Merrill

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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River Lodges of Southern Oregon

When it comes to gorgeous waterways, Southern Oregon is second to none. Home to the Wild and Scenic Rogue, Illinois and North Umpqua rivers, this part of the state also holds some of the most storied and iconic river lodges in Oregon. Here you’ll find cabins and inns rich in history and tradition, where nature-loving families have come for decades to experience the magic. Of course, these places book up fast and some close for the winter, so start your planning now.

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Southern Oregon’s Signature Trails

It’s no secret that Oregon’s wilderness is second to none. With remote lakes, snowy peaks and storybook forests of ancient trees dripping in moss and awe, the state’s untrammeled beauty belongs to those who hike.

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Harvest Time on the Great Umpqua Food Trail

Ready for pumpkins, apples, pears, olives and all the flavors of fall in Southern Oregon? Hit the road and check out the new Great Umpqua Food Trail in Douglas County. Like its sister route, the Rogue Valley Food Trail — which features culinary delights from Grants Pass to Ashland — Great Umpqua offers a self-guided trail through Southern Oregon’s lush farmland and vineyards. Stop in at more than 40 farms, wineries and shops committed to showcasing the best ingredients of the Umpqua Valley. During harvest time, you’ll get to savor the season’s cool days, clear nights and all the abundance.

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Our Revels Now Continue

Rogue Valley’s renowned arts and culture are back with style Summer brings out the best in Southern Oregon, including outdoor […]

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Gateway to Crater Lake Series: Adventures in the Communities Southeast of Crater Lake

Head south on Highway 62 to paddle brilliant blue waters, camp, and learn local history Crater Lake National Park is […]

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Fun Fall Events for the Whole Family in Southern Oregon

UPDATED September 2022 Fall in southern Oregon is absolutely stunning! Every tree bursts out in beautiful oranges, reds, and yellows […]

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