Add These to Your Bucket List!
Whether you enjoy scenic hikes, whitewater rafting , or just enjoying a picnic lunch and relaxing by the quiet flow, you must explore the Rogue River. Central Point to Eagle to Prospect you will want to add these adventures to your bucket list!
ROGUE RIVER & GOLD HILL
HIKE WHERE THE TAKELMA TRIBE WALKED
In 2008 the Rogue River dam was removed to allow salmon to swim freely and to go back to their habitat. In 2010 the city of Gold Hill petitioned to restore the ancient name Ti’Lomikh Falls as it was originally named by the Indigenous tribes. They had lived on the land since time immemorial. A loop trail of 2.7 miles was built so that we could visit this historic site, and to view the beautiful rapids as well as pay respect to the tribes.
After you hike to the falls you can drive just five minutes to visit the Storytelling Stone where the Salmon Ceremony was celebrated annually and where Takelma elders told the story of The Great Dragonfly to keep peace among the tribes. See more details HERE about the history and the future plans to build the First Nations Monument representing the nine recognized Tribes of Oregon, plus one for those with a recognized tribe.
FIND OUT WHICH WAY IS UP
If you’ve traveled in California you’ve seen The Mystery Spot bumper stickers all over the place! Well, southern Oregon has their own “mystery spot” at The Oregon Vortex! See things that test your knowledge of perspective, view the phenomena in the House of Mystery, and more. It’s a fun spot to take the kids to learn about science while having fun!
CENTRAL POINT
TASTE THE WORLD’S BEST CHEESE, SIP WINE, AND NIBBLE LAVENDER CARAMELS
If there is one thing that Central Point is known for it is the Artisans Corridor. At The Rogue Creamery Cheese Shop sample handmade cheeses including a variety of blue cheeses. In 2019 they won the title, Best Cheese in the World at the World Cheese Awards in Italy. You can also get the most amazing grilled cheese drizzled with honey.
Next, head over to Ryan Rose Wine to sip small batch local wines. Sit in their tasting room or enjoy a glass on their charming outdoor patio that is shared with their neighbors Coquette Bakery. Coquette serves European-inspired bread, pastries and even sandwiches on their delicious rolls. Finish off your visit to the Artisans Corridor with a stop into Lillie Belle Farms Artisan Chocolates. Enjoy their hand made chocolates including Lavender Caramels, Blue Cheese Truffles and more. It’s a food lover’s dream!
GET AMAZING VIEWS OF THE ROGUE VALLEY
Hiking the Upper and Lower Table Rocks takes you to amazing heights showcasing the beauty of our area. Upper Table Rock features a boardwalk that goes over vernal pools in the spring and fall. It is also where you will find the endemic flower Dwarf Wooly Meadowfoam blooming in the spring. Wildlife abounds so children and adults alike will be enchanted. Be prepared with lots of water because once you get up top there is no shade. This is one of the more popular hikes in the area so we highly suggest hiking early to avoid the crowds.
SPEED ALONG THE ROGUE RIVER
Get a history lesson while getting your adrenaline rush on a Rogue Jet Boat Adventure! We love these smaller jet boats because you can really feel the rush of the river under you. You will get a 30 mile round trip excursion with a stop at their private lake at Discovery Park. Just sit back and relax while you enjoy the view or rent a paddle boat or kayak to play. It’s such a fun trip for the everyone! They also offer private concerts during the summer months making for a unique and fun date night.
EAGLE POINT TO SHADY COVE & PROSPECT
RAFT THE ROGUE
A Southern Oregon summer isn’t complete without rafting the Rogue River. If you want to raft one of the calmer parts you have to drop-in at Lost Creek Dam where the rapids are really mellow. You can take a self-guided trip without issue, just reserve your raft at any of the rental places in Shady Cove and they will give you the basics on how to take your own half day trip. If you would rater have a guide there are guided trips available from places like the Raft the Rogue Raft Rentals. Make sure to wear your lifejacket for safety and have fun!
VIEW ITS NATURAL WONDERS
The Rogue Gorge and Natural Bridge hike are nothing short of magical. On the Natural Bridge see where the Upper Rogue River disappears 250-feet into an ancient lava tube. It runs underground and has formed a natural land bridge. If your take the 3.5 mile hike you will have fantastic views of the river the whole time. Follow it all of the way to the Rogue Gorge where you will see a river canyon along with pot-hole formations and more lava tubes. If you would like to shorten the hike take the loop at the Natural Bridge Campground and return on the Rogue Gorge Trail to your car.
When you are finished with your hike you must stop in at Beckie’s at the Union Creek Resort for home made pies.
HIKE TO TWO WATERFALLS PLUS A BONUS FALLS
If you are looking for an easy hike, Mill Creek Falls offers a beautiful 1.4 mile trail that takes you to two stunning waterfalls. The hike is through gorgeous, lush green forest and moss covered rocks. As you are hiking the main trail you will hit a fork in the trail. Take a right and you will see the 173 foot Mill Creek Falls to your left. When you continue on the same trail you will run into Barr Creek Falls, a 240 foot fall that will be again on your left. There is a rock outcropping to get your photos. If you go in the spring sometimes it’s a double fall!
As you head back on the path you came in on if you head to the left from the fork you will get to explore the Avenue of the Boulders. The Rogue River is flowing down giant rocks that the kids will love to climb. A magnificent showing of the power of the mighty Rogue River. Here you will find swimming holes tucked among the boulders and places for the kids to slide down. Rock climbing enthusiasts visit the area to boulder around as well.
Finally, we highly suggest driving into the tiny town of Prospect and visiting Pearsoney Falls. It’s less than a ¼ mile hike to visit the stunning falls.
As you continue your exploration of southern Oregon you can see that we are surrounded by stunning beauty at every turn. Next up, Medford and Jacksonville!
