Get Travel Southern Oregon highlights delivered to your inbox

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

There is a lot to do in Southern Oregon! Be the first to hear about local events, seasonal highlights and a get local’s perspective on the region.

Close

Play

With so much to do, and so many places to do it, let us help you find the adventure you are looking for.

Do something great in Southern Oregon

City
Activity
Attraction
Region
''
Illinois Valley

Pearsoll Peak Lookout

Sitting atop Pearsoll Peak in the the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, this volunteer maintained historic lookout provides breathtaking scenic views.  

Selma, Oregon, OR.
541-592-4000
Learn More
WEBSITE
''
Illinois Valley

Little Falls Campground

Little Falls Campground is a pleasant little campground, complete with views of the Illinois River and the expansive mountains surrounding the […]

Selma, Oregon, OR.
541-592-4000
Learn More
WEBSITE
''
3710 SE 36th Pl Apt 6
Wilderville, OR. 97543
(503) 544-0787
Learn More
''
Illinois Valley

River Bench Campgound

Several walk-in campsites along the Illinois River. River Bench Day Use and Campground are located on a lower river terrace, […]

Selma, Oregon, OR.
541-592-4000
Learn More
WEBSITE
''
Illinois Valley

Josephine Campground

A rustic setting above Josephine Creek and the Illinois River.   6 campsites with picnic tables, and fire pits  No […]

Selma, Oregon, OR.
541-592-4000
Learn More
WEBSITE
''
Illinois Valley

Old Growth Trail

This historic trail, connecting the Visitor Center to the main parking lot, gradually climbs past oak trees, over marble outcrops, […]

Cave Junction, Oregon, OR.
541-592-2100
Learn More
WEBSITE
''
Illinois Valley

Bolan Lake

Bolan Lake is a 12 acre, high mountain lake with a shoreline of Douglas-fir, pine and hemlock. It provides cool […]

Cave Junction, Oregon, OR.
Learn More
WEBSITE
''
Illinois Valley

Wimer Stage Road

Follow old stage roads constructed in the 1880s and later upgraded with gravel surfaces generally well graded andpassable to most […]

O'Brien, Oregon, OR.
Learn More
''
Illinois Valley

Augustino Estate & Vineyard

The unique 1,500-square-foot “Treeloon” tasting room—a combination tree house/tasting room perched in the tree tops, offers guests a magical location […]

400 Brown Road
O'Brien, Oregon, OR. 97534
541-596-2818
Learn More
WEBSITE

ADAPTIVE RECREATION IN SOUTHERN OREGON

Home to wild rivers, deep canyons, dazzling mountains and iconic Crater Lake, Southern Oregon has enough natural beauty for all, and many destinations have thoughtfully improved or built in accessibility features to welcome more visitors. Here are a few options to inspire your next vacation itinerary.

Stories

View All
01

Your Guide to Southern Oregon Stargazing

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.

Read On
02

4 Family Winter Adventures in Southern Oregon

If you’re looking for winter fun, Southern Oregon has it all — including ice skating, skiing and sledding. Towns in the region go all out for the holidays, too, with a banquet of festivals, parades, artisan fairs and tree lightings. Load the family in the car and choose from these four wintry getaways.

Read On
03

Local Gifts for the Food Lover in Southern Oregon

With its rich agricultural heritage, wine and cheese production, and award-winning food businesses, Southern Oregon welcomes food lovers to enjoy wineries, restaurants, farmers markets and boutique shops. It also makes it easy to share the joy with food-loving friends back home. Here is a guide to some of our favorite food gifts, from charcuterie baskets to immersive culinary experiences.

Read On
04

Where to See Monarch Butterflies in Fall in Southern Oregon

Western monarch butterflies are relatively rare in the Pacific Northwest, but Southern Oregon is a hot spot for the iconic insects with beautiful orange-and-black wings. If you’re traveling through the region in early fall, you may spot monarchs as they make their way to their wintering grounds on the California coast. Read on to learn how you can mindfully and safely observe the butterflies, as well as what you can do to help monarchs — and other pollinators — thrive.

Read On
05

Wine Tasting in the Umpqua Valley

Over the following decades, winegrowers have flocked to the valleys and hillsides around the Umpqua River, which was recognized as an official American Viticultural Area in 1984. Today it’s a great place to learn exactly why Oregon is such a special place to grow grapes and make and taste wine. It’s also packed with plenty of other culinary delights, from organic farms to specialty coffee roasters, which you can experience on the Great Umpqua Food Trail. Here’s how to plan a perfect wine-tasting getaway to the Umpqua Valley.

Read On
06

Adventure Weekend in the Illinois Valley

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.

Read On
07

Guide to Southern Oregon Mountain Biking

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.

Read On
08

Best Things to do in Southern Oregon as a First-Time Visitor

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.

Read On
09

Top Theater Festivals 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.

Read On
010

What’s New on the Upper Klamath River

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.

Read On
011

How to Enjoy Crater Lake

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.

Read On
012

A 72-Hour Guide to Southern Oregon Wine Country: Where to Sip, Savor, and Stay

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.

Read On
013

Winter Wellness Escapes in Southern Oregon

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.

Read On
014

Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing in Southern Oregon

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.

Read On
015

Celebrating Fall in Southern Oregon

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.

Read On
016

36 Hours in the Applegate Valley

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.

Read On
017

Lake County Tour de Outback: A Cycling Adventure in Southern Oregon

The Lake County Tour de Outback, held each June, is a premier cycling event for road and gravel biking enthusiasts. […]

Read On
018

Summer on the Rogue Valley Food Trail

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.

Read On
019

Rivers & Lakes of Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon is known for it’s crystal clear lakes and scenic rivers.

Read On
020

Oregon Outback Road Trip to Lake County

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.

Read On
021

The Rogue River: Central Point to Eagle Point to Prospect

Add These to Your Bucket List! Whether you enjoy scenic hikes, whitewater rafting , or just enjoying a picnic lunch […]

Read On
Monarch butterfly feeding on purple aster flower in summer floral background. Monarch butterflies in autumn blooming asters.
woman kayaking on flat water with green lilly pads in the background.
A cozy inn tucked into a garden.
Two people walking through snow.
A bear sculpture sits along a river surrounded by fall foliage.
A barn in a field with a red sign saying Pennington Farms.