Lakeview

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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Weekend Getaway to Historic Jacksonville

Dreaming of live music and a picnic with friends under a sky full of stars? Get away to pictureseque Jacksonville, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards near Ashland and Medford. In this small town, many of the 19th-century brick buildings and gracious homes have been preserved, and the downtown district, with its brick facades, feels like the film set of a Western. Each summer it’s home to an outdoor music festival that makes the town come alive with arts and culture.

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Exploring Waterfalls in the Crater Lake Region

Crater Lake isn’t the only spectacular water feature in Southern Oregon. The mountains and valleys of the entire volcanic region are dotted with waterfalls that provide a rushing, watery exclamation point to many hikes. Springtime is best to catch high-volume falls bursting with fresh snowmelt, but you’ll enjoy them all year round — expect cooling mists on hot summer days and vibrant views amidst fall foliage.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. […]

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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.

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Rivers & Lakes of Southern Oregon

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

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