Travel Southern Oregon

05/28/2026

Things to do at Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve 🔦

• Take a cave tour — Explore the "marble halls of Oregon" on a ranger-guided tour, or look into specialty experiences like candlelight tours. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially in peak summer months.
• Take a hike — Trails around the monument offer year-round hiking through old-growth forest, mountain landscapes, and quieter corners of the Siskiyous.
• Visit the historic district — Stroll through the distinctive historic district, known for its rustic architecture and the iconic Oregon Caves Chateau. (The Chateau is currently closed while awaiting rehabilitation funding.)
• Stargaze — As a certified International Dark Sky Park, the monument offers exceptionally dark skies for nighttime viewing.
• Camp — Stay overnight in the forest and spend more time exploring the monument after the day visitors head home.

From underground adventures to quiet nights beneath the stars, Oregon Caves offers unforgettable National Park experiences.

05/27/2026

Celebrating Oregon Wine Month? Keep the celebration going in June at Savor Southern Oregon. 🍷

This annual event brings together wineries, growers, chefs, and makers from across the region for an evening of Southern Oregon wine, local food, and connection. Whether you’re a longtime wine enthusiast or just beginning to explore the region’s wine scene, it’s an inviting way to discover what makes Southern Oregon wine country so distinctive.

📍 Jacksonville, Oregon
🗓 June 12–13
Tickets available at savorsouthernoregon.com

05/22/2026

On Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re celebrating the people, places, and partnerships helping make travel in Southern Oregon more welcoming for everyone.

With Oregon and several Southern Oregon communities now accessibility verified by , visitors can explore with greater confidence—from National Parks and cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and local food & wine.

Exploration should be for everyone!

05/21/2026

We’re thrilled to announce that our candlelight tours will begin this weekend! Get ready to experience the park in an enchanting new light as we guide you through its history and stories, all illuminated by the warm glow of candles. Experience the park in a unique, beautiful glow as we guide you through its history and stories by candlelight. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing evening or a memorable adventure, these tours offer a wonderful opportunity to explore and connect. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this magical experience together!

You can reserve your spot on this tour at Recreation.gov or stop into one of our visitor centers. For safety reasons, children must be 10 years or older to participate in the candlelight tour.

05/20/2026

Add these must-do activities to your Crater Lake itinerary this summer! ☀️

From scenic drives and hiking trails to swimming, stargazing, and ranger programs, there’s more to experience here than most first-time visitors expect. And because Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, every season offers a different way to connect with the landscape.

This summer, stay a little longer. Try something new. Take the long way around the rim.

There’s plenty waiting beyond the first viewpoint.

Explore more Crater Lake ideas at https://www.southernoregon.org/outdoor-activities/what-to-do-at-crater-lake-national-park/

05/20/2026

Just. Let. Go!

Crater Lake ZipLine takes adventure to the treetops! The entire zipline course is suspended in the trees—meaning once you leave the ground, you won’t come back down until the tour is over.

Just a short drive from Crater Lake National Park, it’s an easy addition to a Southern Oregon adventure itinerary.

And there’s plenty to do before or after your tour too, including kayak trips, ax throwing, and more outdoor fun.

05/19/2026

As temperatures start to warm up and you plan your next adventure at Oregon Caves, we want to remind visitors about how to share the preserve safely with one of our resident species, the black bear! Spring and early summer bring increased bear activity as black bears search for food, move through habitat and, in some areas, protect cubs. When visiting Oregon Caves remember these important tips to keep you and our bears safe!

🐻 Most encounters can be prevented! Visitors can reduce their risk of a black bear encounter by hiking in groups, avoiding hiking at night, dawn, or dusk, making noise while hiking, staying alert, and storing food correctly.

🐻 Bear safety protects people and bears; food-conditioned or habituated bears are more likely to approach people, damage property or require management action. Improper food storage puts both visitors and bears at risk, so do not allow bears to get human food and ensure you are picking up and packing up.

🐻 If you happen to encounter a bear never approach it, a photo or selfie is not worth a negative bear encounter! If it doesn't notice you stay calm and quietly back away, picking up any small children. Report the encounter to park staff as soon as it is safe to do so.

🐻 If a black bear sees you stay calm, speak in a calm voice, slowly wave your arms and back away slowly. Do not run away as it could provoke them into chasing you.

🐻 If a black bear approaches you stand your ground and make loud noises by yelling and clapping your hands.

We want you to enjoy Oregon Caves safely, so always be Bear Aware!

Photo by: NPS/ I. Ekblom

05/19/2026

Celebrate Oregon Wine Month by taking a wine tour! Wine tasting on a tour in Southern Oregon can be easy, approachable, and incredibly scenic. 🍷

Skip the planning stress and let local wine tour operators guide the day—whether you’re exploring the Rogue and Applegate Valleys or hopping aboard the Jacksonville Wine Trolley.

From transportation and tasting stops to local recommendations, tours make it simple to relax, discover new favorites, and enjoy the journey between vineyards.

Explore tour operators and guides on SouthernOregon.org

05/15/2026

Open for the season! 💙 Crater Lake Lodge and Dining Room open for summer 2026 today, May 15.

First opened in 1915, the historic lodge has welcomed travelers to the rim of Crater Lake for more than a century—and there are few better places to slow down and take in the view.

Planning an overnight stay? Book early—rooms fill quickly during the summer season. Even if you’re not staying the night, the lodge is worth a stop for dinner, a cozy moment by the fire, or for a sip of local beer or wine on the patio overlooking the lake.

Find more details with or book a stay at explorecraterlake.com

05/14/2026

The Wild & Scenic Rogue River is shaping up for another dependable summer rafting season. 🌊

While many Western rivers are experiencing lower water conditions this year, the Rogue benefits from managed releases through Lost Creek Reservoir, helping maintain reliable rafting flows throughout the season.

That means travelers can feel confident planning everything from family-friendly floats to multi-day wilderness adventures from May through October.

With warm weather, splashy rapids, forested canyons, wildlife, and nights under star-filled skies, the Rogue continues to stand out as one of the Pacific Northwest’s classic summer river trips. And with experienced guides and outfitters offering half-day, full-day, camping, and lodge-to-lodge experiences, getting on the river is easier than ever.

Learn more about rafting the Rogue and connect with Guides & Outfitters on https://www.southernoregon.org/water-sports-adventure/whitewater-rafting-adventures/family-friendly-rapids/how-to-raft-the-rogue-river-this-summer/

05/13/2026

Jacksonville, Oregon featured in That Oregon Life

"There are places in Oregon that feel beautiful, and then there are places that feel like stepping into another time entirely. Jacksonville is one of those places.

Tucked into the rolling hills of Southern Oregon just outside Medford, Jacksonville somehow manages to feel both lively and peaceful at the same time. Brick sidewalks. Historic storefronts. Wine tasting rooms tucked into old buildings. Music drifting through the trees on warm summer nights. It’s the kind of town where people show up for a weekend and immediately start talking about moving there someday."

Read more here:

Tucked into the rolling hills of Southern Oregon just owest of Medford, Jacksonville somehow manages to feel both lively and peaceful at the same time. It’s the kind of town where people show up for a