevation acquire. Most hikers solely want just a little over an hour to succeed in the highest. It is usually the extra common for the views.
Decrease Desk Rock is about double this at over 6 miles roundtrip, however can nonetheless be carried out in a half-day go to.
🍷 9. Style World Well-known Pinot Noir within the Rogue Valley
The 2004 movie “Sideways” introduced important notoriety to what Oregonians already knew; we produce some unbelievable wine! Specifically, Pinot Noir from Oregon is taken into account the very best on the planet!
4 even seasons and ample area have created an excellent house for vineyards in Southern Oregon. What’s extra, the idyllic surroundings of the Rogue Valley and surrounding areas present wine tasters with a deal with that the eyes can get pleasure from whereas the nostril and mouth are onerous at work.
Even when you don’t contemplate your self a connoisseur, a day in a tasting room or out of doors area within the lovely Southern Oregon wine nation is actually one of the vital pleasurable methods to spend a day or night.
Under are the preferred wineries and tasting rooms within the area:
- Del Rio Vineyards
- 2Hawk Vineyard
- RoxyAnn Vineyard
- DANCIN Winery
For full enjoyment, let another person do the driving! Take into account a full-day vineyard tour so you possibly can simply calm down and benefit from the wine and views!
🌊 10. Day Journey to the Oregon Coast & California Redwoods
The Southern Oregon coast is probably probably the most photogenic shoreline in your complete US. It’s much less identified for its seashores, nonetheless, than for the unbelievable sea stacks, pure bridges, arches, and different types of savage and wild magnificence.
Samuel H Boardman Scenic Hall is the very best stretch of all for witnessing this spectacular nature. That is an 11-mile stretch that begins simply north of the Oregon border metropolis of Brookings.
From Medford, the drive to the Southern Oregon coast is about 2.5 hours, so it would be best to spend a minimum of the day if not one evening there.
On the way in which, you’ll drive by means of sections of mighty California Redwoods Nationwide & State Park and are completely inspired to cease to expertise these up shut and private! These stoic, arbor monoliths have seen loads of their centuries on this planet, and standing amongst them is a humbling expertise.
Jedidiah Smith State Park shall be your best level of entry, although you will note redwood bushes from Hwy 199 that takes you to the coast.
🌊 FIND OUT MORE:
TOP 10 BEST PLACES ON THE SOUTHERN OREGON COAST
🧗 11. Go Spelunking at Oregon Caves Nationwide Monument
Positioned outdoors of Cave Junction in a distant a part of Southern Oregon, the Oregon Caves Nationwide Monument is a 4,554-acre park that protects an underground wonderland.
Spelunkers (a time period for individuals who get pleasure from exploring caves) will uncover a world of stalactites, stalagmites, and different pure phenomena which have taken eons to create drop by drop.
When you’ve got by no means explored caves earlier than, this is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Southern Oregon. The ranger-guided excursions require a little bit of maneuvering in tight areas, however the expertise is lots of enjoyable for these with out claustrophobia and you can be amazed at how various nature’s artistry really is.
⛷ 12. Hit the Slopes of Mt Ashland
Mt Ashland is the crown jewel that looms above the artsy, quirky metropolis of Ashland. In the summertime, hikers and downhill mountain bikers benefit from the twisting trails that result in some unbelievable views of Mt McLoughlin and the Cascade Mountain vary.
Within the winter, the mountain is reworked right into a snow-covered powder wonderland good for snowboarding, snowboarding, sledding, and snow-shoeing.
Whereas Mt Ashland is just not up there with the likes of Jackson Gap or Breckenridge, it’s an easily-accessible vacation spot even within the winter for these searching for a enjoyable household ski journey or who simply wish to spend a day on the slopes.
When the snow is thawed, this is likely one of the greatest locations within the state for mountain biking and different downhill journey sports activities.
Different issues price trying out in Ashland are Lithia Park, the recent springs at Lithia Springs Resort, and probably the greatest scenes for foodies and artwork lovers in all of Oregon. Ashland can be host to quite a few occasions year-round, probably the most well-known being the Oregon Shakespeare Pageant (OSF) which you’ll have observed already function on this listing.
🌌 13. Stargaze the Famously Darkish Night time Skies
Southern Oregon is house to among the darkest evening skies within the state. With no metropolises for tons of of miles in any course, astrophotographers and informal stargazers alike shall be blown away by the unbelievable show of infinite area on any clear evening.
These of you visiting Southern Oregon from a metropolis ought to make it some extent to spend a minimum of one night someplace distant appreciating our evening sky.
When you go to between March and September on an evening with out moonlight, you’ll simply be capable to spot the Milky Manner with the bare eye (simply don’t count on the colour and element {that a} digital camera can obtain).
Any darkish place is nice, however any lake shall be an particularly good guess. Lakes may have unobstructed views and are typically free of sunshine air pollution at evening. These with views of Mt McLoughlin are even higher!
👨🌾 14. Discover Historic Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a small, charming city outdoors of Medford that has carried out a formidable job preserving its historical past whereas maintaining with fashionable wants. It’s a juxtaposition of the Previous West with fashionable providers, and it’s superior!
I extremely suggest spending a night grabbing dinner at one of many many wonderful eating places and exploring the very walkable city on foot.
On Thursdays, you possibly can pattern native craft beers and BBQ’d oysters outdoors at Bella Union, then stroll throughout the road to the old school Boomtown Saloon for a sport of shuffleboard.
And, in case your go to occasions out for the summer time months, make sure to try a present on the Britt Pageant. This out of doors live performance and comedy venue is actually probably the greatest within the nation.
🌅 15. Spend a Day on the Lake of Your Selection
There are just too many lovely lakes in Southern Oregon to declare one as “the very best” to go to. I definitely have some favorites in fact which I’ll identify under, however I urge you to spend a soothing day respiratory within the recent air and being aware of this planet’s magnificence at any one in every of them.
Your private pursuits will largely decide which possibility is the very best for you. For photographers, Willow Lake is my favourite because the views of Mt McLoughlin are unbeatable, particularly at evening and at dawn. Fish Lake and 4 Mile Lake present related views and experiences.
Diamond Lake is positioned on the way in which to Crater Lake and is a extremely popular place for weekend fishing journeys. There’s additionally a lodge, making in a single day stays simpler for these not planning on tenting.
In case you are staying in Medford and need one thing close by, Agate Lake and Emigrant Lake would be the greatest choices.
🧺 16. Picnic at Valley of the Rogue State Park
Positioned proper off of the I-5 freeway simply past the town of Rogue River is, surprisingly, the most-visited state park in all of Oregon at Valley of the Rogue State Park.
To be clear, that is on no account probably the most spectacular park. Its excessive customer rely is most definitely a product of its proximity to a significant thoroughfare than to the actions out there, however it is usually only a pretty, tranquil place to spend a day!
Valley of the Rogue follows a piece of the Rogue River the place folks can float, swim, picnic, or camp. Restrooms and tenting amenities can be found, as are picnic tables.
In case you are simply touring by means of Southern Oregon and searching for the very best issues to do and not using a detour, Valley of the Rogue State Park shall be your greatest guess for a quick-stop vacation spot.
🌄 17. Hop Throughout the Border to Behold Mt Shasta
Now and again, you’ll catch glimpses of the unbelievable twin peaks of Mt Shasta from Southern Oregon. As lovely as it’s from right here, it’s completely spellbinding up shut!
The drive from Medford to Weed, a metropolis on the base of Mt Shasta, is just just a little over an hour and is properly price it!
Whether or not you wish to get pleasure from a day on a close-by lake and respect its grandeur, hike among the close by trails, or discover some waterfalls and scorching springs, the Shasta-Trinity Nationwide Forest offers a wealth of unforgettable alternatives for nature lovers.
This may simply be carried out as a day journey from Southern Oregon, or as a part of a street journey. Equally, these with the time ought to contemplate staying a minimum of one evening close by. Fort Lake is a very wonderful place to look at the dawn!
🏔 READ THE COMPLETE GUIDE:
SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST ULTIMATE GUIDE: BEST HIKES & VIEWS
🧀 18. Style the “World’s Greatest Cheese” Award Winner at Rogue Creamery
Calling the Oregon Blue Cheese from Rogue Creamery the “greatest on the planet” is just not hyperbole; this native treasure was really awarded the unbelievable distinction on the 2019/2020 World Cheese Awards in Bergamo, Italy.
In accordance with their web site:
“A panel of over 250 of the world’s foremost cheese connoisseurs selected Rogue River Blue as Grand Champion – a primary for an American-made cheese.”
If that doesn’t qualify as probably the greatest issues to do in Southern Oregon for the foodies amongst you, nothing will!
You possibly can go to Rogue Creamery at their Cheese Store in Central Level, Oregon, or go to the farm itself out in Grants Move.
🪨 19. Scramble In regards to the Avenue of the Boulders
The Avenue of the Boulders is a scenic stretch of the Rogue River named for the enormous boulders that occupy the river mattress. You will discover it on the way in which to Crater Lake from Medford should you take the Mill Creek Drive detour.
Scrambling amongst these boulders as a part of an adventurous type of hike is a favourite factor to do in Southern Oregon for locals. Nonetheless, these with mobility points or a scarcity of time and need for such issues can nonetheless get pleasure from picturesque views of the world from the Mill Creek Drive bridge.
Whereas right here, additionally, you will wish to ensure you prepare a while for Mill Creek Falls and Barr Creek Falls close by, in addition to Pearsony Falls within the city of Prospect simply up the street.
🌳 20. Spend the Night time in a Treehouse at Out’N’About
Fulfill that childhood dream of staying in a real-life treehouse at Out’n’About in Cave Junction.
Tucked away within the Illinois Valley is that this quirky “Treesort” the place company can sleep in one in every of a number of treehouses.
You’ll be completely amazed on the degree of performance they’ve achieved, and the evening you spend right here is bound to be one you discuss everytime you assume again in your time in Oregon.
For the adventurous, they provide ziplining on-site with a number of completely different programs to select from. Moreover, they provide horseback rides and rafting journeys.
🚤 21. Hellgate Jet Boat Tour
Hellgate Jetboat Excursions is an area family-run enterprise offering probably the greatest issues to do in Southern Oregon for the entire household.
Take an exciting experience alongside the Rogue River gliding inches above the water on a fast-paced and scenic joyride.
Make it much more of an journey by choosing one in every of their 4-hour brunch or dinner choices. With these, you’ll get pleasure from a narrated tour of 36 miles of the river by means of the attractive Hells Canyon earlier than stopping at Hellgate River Lodge for a champagne brunch or dinner.
🚣 22. Kayak Crystal Clear Wooden River in Klamath Falls
The top of Wooden River options among the most unbelievable coloration and water readability you’ll ever float on.
No expertise is important for this tranquil water expedition outdoors of Klamath Falls, simply hire or borrow a kayak and make sure to convey a digital camera.
Even when kayaking is just not your factor, make a journey to the Wooden River Day Use space to marvel on the surroundings. The USDA Forest Service maintains this space, offering tenting and amenities for a day journey or in a single day go to.
🥾 23. Hike A part of the Pacific Crest Path
The Pacific Crest Path (aka the PCT) is a Nationwide Scenic Path spanning your complete 2,650-mile vary from Mexico to Canada.
It has been a well-known pilgrimage of types for generations however obtained a brand new degree of fame following the 2014 hit movie “Wild” based mostly on the e-book by Cheryl Strayed.
Most hikers will solely ever do a number of miles of the PCT, although there are many folks on the market who’ve walked each single mile. That is usually carried out in shifts, however some have achieved it multi functional season.
In case you are a type of individuals who likes to tick off bucket lists, some sections of the PCT are simply accessible from Southern Oregon, permitting you to wander as far alongside it as your coronary heart needs.
The simplest entry level within the area shall be simply outdoors of Crater Lake.
🍺 24. Discover the Rising Craft Beer Scene
The craft beer scene has exploded in Southern Oregon. Between the handfuls of native breweries and the numerous regional vineyards, there isn’t any scarcity of choices for these whose thought of exploring a spot contains a minimum of a little bit of imbibing.
Each metropolis in Southern Oregon has a minimum of a pair craft breweries, however Medford is the stand out.
Amongst them, Portal Brewing is our favourite for inventive and experimental beers. Bricktowne Brewery close by is a extra social possibility with good meals to pair together with your brew of alternative.
Different high choices embody Walkabout in Medford, Caldera in Ashland, and Weekend Beer Co. in Grants Move.
🎰 25. Attempt Your Luck at Seven Feathers On line casino
Feeling fortunate? The Seven Feathers On line casino is conveniently positioned straight adjoining to the I-5 as you journey by means of Southern Oregon in both course.
Along with providing the entire typical slots and video games, this full-service venue additionally brings in well-known performers for weekend exhibits. Admittedly, most of them are a bit previous the prime of their careers, however the exhibits are nonetheless a lot entertaining!
For these with the time and self-discipline, I might suggest a fast cease to gas up on the most cost-effective pumps within the state, then ducking in for a budgeted spherical of video games at most. Nonetheless, Seven Feathers does have a lodge for company who plan on attending exhibits and making an evening out of it!
📝 Suggestions for Planning Your Journey to Southern Oregon
Now that you already know all the very best locations to go to in Southern Oregon, it’s time to plan the remainder of your go to!
This part will present perception into the essential planning bits similar to the place to remain, the right way to get round, and so forth.
🌃 Greatest Cities to Keep in Southern Oregon
Relying in your precise itinerary, there are a number of stable cities to think about staying in Southern Oregon. Under is a breakdown of the very best choices and issues to think about when deciding which is greatest for you.
Medford / Central Level
Medford or close by Central Level would be the greatest place to remain in Southern Oregon for almost all of tourists.
As a result of that is the most important metropolis within the area, it’s the place you’ll discover the widest vary of lodging when it comes to measurement, value, and high quality. It is usually the place you’ll discover probably the most providers and eating places, in addition to some nightlife.
Medford is centrally positioned whereas additionally being adjoining to the I5, making it the perfect house base on your time in Southern Oregon.
Maybe most significantly, Medford has the one main airport in Southern Oregon.
⭐️ Greatest for: Most vacationers, particularly longer stays, these eager to discover quite a few areas, and people flying in and/or out.
Ashland
Simply down the freeway is the touristy metropolis of Ashland.
Ashland is probably the most charming and fascinating of the cities in Southern Oregon, with an actual concentrate on all issues hand-made, artisan, and craft. It options an eccentric mixture of artists, faculty youngsters, and tie-dye-touting retirees.
Ashland is a good possibility for character, however goes to be by far the most costly possibility for all providers, together with fuel, lodging, and meals. There’s even a metropolis tax that doesn’t exist wherever else within the state.
⭐️ Greatest for: Non-budget vacationers who usually are not planning many day journeys.
Grants Move
Grants Move is the gateway metropolis to the Southern Oregon coast, and the second largest metropolis within the space.
It presents a full vary of providers and facilities, and can be the house and birthplace of the more and more well-known “Dutch Bros Espresso”.
Grants Move is a fantastic metropolis positioned on the Rogue River and is a stable possibility to think about. It’s nearer to the coast and Oregon Caves, however a lot farther from the waterfalls and Crater Lake. There’s additionally only a bit much less to do right here than in Medford, particularly at evening.
⭐️ Greatest for: Accessing the Southern Oregon coast, and a very good possibility for an evening or two.
Klamath Falls
As soon as a metropolis to keep away from, the mountain city of Klamath Falls is quickly being restored and improved due to a flood of California cash shifting in.
Parks that had been as soon as untouchable at the moment are nice locations to stroll the canines and benefit from the day, and a bar scene that after introduced chills is changing into protected and pleasurable.
Nonetheless, I might not suggest Klamath Falls as a base of operations for many visiting Southern Oregon. It’s the most distant possibility and requires traversing a mountain move that’s typically snowy and icy, even in non-winter months.
It is usually an extended distance from the I-5 and the least central location for many of the greatest issues to do within the area.
Whereas I went to varsity at OIT in Klamath Falls and can at all times have lots of love for the town, this won’t be the most suitable choice for many of you.
⭐️ Greatest for: Entry to Crater Lake and Mt Shasta in summer time.
🚗 Getting Round Southern Oregon
The one approach to get round Southern Oregon is by car. Bus and aircraft providers can get you to Medford, however you will want a hire a automotive or van to get round as soon as right here.
The excellent news is that the roads are all simply drivable even in the course of the winter months. Normal 2WD autos will be capable to get you to any of the places featured on this information except a uncommon winter storm has just lately hit onerous.
Even the roads to the waterfalls, scorching springs, and distant locations talked about shall be paved, plowed, and usually accessible year-round.
🚍 Southern Oregon Excursions
Whereas I might suggest renting a automotive and exploring Southern Oregon by yourself to see probably the most of this lovely area, I respect this isn’t the most suitable choice for everybody.
For these of you that favor excursions, you’ll discover that the choices are way more restricted than in different elements of the USA. Nonetheless, under are among the best-rated excursions out there to think about.
Multi-Day Excursions
5-Day Exploration of Southern Oregon
Beginning in Medford, this 5-day tour takes you to all the principle highlights in Southern Oregon, together with Crater Lake, Rogue Creamery, Oregon Shakespeare Pageant, Hellgate Jetboat Excursions, Wineries, and extra.
That is maybe the very best tour possibility for seeing the highlights of the area in a number of days.
7-Day Oregon South Expertise
Whereas not strictly a Southern Oregon tour, this 7-day Oregon tour does take you to some of the very best locations to go to in Southern Oregon. A few of these embody Crater Lake, the Southern Oregon coast, the Rogue River, and California Redwoods.
It begins and finishes in Portland and visits different elements of Oregon too. This could be a very good possibility for people who need a whistlestop tour of the state and don’t thoughts touring at a quick tempo.
Day Excursions in Southern Oregon
Rogue River Rafting Excursions
There are a selection of nice tour choices for rafting the Rogue River. Whether or not you’re searching for a half-day scenic float, full-day white water rafting, or perhaps a multi-day journey, yow will discover it.
Under are among the top-rated Rogue River rafting excursions:
Full-Day Tour of Rogue Valley Wineries
Spend the afternoon sipping world-class wines and taking in beautiful views as you go to three distinct wineries within the Bear Creek area.
🙋♀️ FAQs About Issues to do in Southern Oregon
This part solutions probably the most continuously requested questions concerning the very best issues to do in Southern Oregon. Merely click on the drop-down arrows to disclose solutions.
What are the very best issues to do in Southern Oregon?
The highest 25 greatest issues to do in Southern Oregon are:
- Go to Crater Lake Nationwide Park
- Chase Waterfalls By means of Umpqua Nationwide Forest
- Soak in a Pure Scorching Spring at Toketee
- Raft the Well-known Rogue River
- Hike Iconic Mt McLoughlin
- Make a Fur Pal at Wildlife Photographs
- Attend a Play on the Oregon Shakespeare Pageant
- Hike to the Prime of Desk Rock
- Style World Well-known Pinot Noir within the Rogue Valley
- Day Journey to the Oregon Coast & California Redwoods
- Go Spelunking at Oregon Caves Nationwide Monument
- Hit the Slopes of Mt Ashland
- Go Stargazing & Milky Manner Looking
- Discover Historic Jacksonville
- Spend a Day on the Lake
- Picnic at Valley of the Rogue State Park
- Hop Throughout the Border to Shasta-Trinity Nationwide Forest
- Style the “World’s Greatest Cheese” Award Winner at Rogue Creamery
- Scramble In regards to the Avenue of the Boulders
- Spend the Night time in a Treehouse at Out ‘ N ‘ About
- Hellgate Jet Boat Tour
- Kayak Crystal Clear Wooden River in Klamath Falls
- Hike A part of the Pacific Crest Path
- Discover the Rising Craft Beer Scene
- Attempt Your Luck at 7 Feathers On line casino
What’s Southern Oregon identified for?
Southern Oregon is greatest identified for its four-season local weather excellent for rising pears and wine grapes, and can be changing into identified for the excellent pure great thing about the area.
Southern Oregon can be the area the place you’ll discover solely Nationwide Park within the state in Crater Lake NP.
What’s Medford Oregon identified for?
Medford is thought for being the most important metropolis in Southern Oregon and the gateway to the attractive Rogue Valley. Along with boasting spectacular pure magnificence, the Medford space is legendary for its vineyards, craft beer scene, and pears.
The place ought to I keep in Southern Oregon?
Medford is the very best place to remain in Southern Oregon. As the most important metropolis, it offers the widest vary of providers & lodging in addition to an excellent central location for exploring domestically.
Different common areas to think about are Central Level, Eagle Level, Ashland, and Grants Move.
Is Jacksonville Oregon price visiting?
The historic city of Jacksonville is likely one of the most charming and quirkiest cities in your complete state of Oregon. Guests will benefit from the fashionable facilities juxtaposed with the Previous West character.
Is Southern Oregon price visiting?
Southern Oregon is house to among the most lovely and various nature in the US. Vacationers with an curiosity in out of doors actions ought to completely embody Southern Oregon on any west coast itinerary.
Is Southern Oregon fairly?
Southern Oregon is a surprising area for nature lovers, boasting limitless waterfalls, mesas, deserts, coast, and naturally, the one Nationwide Park within the state (Crater Lake). It’s an space of excellent pure magnificence.
How far is the ocean from Medford Oregon?
By automotive, Crescent Metropolis is the closest level on the coast from Medford and is a 2 hour & 15-minute drive (111 miles). Brookings is the closest level on the Oregon facet of the border at 2.5 hours.
📖 Extra Oregon Journey Guides
The 2 of us work very onerous to create these free journey guides that will help you plan your dream trip. When you assume we’ve carried out a very good job and want to say thanks, please contemplate clicking the donate button under 🙂
Are you planning a bigger street journey round Oregon and the attractive Pacific Northwest? Or maybe you’re an area simply trying to get out and discover extra of our lovely state?
Browse the titles under for a few of our hottest Oregon journey guides:
💬 Remaining Ideas on the Greatest Issues to Do in Southern Oregon
The 2 of us work very onerous to create these free journey guides that will help you plan your dream trip. When you assume we’ve carried out a very good job and want to say thanks, please contemplate clicking the donate button under 🙂
I really hope you may have discovered this information on the very best issues to do in Southern Oregon helpful as you intend your journey to my hometown!
Although admittedly biased, I genuinely consider this area to be one of the vital missed and under-appreciated elements of Oregon… particularly for nature lovers!
Now, I’d like to listen to from YOU!
Was there something lacking from this information you assume must be included? Something that’s unclear? Was it every part you hoped and extra?
Assist us to assist future readers by sharing your ideas within the feedback under!
📌 Loved this information to the Greatest Issues to do in Southern Oregon? Pin it 🙂
