Epic Day Trips Around Grants Pass
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, exploring Oregon Caves National Monument, and taking in the sweeping views of Crater Lake. From scenic byways to national parks, make Grants Pass your launchpad to adventure in Southern Oregon
Waterfalls Galore along the Rogue- Umpqua Scenic Byway
One of the most picturesque byways in the state can be found here in Southern Oregon along the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. Affectionately known as the ‘Highway of Waterfalls’, this 172mi stretch follows two designated Wild & Scenic Rivers, the Rogue and North Umpqua. Along the way, adventure-lovers are awarded endless opportunities to explore natural wonders, including numerous waterfalls, hot springs, lakes, and unique geological formations.
From Grants Pass, head North along I-5 and take the Roseburg exit to follow OR-138. While the first section of the drive passes a burn scar, soon you’ll discover the lush forest and mountains of the Cascade Range. Meandering along the North Umpqua River, several pullouts provide scenic viewpoints to take pictures or a break. One of the most impressive geological features of the region can be found at Soda Springs and can be driven right up to. The expansive columnar basalt wall rises above the river and is a great reminder of Oregon’s volcanic past. Nearby, take the short hike to Toketee Falls, a stunning waterfall with similar basalt columns. Afterwards, enjoy a soak at Toketee Hot Springs, a network of rustic, naturally occurring geothermal pools of varying temperatures. Continuing on, explore Southern Oregon’s highest waterfall at Watson Falls, featuring a dramatic 293ft drop. Plan a stop at Diamond Lake where you can fish along the shore, take a swim, or hike and bike the 11 miles of paved trail around the lake. Straddled by extinct volcanoes, Mount Thielsen and Mount Bailey, the lake offers breathtaking views and reflections of the surrounding mountains.
Leaving Diamond Lake, the scenic drive continues onto Hwy 230 which follows the Rogue River. Explore waterfalls at National Creek Falls, Pearsony Falls, or Barr and Mill Creek Falls. For a longer trek, hike along Upper Takelma Gorge and Natural Bridge.
Jedediah Redwoods and Southern Oregon Coast
From Grants Pass, follow Redwood Highway 70 miles towards the coast and plan a day exploring Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and the Smith River Recreation Area. Whether you’re just up for a scenic drive with park highlights or wishing for a longer hike, beauty abounds amongst these towering giants. Hike to some of Jedediah’s largest Redwoods along the Boy Scout Tree Trail and the Grove of Titans Trail . For a shorter trail, take the walking path to Stout Grove or follow the scenic drive on Howland Hill Road that winds its way through the Redwoods before arriving at Crescent City.
If you plan to bring four-legged companions, note that the park does not allow pets on hiking trails. However, visitors can walk dogs along Howland Hill and Walker Road, both of which are planked by giant Redwoods or go for a dip in the Smith River. Find pet-friendly hikes outside of the park boundaries on the Myrtle Creek Trail, or hiking Oregon’s Redwoods near Brookings, including the “Redwood Nature Trail” along the Chetco River and “Oregon’s Redwoods Trail” by the Winchuck River.
While in Brookings, head North along Highway 101 to Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor . 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 to 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 starting at Whales Head Beach, which leads hikers past fern blanketed forests, ocean vistas, and natural bridges.
Oregon Caves and Illinois Valley Gems
The Illinois Valley is home to emerald rivers, marble caves, stunning vineyards, and is one of the most botanically diverse regions in the country. Nestled between the Klamath/Siskiyou Mountains and the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, this Southern Oregon river valley is steeped in history. It’s the birthplace of Oregon’s Gold Rush as well as the ancestral land of the Takelma People dating back thousands of years.
Experience first hand the rugged beauty of Southern Oregon and follow the historic Redwood Highway from Grants Pass to the Illinois Valley.
Explore a labyrinth of marble passageways at Oregon Caves National Monument, as you tour glistening stalagtites and stalagmites, historic relics, and a cavernous natural room 220 feet beneath the surface. During the 90-minute tour, park rangers will share interesting facts about the geology and history as you’re guided through the cave. Tours are limited to 12 people and can be booked online or at the Illinois Valley Visitor Center. While visiting Oregon Caves, take advantage of their 6 hiking trails, wonderful visitor center, and two campgrounds.
The Wild & Scenic Illinois River is an outdoor lover’s playground and one of the West’s most unique treasures. Its famous for its emerald water, stunning scenery, challenging rapids, and rare botany. For those who love to fish, the free-flowing “Illy” is untouched by dams and the salmon and steelhead are truly wild, without genetic tampering from hatcheries. Plan a wildflower hike along the Jeffrey Pines & Little Falls Loop, Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside, or see the carnivorous Darlingtonia at the Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Boardwalk. In the summer, cool off at one of the dozens of swimming holes along Illinois River Road or take a dip at Illinois River Forks State Park.
If you’ve got kids in tow, spend an afternoon zip lining at Out n’ About Treehouse and Zipline– one of the PNW’s most unique attractions. Located outside of Cave Junction, near the community of Takilma, the “Treesort” is sky-high with things to do, from ziplining to forested trail rides. Bring the family to It’s a Burl Gallery & Studio and check out their fantastical collection of furniture, sculptures, and treehouses. Next door, visit the historical Kerbyville Museum or the Siskiyou Smokejumper Museum near O’Brien.
Pair your trip to Oregon Caves with a visit to one of the handful of wineries in the Illinois Valley. While the Rogue and Applegate Valley’s are known for their more Mediterranean climate, Illinois Valley’s cooler weather offers a different variety of grapes for winemaking. Here, you’ll find Burgundian and German varietals like pinots, chardonnays, riesling, and Gewürztraminer. Plan a stop at Foris Vineyards, Bridgeview Winery, Deer Creek Vineyards, and Augustino Estate ’s treehouse tasting room and take in the sweeping views of the surrounding Siskiyou Mountains.
Crater Lake National Park
Voted recently as the country’s “Most Beautiful National Park”, Crater Lake is a stunner year round. Take a day trip to Oregon’s crown jewel and spend an afternoon exploring the park. The lake, which is the deepest, bluest, and clearest lake in the US formed when ancient volcano, Mount Mazama erupted, leaving behind the massive caldera you see today.
While exploring after winter’s thaw, visitors can take the scenic Rim Drive that skirts around the lake and offers multiple viewpoints. With over 90 miles of trails that weave through forest and panoramic peaks, work up a sweat and hike along the Watchman or Garfield Peak Trails for some of the best views of the lake. For a different point-of-view, hike down to the water’s edge and catch a boat ride to Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone towards the west end of the lake. Explore the Crater Lake hoodoos along the Pinnacles Trail or hike through old-growth forest to Plaikni Falls. On the way back to Grants Pass, plan to stop at Beckie’s Cafe for their famous pie and check out the Rogue River Gorge at Union Creek.
How To Get Here
Grants Pass is located in the southwest region of Oregon, about an hour north of the California/Oregon border and around four hours south of Portland. For those traveling along I-5, Grants Pass is located off exits 55 from the south and 58 from the north. If you plan to drive from the coast, follow Highway 199 near Crescent City for 80 miles which will bring you to Grants Pass.
Make Grants Pass your adventure hub and start planning your Southern Oregon getaway today! Learn about more fun things to do around town here.
