Here you will find that Mother Nature has done some of her greatest work. The pristine waters of Crater Lake, the untamed Rogue, Umpqua and Klamath rivers, the rugged beauty of the Oregon Outback. Skies alive with geese and grosbeaks, rivers rife with rainbows and steelhead. Now, it’s your turn to do great things. Wine lover, hiker, biker, fisher, birder, theater goer, lover of nature and solitude–come see for yourself and do something great.
Seven millennia of rain and snowmelt have filled Mt. Mazama’s volcanic crater with the clearest water in the world. Crater Lake National Park provides diverse habitats for an array of wildlife, and for visitors the comforts of the historic Crater Lake Lodge as well as camping and cabins. Open all year long, there’s nothing quite as breathtaking as a bluebird winter day with Crater Lake radiant in a fresh white blanket of snow.
Enjoy the mild year-round climate, magnificent scenery, and authentic experiences in the Land of Umpqua. Enjoy outdoor adventures including fishing, rafting, and discovering waterfalls galore just minutes from downtown Roseburg. Travel the Volcanic Scenic Byway along the famous North Umpqua River to Crater Lake National Park. Visit historic covered bridges and the many local wineries where you will meet the winemakers personally. Wildlife Safari animal park is an adventure for the whole family–and wind up the day in the pool at the Seven Feathers Casino & Resort on the South Umpqua River.
The Illinois Valley is home to the Oregon Caves National Monument and the Wild & Scenic Illinois River. Recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities abound in countless local parks, galleries and non-profit centers. The famous Redwood Highway–Highway 199 from Redwoods National Park in Crescent City to Grants Pass–runs right through the Illinois Valley wine country, river swimming holes and other delightful outdoor spots.
The Rogue Valley is well-loved for many reasons. For its “Wild and Scenic” Rogue River that runs from Crater Lake to the Pacific. For Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Pacific Crest Trail and skiing on Mount Ashland. For the rising wine country of the Applegate, Illinois, and Rogue Valleys. For Medford’s revitalized downtown and amazing sports facilities and orchards. For Jacksonville’s historic old town and Britt Festivals. For the jetboats and rafting in Grants Pass where everybody knows “It’s the Climate!” – Do Something Great in the Rogue Valley.
Oregon’s shimmering blue gem. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range. It’s a must-see spot during any trip to Southern Oregon. Born out of the eruption of Mt. Mazama 7,700 years ago, the mountain collapsed and created a nearly 2,000-foot deep crater. Seven millenia of rain and snowmelt have filled the crater and has resulted in one of the world’s clearest bodies of water. Scientists have measured the water’s clarity to as deep as 120 feet.
With four well-defined seasons and over 300 days of sunshine a year, Klamath County has plenty of outdoor experiences for you to discover. From fly fishing for giant native rainbows on the Williamson River, to kayaking and whitewater rafting to the Upper Klamath River to quiet canoeing on Klamath Lake at Rocky Point, the recreational opportunities here are virtually endless. And you just might have the place to yourself.
The west is alive and kickin’ in Lake County! The area offers spectacular vistas of rich forests, century ranches and the breath-taking splendor of the high desert. Hang gliders and paragliders fill the skies in the summer, and the winter months are fabulous for skiing the powder of the Warner Canyon Ski Hill. This is a paradise for rock hounds, mountain biking, birding, hot springs, hiking, fishing and camping. Come and discover the excitement where the old west meets the very best.
This area of cosmic wonder includes portions of Malheur, Lake and Harney counties to the east of larger Southern Oregon cities like Medford, Klamath Falls and Ashland. They are so sparsely populated that the region is also known as the Oregon Outback. And while much of the nighttime world grows brighter every year, as much as 11 million acres of Outback are on track to become an official Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2023. That would be the largest area of its kind, and good news not just for curious humans checking out the Milky Way but also for wildlife that needs the dark to thrive.
In Southwestern Oregon’s Illinois Valley, you’ll find adventure at every turn. You may find yourself floating on a raft, spelunking in a cave, admiring flowers in unusual serpentine soil, or picnicking with local wine and some of Oregon’s best sausages. Here are some places not to miss on a long weekend trip in this special area near Oregon’s southern border and an adventure map to help you find your way.
Southern Oregon has long been a draw for mountain biking, thanks to mountainous terrain, terrific scenery and local groups dedicated to maintaining trails. The last several years have seen several new trail systems expand or come online, many close to major towns. If you don’t fancy riding alone, The Handlebar hosts group rides every Tuesday afternoon that start and end at their Ashland shop. Honey Badger Rides hosts Sunday-morning group adventures roughly once a month. Whether you’re a regular shredder or contemplating your first jump, read on to find your trail.
Southern Oregon is a blend of outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and global cultures. Follow along on this first-timer’s June visit as she discovers some of the best things to do in Southern Oregon.
Home to the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Southern Oregon’s theater community offers far more than the Bard’s plays. Any visitor to the area — whether it be for wine tasting in the Rogue Valley or enjoying nature — should check out one of the many venues dedicated to the art of the stage. You’ll find a medley of festivals each year, from classical Shakespeare to experimental productions and innovative new plays. Here are some of the must-see options in 2025. For even more theater and live music performances, check out the full range of events at The Rosebud Theater in Roseburg, The Ross Ragland Theater & Cultural Center in Klamath Falls and the newly restored Holly Theater in Medford.
If you’re wild about wild rivers, it’s a good time to explore the Upper Klamath Wild and Scenic River, which flows through the southern portion of Klamath County southwest of Klamath Falls. With soaring eagles, ink-black night skies and fascinating history, the Upper Klamath is truly a singular section of river.
A destination on many bucket lists, brilliantly blue Crater Lake is one of Oregon’s natural wonders. Its crater formed 7,700 years ago when Mt. Mazama erupted, and thanks to rainfall and snowmelt over the centuries, it’s now the deepest lake in the United States at 1,934 feet. To experience its stunning vistas, visitors can now fly into Medford’s Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) from 11 destinations on the West Coast — including Portland, Los Angeles and San Francisco — for a weekend getaway. Here’s what you need to know about the changes coming to the park this season and beyond.
Southern Oregon Wine Country is an oenophile’s dream, boasting stunning vineyard landscapes, world-class wines, and charming accommodations. Stretching from Eugene to the California border, this diverse wine region is home to six distinct appellations, including the renowned Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley.
Do you have a New Year’s resolution to get outside more this winter and to prioritize personal wellness? With access to some of Oregon’s finest natural areas, spas, healthy dining and world-class wine, Southern Oregon has gorgeous offerings for winter escapes that blend natural wonders with rejuvenating wellness activities. Better yet, the Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford has quick flights from Portland, Los Angeles and San Francisco for a weekend getaway. Here are some of the many cozy options.
From Crater Lake to Mt. Ashland and the multiple Sno-Parks and mountain lakes in between, Southern Oregon is a winter lover’s playground, and snowshoeing is a delightfully simple way to experience landscapes that have been transformed by snow. The learning curve is gentle — the biggest challenge is adjusting your stride so you don’t step on one shoe with the other — and it’s great exercise, too. You can even rent a pair before purchasing your own. Start by exploring these beginner-friendly routes.
As the days grow shorter and nights turn crisp, there are even more reasons to travel to Southern Oregon. By mid-September harvest is in full swing, and outdoors on the trail, you’ll see the leaves turning brilliant hues of yellow and orange. Kiddos can spend hours in a pumpkin patch or make art at various festivals throughout the region, and adults can partake in groundbreaking new theater and seasonal craft brews. Here are some of the ways to make your fall getaway to Southern Oregon even more special.
In the peaceful countryside between Grants Pass and Medford in Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley region, the Applegate Valley is easy to get to from Interstate 5 but feels worlds apart from any hustle or bustle. You’ll find quiet two-lane roads and the rushing Applegate River linking world-class wineries, epic hikes, cozy lodges and one of the country’s best paragliding sites — all close enough to take in on a long weekend. Here’s how to make the most of a 36-hour getaway to the Applegate.
With fertile fields of vegetables, pastures filled with grazing livestock and peaceful back roads lined with sun-dappled orchards, delicious farm-fresh products are everywhere in Oregon’s Rogue Valley. Food trails, tours and festivals make it easy for visitors to take advantage of this remarkable bounty — especially in summer, peak season for the region’s famous fruits. Here’s everything you need to know about making the most of the bountiful summer season in the valley.
When the Oregon Outback in Southern Oregon was designated the world’s largest Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2024, the experts at DarkSky International recognized this amazing place to see galaxies reaching far beyond the imagination. But there’s even more to see in the exceptional backcountry in Lake County. You’ll find history, sunstones, hot springs and more. Here are some suggestions for a road trip to this beautiful, remote area. For more about the area’s dark skies, visit our guide to Southern Oregon stargazing.
Southern Oregon cyclists are gravitating to gravel, and no wonder. Gravel riding — which is simply cycling on unpaved roads — offers scenic views, blissful solitude and a sense of adventure as you veer off the well-worn asphalt. Gravel riding doesn’t require the technical prowess of mountain biking, and many cyclists feel safer on less-trafficked roads that often comprise gravel routes in these rural counties. The region’s many group rides tend to be fun and inclusive, too. Read on for rides and races throughout Southern Oregon.
Seasoned travelers headed through Interstate 5 in Southern Oregon know to take it slow and enjoy some time in many unique communities along the way. Here you’ll encounter walkable small towns, award-winning restaurants, parks, museums and more — all surrounded by lush forests and scenic mountains. Try a few of these itineraries designed to showcase top spots for every kind of road-tripper.
Along a deeply forested stretch of the North Umpqua River, there’s a revered fishing lodge where time stands still. That’s part of the magic of the Steamboat Inn, a woodsy retreat just under 40 miles from Roseburg, perched on a bluff above one of the most famous stretches of fly-fishing water in the world.
In an effort to show “all the world’s a stage,” the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is ready to meet the challenges of the last few years. After a year of hard-core fundraising and a new artistic director, Tim Bond, the rotating repertory company has new funding, new audience goals and a wide variety of offerings on its three stages.
