Explore roads less traveled with these gravel-cycling routes and rides. Southern Oregon cyclists are gravitating to gravel, and no wonder. Gravel riding — which is simply cycling on unpaved roads — offers scenic views, blissful solitude and a sense of adventure as you veer off the well-worn asphalt. Gravel riding doesn’t require the technical prowess of mountain biking, and many cyclists feel safer on less-trafficked roads that often comprise gravel routes in these rural counties. The region’s many group rides tend to be fun and inclusive, too. Read on for rides and races throughout Southern O ..read more

Enjoy great eats and cultural stops along the route from Ashland to Roseburg. Seasoned travelers headed through Interstate 5 in Southern Oregon know to take it slow and enjoy some time in many unique communities along the way. Here you’ll encounter walkable small towns, award-winning restaurants, parks, museums and more — all surrounded by lush forests and scenic mountains. Try a few of these itineraries designed to showcase top spots for every kind of road-tripper. Oregon Shakespeare Festival grounds (Photo by Jak Wonderly)Gardens and Theater Road Stop in Ashland  Hop off the highway ne ..read more

Experience natural wonders and winemaker dinners at this Umpqua River fishing lodge. Along a deeply forested stretch of the North Umpqua River, there’s a revered fishing lodge where time stands still. That’s part of the magic of the Steamboat Inn, a woodsy retreat just under 40 miles from Roseburg, perched on a bluff above one of the most famous stretches of fly-fishing water in the world. Riverside Cabins Steeped in History  The first things that will capture your imagination when you walk into the low-slung inn are the nostalgic black-and-white photos peppering the walls. Yes, that’s J ..read more

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival offers sign language and other programs for all in 2024. In an effort to show “all the world’s a stage,” the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is ready to meet the challenges of the last few years. After a year of hard-core fundraising and a new artistic director, Tim Bond, the rotating repertory company has new funding, new audience goals and a wide variety of offerings on its three stages.  It’s also upped its accessibility initiatives for the 2024 season. As before, audience members can enjoy the plays using accommodations, including space and elevators for mo ..read more

Get pampered, soak and relax in Southern Oregon If you are looking for places to reconnect and mellow out with your partner, spas offer many opportunities to unwind. Get facials, soak in healing mineral waters and enjoy side-by-side massages at Southern Oregon’s spas and wellness spaces. Ashland Blue Giraffe Day Spa is a full service spa right in downtown Ashland offering everything from waxing to massage. They also have head to toe packages that include, steam, facials, pedicures and side-by-side massages. At Chozu enjoy Japanese tea and sake service while you soak in their bath gardens. You ..read more

Ashland is the perfect jumping-off point for hikes for all skill levels. 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.  The trail enters Oregon a few miles southwest of Mt. Ashland and crosses Interstate 5 before following the Cascade crest northward. The Southern Oregon stretch offers a diverse menu of options, from family-friendly outings to strenuous all-day treks, all within a half-hour’s drive of Ashland. Located off I-5 at the south end of th ..read more

Warm up with a glass or a flight of wine at these welcoming spots. ’Tis the season for cuddling up next to a fireplace with a richly flavored, warming glass of red wine. From the scenic wineries of the Umpqua Valley to the snug, softly lit urban tasting rooms of Jacksonville, here’s where you’ll find some of the coziest wine-tasting experiences in Southern Oregon. Reustle Prayer Rock VineyardsThe Umpqua Valley The northernmost of Southern Oregon’s wine regions, the Umpqua Valley has a diverse climate that makes it ideal for growing Oregon’s beloved pinot noir and pinot gris, along with warmer ..read more

If you like epic outdoor adventures, delicious locally sourced dining, and small-batch wine then you are coming to the right place.  Find less crowds, breathtaking views, and often you can get a trail all to yourself.  Join us as we show you some of our favorite spots that you do not want to miss while visiting southern Oregon. SKI, HIKE, & PLAY ON MT. ASHLAND Mt. Ashland isn’t like any other mountain.  Found in the small town of Ashland, it’s an epicenter of outdoor activity year round.  In the winter ski and snowboard the slopes, or grab your snowshoes and hike Grous ..read more

Seek out regenerative-tourism opportunities for a deeper experience in the region. 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?  This concept is at the heart of regenerative tourism. Both sustainable and regenerative tourism consider the “triple bottom line” of people, economy, and ..read more

From the ice age to the Gold Rush, these spots bring the region’s history to life. Southern Oregon’s rich history spans millennia, influenced by everyone from Indigenous people to prospectors, farmers and ranchers, and more who have made their mark on the region. Visitors can delve into the past at museums and historic sites that tell their stories. Here are a few of our favorites. Wolf Creek Inn (Photo courtesy of Oregon State Parks)History Adventures From Roseburg to Cave Junction If you’d like to see mastodon tusks or covered wagons, Douglas County Museum in Roseburg is the place for you ..read more