The deep lake, green countryside and cloud-touching peaks of Southern Oregon stun visitors with scenic diversity and picturesque beauty. Find numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures, from trekking up mountains to cruising across a crater lake. Meanwhile, the region’s cities are alive with exciting things to see and do. Explore historic buildings, descend into marble caves and kayak over rapids.
Travel to Crater Lake National Park in the Cascade Mountains. The big draw is the lake itself, the deepest in the U.S. Hike to the water's edge, drive or cycle the 33-mile (53-kilometer) Rim Drive or go on a ranger-guided boat cruise across the lake. Try to spot the Old Man of the Lake, a 30-foot (9-meter) log that has been floating upright for hundreds of years. In the winter, go skiing and snowmobiling in the park.
Originating near the lake is the Rogue River, which flows for 215 miles (345 kilometers) to the Pacific Ocean. Go whitewater rafting and kayaking on its wild section and hike through the diverse countryside of mountains, cliffs and forests that surround it.
The scenery is just as spectacular below the ground. Go to the Oregon Caves National Monument and venture into marble caves that were cut deep into the Siskiyou Mountains by rainwater.
In addition to your rugged and relaxing outdoor pursuits, visit Southern Oregon’s towns, which offer exciting attractions and historical landmarks. Tour the former gold rush town of Jacksonville, now a national historic landmark. Learn about pioneer life in the museums of Klamath Falls and stop at Fort Klamath, a town named after the nearby 19th-century fort.
If you enjoy wine, schedule tasting trips to the region's wineries, including those near Elkton and Eagle Point.
To take advantage of Southern Oregon's year-round recreational activities, history, natural beauty and wine-making heritage, drive or come by bus or train. Long-distance travelers can fly into Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport or Portland International Airport in Portland.
