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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
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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, OR.
541-592-4000
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WEBSITE
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Sleep under the boughs of an old growth forest beside Cave Creek. This campground is located 15 miles up Highway […]

19000 Caves Hwy
Cave Junction, OR.
541-592-2100
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WEBSITE
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Heading to or from the Oregon coast or the giant redwoods on Hwy. 199, you may want to stop for […]

Cave Junction, OR.
800-551-6949
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WEBSITE
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Illinois Valley

Siskiyou Field Institute

Siskiyou Field Institute is a one of a kind field station that provides environmental education programs for adults and kids, […]

1241 Illinois River Road
Selma, OR. 97538
541-597-8530
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WEBSITE
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Illinois Valley

Josephine Campground

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

Selma, OR.
541-592-4000
Learn More
WEBSITE
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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, OR.
541-592-2100
Learn More
WEBSITE
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Illinois Valley

Gabe Lambert Guide Service

PO Box 532
Cave Junction, OR. 97523-1262
(541) 821-4300
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WEBSITE
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Illinois Valley

Grayback Interpretive Trail

The Grayback Interpretive Trail is accessible from either side of the Caves Highway (Highway 46).  From the main trailhead along NF112, […]

Cave Junction, OR.
541-592-4000
Learn More
WEBSITE
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Heavily wooded trail with beautiful scenery. Trail enters the Siskiyou Wilderness at the fourth river crossing. The river offers some […]

Cave Junction, OR.
541-592-4000
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

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01

Day Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail runs north and south 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada; every year hardy thru-hikers attempt to complete the trail in a single season, logging 25 to 30 miles a day.

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02

Cozy Winter Wineries in Southern Oregon

’Tis the season for cuddling up next to a fireplace with a richly flavored, warming glass of red wine. From the scenic wineries of the Umpqua Valley to the snug, softly lit urban tasting rooms of Jacksonville, here’s where you’ll find some of the coziest wine-tasting experiences in Southern Oregon.

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03

Bucket List Adventures in Southern Oregon

If you like epic outdoor adventures, delicious locally sourced dining, and small-batch wine then you are coming to the right […]

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04

Giving Back in Southern Oregon

The dark skies of the Oregon Outback; picturesque wineries in the Applegate Valley; epic mountain biking through old-growth forests on Brown Mountain — there are myriad reasons to come to Southern Oregon. Did you know there are also plenty of ways to give back to the special places you love to visit and help ensure a strong future for these destinations?

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05

Top Culture and Heritage Museums in Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon’s rich history spans millennia, influenced by everyone from Indigenous people to prospectors, farmers and ranchers, and more who have made their mark on the region. Visitors can delve into the past at museums and historic sites that tell their stories. Here are a few of our favorites.

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06

Family Friendly Fall Festivals and Events

UPDATED September 2023 Fall in southern Oregon is absolutely stunning!  Every tree bursts out in beautiful oranges, reds, and yellows […]

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07

Local Burgers Spots

From the classic to the unique and unusual get your cravings met at these local burger spots found only in Southern Oregon.

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08

Calm-Water Paddling in Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon may be world-famous for its frothy whitewater, but flatwater paddlers also have plenty of options. Placid lakes come ringed by shady forests and gentle creeks with little current flow under rolling mountains, making this an ideal place to float in a kayak or atop a paddleboard. Late summer and fall are ideal times to go, but all you need is a calm day any time of year. There’s no way you’ll stay for just a day, so book ahead for a relaxing getaway. Read on for eight places to dip your blade.

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09

Unique Farm and Ranch Stays in Southern Oregon

Want to truly embrace the culinary bounty of Southern Oregon? Spend the night on a farm,  ranch or winery. There’s no better way to get a true sense of where your food and wine comes from, or to experience the region’s warm hospitality and breathtaking landscape. Here are some extraordinary stays where you can experience the sights and sounds of rural life. For even more options, check out Farm Stay USA or Harvest Hosts — an RV camping membership that pairs visitors with farms, ranches, wineries and breweries that have cool spots to camp — and plan to stop for local provisions along one of Southern Oregon’s food trails. 

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010

Sutherlin and Historic Oakland

Take some time to explore Sutherlin and historic Oakland where you will be delighted to find a friendly community in growth. Enjoy a meal, shop locally owned businesses, get outdoors and you will be charmed by the warm welcome you receive.

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011

Adventures Along the Upper Rogue River – Gateway to Crater Lake Series

While Crater Lake National Park may be your main destination for vacation, the journey’s half the fun. For travelers coming from Medford or Grants Pass, the winding route along the upper Rogue River offers adventures along the way, with the communities of Prospect, Trail and Shady Cove serving as gateways to fishing, boating and hiking to waterfalls, wilderness and mountain vistas in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

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012

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.

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013

Unique Places to Stay in Southern Oregon

From glamping on a farm to staying in a covered wagon, a treehouse and even a cave, there’s always a cool place to spend the night in Southern Oregon. Fun lodgings can help elevate any vacation, whether it’s to light a creative spark, connect with nature or thrill the kids. You’ll find a range of alternative lodging experiences for every budget and taste, all offering extraordinary stays. Here are a few of our favorites.

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014

Southern Oregon Cycling Roundup

Ready to test your mettle while pedaling through some of the most varied scenery in the state? Southern Oregon is home to several long-standing annual rides and races, including the spectacular autumn ride in Crater Lake Ride the Rim (September 9 & 16, 2023), which brings up to 5,000 cyclists to enjoy the crater’s rim without motor vehicles. Whether you prefer heart-pumping elevation gain, twisty gravel or road touring, read on to find your event.

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015

Southern Oregon Wildflower Hikes

I reached out to our Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to add to my list of favorite wildflower hikes in our region and we chose our favorites to bring you a combination of easy, family-friendly hikes and some a little more technical for advanced hikers.

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016

Find Farm Fresh at Farmers Markets

Experience all of the farm fresh goodness at Southern Oregon’s farmers and growers markets.

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017

Plug and Play in Southern Oregon

Whether you’re traveling along Interstate 5 or taking a more leisurely tour in your electric vehicle (EV), there are plenty of places to plug and play in Southern Oregon. With new charging stations opening all the time, take the opportunity to stop and discover new places.

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018

Winter Wine and Sunshine in the Applegate Valley

Wine tasting in Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley is a treat any time of year, but visiting in winter is especially sublime. A special set of weather conditions sparks bluebird days — even when the surrounding areas might be blustery and foggy, the valley is warm and sunny.

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019

Medford – Your Vacation Destination

Medford is at the heart of the Rogue Valley making it the perfect destination for your next vacation. While there visit Jacksonville, Ashland, Crater Lake and more!

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020

Southern Oregon Cross-Country Skiing

I’m no adrenaline junkie, but I love the monochromatic beauty of winter landscapes — just me and a few friends, my dog, and the swoosh-swoosh of our skis cutting track through fresh powder. If winter solitude in the backwoods is your thing, there are plenty of alternatives to busier Mt. Ashland that offer phenomenal views and peaceful settings. Here are a few great trails to start with.

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Find Farm Fresh at Farmers Markets