Don’t miss this one! About 70 miles from Medford, it is truly spectacular and may even still have snow in May! The rim drive will likely not be open but you can see the lake and do some hiking (or even snowshoeing) from the west entrance. On the way, stop at the Natural Bridge or check out the Rogue River Gorge Overlook trail and interpretive site, also on Highway 62 as you go through Union Creek. From Crater Lake, take a detour to Diamond Lake or Lemolo lake if you have the time. Diamond Lake has a motel and cabins for rent. There is an 11 mile paved bike path around the lake-awesome for a bike ride or hike with views of Mt. Thielsen and Mt. Bailey. Sarah first completed this ride when she was 7! From Crater Lake you can also go to Roseburg if you wanted to go to Wildlife Safari (see information below).
On the way to Crater Lake National Park, stop at Natural Bridge, a lava tube that routes the Rogue River underground for 200 feet. At peak times 335,000 gallons of water per minute go through this tunnel. It’s a spectacular site. There is a 1 mile hike at mile marker 55 on Highway 62.
Hike one of the two Table Rocks. 1-2 mile short, fairly steep hikes with spectacular views from the top. There is a wildflower that only grows on the top of these two mesas. www.BLM.gov. Jet boat tours on the Rogue River leaving from Grants Pass (25 miles north of Medford). Hellgate Jet Boat tours offers day time and evening trips with meals, boats go through the Wild and Scenic part of the Rogue River that is protected. www.hellgate.com. River rafting on the Rogue River is awesome if the weather is warm. Might be too chilly at the end of May, but it is great fun. Wine tasting – Over 70 local wineries with varietals to meet all palates. I have favorites I can recommend based on what types of wines you like and how much time you have. Medford Railroad Park- only open on Sunday May 26 from 11-3.
Rogue Creamery- artisan cheeses- one of their cheeses has won best blue cheese in the world several times. Samples are offered! www.rogue creamery.com. Lillie Belle chocolates- known for their lavender chocolate and other creative confections. www.lillieBellefarms.com. Crater Rock Museum- great place for rock hounds.
Historic gold mining town. Lots of fun shops and great restaurants. From Jacksonville you can head into the scenic Applegate area, which has a multitude of wineries and very scenic country. Jacksonville is home of the Britt Outdoor Music Festival which features all types of musical performances from classical to jazz, pop, ,bluegrass etc. in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Rogue valley. www.brittfest.org.
Home of the nationally renowned Shakespeare Festival in addition to Southern Oregon University. Lithia Park is spectacular in May and has a great playground and many trails to hike. Lots of art galleries, shops and restaurants as well. For tickets to one of their many plays visit OSFAshland.org.