While Ashland may be the focus of your trip, and you will certainly find many things of interest here, consider adding additional days. The other cities in the Rogue Valley, large and small, have some wonderful attractions and things to do. Then head for the hills for some of the most breathtaking scenery and outdoor activites you can imagine, including the world famous Rogue River as well as Oregon's only National Park, Crater Lake.

Read the brief sketches below and click on the underlined links for further information.

Crater Lake National Park:  Crater Lake has inspired people for hundreds of years. No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, and an outstanding outdoor laboratory and classroom. For more information go to: http://www.nps.gov/crla/

The Rogue River:  The Rogue River flows from the Cascade Range to the Pacific Ocean, passing through the cities of Medford and Grants Pass.  World famous for its fishing and white-water rafting, it is one of the original eight rivers included in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, which included 84 miles of the Rogue, from 7 miles west of Grants Pass to 11 miles east of Gold Beach.  For more information go to: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/rogue-siskiyou/

Jacksonville: Nestled among rolling hillsides of evergreens, at the entrance to the Applegate Valley Wine Country, lies the historic town of Jacksonville. Having preserved its gold rush roots from the 1800's, it is one of few towns able to boast its designation as a National Historic Landmark. Take in a little of its history by strolling the old cemetery, visiting the museums, or riding the trolley to view the many historic homes and landmarks.  For more information, go to: http://www.jacksonvilleoregon.org/ 

Medford:  In its first 110 years, Medford has grown from a small town with unpaved roads to the largest City in Southern Oregon and the seat of Jackson County Government. With a current population of over 75,000, the City continues to grow and flourish. Once primarily dependent on timber and agriculture, Medford is a thriving regional trade center with a growing residential population, expanding medical facilities, growing retail opportunities, expanding economic development, increasing tourism and abundant recreational opportunities.  For more information go to: http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Index.asp

Grants Pass:   Grants Pass is the county seat of Josephine County, Oregon.  Located on Interstate 5, northwest of Medford, attractions include the Rogue River, famous for its rafting, and the nearby Oregon Caves National Monument located 30 miles south of the city. As of the 2006 census, the city population was more than 30,000 people.  For more information go to: http://www.visitgrantspass.org/Index.aspx?page=9 

Oregon Caves National Monument:   Oregon Caves National Monument offers family focused opportunities to explore a marble cave, visit a National Historic Landmark (the Oregon Caves Chateau), hike trails through ancient forests, and earn a Junior Ranger Badge.  For more information go to: http://www.nps.gov/orca/