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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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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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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.

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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 […]

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Ultimate Guide to Gravel Rides in Southern Oregon

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.

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Road Trip Adventures on Interstate 5 in 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.

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Spotlight on the Historic Steamboat Inn

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.

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Making Shakespeare Accessible to More Theatergoers

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.

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Spas and Wellness Spaces

Get pampered, soak and relax in Southern Oregon If you are looking for places to reconnect and mellow out with […]

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Give the Gift of Southern Oregon

Plan your trip to Southen Oregon Welcome to Southern Oregon, where the spirit of the holidays shines brighter than ever! […]

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