A Family Guide To Spring Break In Grants Pass
Though Southern Oregon is beautiful anytime of year, spring is a magical time to visit the Rogue Valley. As the weather heats up, snow gives way to rushing waterfalls, wildflowers cover the hillsides, and community events return to downtown Grants Pass. From scenic outdoor adventures and wildlife excursions to hip restaurants and indoor fun, Grants Pass offers families the perfect playground for spring break.
Day 1: Horseback Riding and Bigfoot Trap Exploring in the Applegate Valley
Kick off spring break with a scenic drive through Applegate Valley and plan a day outdoors. Not only renowned for its world-class wine, the valley is planked by stunning mountains and is home to dozens of farms and hiking trails. The first stop along the route is Pennington Farms, a mouth watering bakery nestled in the heart of Applegate Valley. The organic berry farm has been dishing out sweet and savory baked goods since 1980 and is the perfect spot to grab coffee and a quick breakfast. Located inside a rustic barn, the farm stand offers scratch-made baked goods, freshly picked fruit, jams, and an assortment of gifts. While there, enjoy a cappuccino and berry-filled pastry before heading out on your adventure.
Continuing on, make your way to Pacifica and saddle up for a trail ride with Applegate Trail Rides. Based in the community of Williams, the fun and safe excursions take riders through the woods and meadows of the 500 acre nature preserve located 25 minutes from downtown Grants Pass. Choose between an hour or 1.5hr trail ride, and take in the sweeping views of the valley.
After the trail ride, make your way towards Applegate Lake, home of the country’s only Bigfoot trap of its kind. The Collins Mountain trailhead, situated across from Hart-Tish Park leads hikers to the 10×10 wood and metal structure. Since 1974, the Bigfoot Trap has been a local favorite, drawing visitors across the nation with hopes of viewing the elusive beast. While exploring the trail, expect a few creek crossings and beautiful old-growth trees along the 1.5mi roundtrip hike. On the return back towards town, take a pitstop at McKee Bridge, a historic covered bridge that spans the Applegate River. Built in 1917, the bridge once used by miners is now a pedestrian-only crossing and a celebrated relic of Southern Oregon’s early days. Wind down the day at the Lindsay Lodge, which offers riverside dining or share a pie next-door at the Applegate Country Club.
Day 2: Ziplining and Great Cats in the Illinois Valley
From Grants Pass, follow Redwood Highway to Cave Junction and drop by Trillium Bakery. Known for their scratch made pastries and donuts, dine in or grab a bite to go before experiencing an exciting canopy adventure. With multiple courses for all comfort and skill levels, Treehouse Ziplines provides thrilling tours where you can reach heights of 70’, speeds up to 45 mph, and ride cables up to 850ft long. On the way back, stretch your legs at Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside, one of the rarest botanical sites in the state, located off of Redwood Highway.
After a morning of ziplining, take the family to Great Cats World Park, a large species cat zoo just south of Cave Junction. This interactive park is home to one of the largest and most varied collection of wild cats on the West Coast. With more than 16 feline species, this 10 acre wildlife park is one of the most interesting family attractions in Southern Oregon. While passing the community of Kerby, don’t miss It’s a Burl Gallery where the kids can explore elaborate tree houses and guests can peruse the gallery’s unique wooden furniture and sculptures.
That evening, head to downtown’s Historic District and grab some dinner at the Laughing Clam, where you’ll find a wide array of American fare. Afterwards, stop next door at House of Glory for gelato and scratch-made dessert.
Day 3: Waterfall Hikes and Glass Blowing in Grants Pass
Start your morning off downtown with a hearty breakfast at Powderhorn Café, a mom-and-pop eatery famous for their cinnamon rolls .Afterwards, head over to the Glass Forge for a one-on-one glass blowing lesson. The gallery and studio located on G Street specializes in Venetian style glass and welcomes visitors to watch the artists at work. While there, walk around the building and check out the Wonderland mural, one of dozens of public art displays sprinkled around downtown. For those interested in taking a self-guided public art tour, maps can be found at the Welcome Center and the Grants Pass Museum of Art. On Saturdays from March to October, the downtown Grower’s Market features fresh produce, live music, craft vendors, and foodtrucks from 9am-1pm.
In the afternoon, plan a hike at Limpy Botanical Interpretive Loop Trail, an easy trail that leads hikers past waterfalls, mossy boulders, and panoramic meadows. The 1-mile loop passes through both serpentine and riparian areas, offering a wide array of flora, including an impressive display of spring wildflowers from March to June.
On the return trip to town, grab some lunch at the Rogue Creamery Farmstand and take a farm tour. After winning the “World’s Best Cheese” award in 2019, the local creamery has attracted visitors from around the globe and serves up some of the most delicious artisan grilled cheeses around. If the kids still have some energy to get out, drop by Reinhart Park, which features a bird-watching pond, trails, and new ADA accessible playground.
For a laid-back dinner, grab a bite from Weekend Beer Company’s many food trucks or dine at Catalyst Pizza, a downtown restaurant known for their pies, sandwiches, and fun arcade.
Day 4: Crater Lake or Jedediah Redwoods Daytrip
One of the best perks of Grants Pass is its close proximity to world-renowned destinations. In less than 2 hours, you can be hiking through ancient Redwoods, walking along the coast, or taking in the sweeping views of Crater Lake. While visiting Grants Pass, save a day for exploring the greater region and plan a day trip to Crater Lake National Park or Jedediah Redwoods.
From Grants Pass, follow Redwood Highway 70 miles towards the coast and walk amongst some of North America’s oldest giants. Discover Jedediah’s largest redwoods along the Boy Scout Tree Trail and the Grove of Titans Trail . For a quicker jaunt, take the short path to Stout Grove or follow the scenic drive on Howland Hill Road that winds its way through the Redwoods to Crescent City.
For those that want to continue on towards the coast, head North along Highway 101 to Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor in Brookings . Arguably the most photogenic stretch of Oregon’s 363-miles of public coastline, Samuel Boardman is known for its impressive sea stacks, natural arches, and rugged cliffs. Here you’ll witness waterfalls cascading down onto the beach, sea caves lined with anemone and starfish, and best of all, it garners a fraction of the crowds you’ll see along Oregon’s Northern Coast. While Harris Beach is popular with families, those who enjoy a bit more solitude will find it at Lone Ranch Beach or Whales Head. Hike the Oregon Coastal Trail which leads hikers past fern blanketed forests, ocean vistas, and natural bridges. Springtime is also one of the best opportunities for whale watching, as grey whales migrate from Mexico to Alaska between March and June.
For those new to Oregon, add Crater Lake to your trip’s bucket list. Located in the heart of Southern Oregon’s Cascade Range, the National Park is one of the most unique natural features in the US and is home to the country’s deepest, bluest, and clearest lake. Recently voted as the “Most Beautiful Park in America”, Crater Lake is the crown jewel of the state, and during springtime, guests can enjoy its majestic views without the summer crowds. During spring, the park is still covered in snow, so grab your snowshoes or skis and enjoy a trek around the rim where you can spot Wizard Island and the Phantom Ship.
With scores of family activities surrounding Grants Pass, start planning your spring break escape to Southern Oregon. Find family and pet-friendly lodging on our website and read our blog which features other fun points of interest around the Rogue Valley.
