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Stories Archive: Activities

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.