Heartline Ranch and Tipi Village

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.

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.

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.