Spring Bucket List: 15 Things To Do Around Grants Pass

Spring in Grants Pass is when the Rogue Valley wakes up—wildflowers bloom, the river comes alive, and the calendar fills with festivals, fresh flavors, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or soaking up the season as a local, here’s your ultimate Spring Bucket List for making the most of it.

1. Chase Wildflowers on Local Hikes

Spring transforms Southern Oregon’s trails into a colorful display of wildflowers—many of which are only found in the Klamath-Siskiyou region. Explore nearby favorites like Cathedral Hills, which showcases dazzling warriors plume and shooting stars while the Rogue River Trail is lined with lupine, camas, and fawn lilies through March and April.

2. Experience First Friday Art Nights

On the First Friday of every month, downtown Grants Pass comes alive with art shows, live music, and special promotions—— and the perfect evening to stroll, sip, and support local creativity. Throughout the historic district, downtown shops extend their evening hours, offer complimentary refreshments, and host maker pop ups. Drop by the Glass Forge to watch the glassblowers, check out the latest exhibit at the Grants Pass Art Museum, and grab dinner and drinks at a downtown eatery.

3. Celebrate Oregon Wine Month

May is Oregon Wine Month—a great opportunity to explore Applegate Valley’s boutique wineries. Look for special tastings, food pairings, and events like barrel tours that highlight new releases and local flavors. Bring the Moms in your life to downtown’s annual Grants Pass Wine Stroll, happening Mothers Day Weekend- May 9th.

4. Zip Through the Trees at Out’n’About

Get a bird’s-eye view of spring at Out’n’About Treehouse Adventures. With multiple courses for all comfort and skill levels, their zipline tours take you soaring through the trees, offering fun for the whole family. Needing an adventure a little closer to the ground? They also offer trail rides. Come for the day or stay the night in one of their magical treehouses.

5. Ride the Hellgate Jetboats

One of Grants Pass’ signature experiences, Hellgate Jetboat Excursions glide inches above the water through the scenic Rogue River and historic Hellgate Canyon. Wildlife sightings, dramatic cliffs, and optional meals at their riverside lodge make it an unforgettable river trip that will convince you to come back year after year. Hellgate Jetboat season kicks off in May, so book your river trip ahead!

6. Hit the Trails at Dollar Mountain

Spring riding season is prime time at Dollar Mountain, Southern Oregon’s new MTB playground. Located just minutes from the heart of downtown, riders can enjoy 25 miles of single track and flow trails, with sections built for mountain bikes and e-bikes alike. While exploring the trails, take in the sweeping views of the valley and the wildflowers of Dollar Mountain.

7. Join the Boatnik Festival

Held every Memorial Day weekend for more than 60 years, Boatnik fills Riverside Park with a carnival, brewfest, live music, fireworks, and the legendary hydroplane boat races on the Rogue River. Best of all, proceeds support local youth programs. Perfect for the whole family, Boatnik kicks off Thursday May 21st with the carnival and culminates Monday with a Memorial Day hydroplane race and flyover. Don’t miss the famous Boatnik Parade Saturday, May 23rd.

8. Play a Round of Disc Golf

Tom Pearce Park offers a scenic and diverse disc golf course—perfect for a relaxed spring afternoon surrounded by trees and river views. From grassy fields and tight woods to rocky brambles and the remnants of Ament Dam, it’s one of the best courses in the region.

9. Camp at a Josephine County Park

Plan a getaway along the Rogue River or Lake Selmac at one of the county’s beautiful parks. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and the sound of the river make spring one of the best seasons to camp before summer crowds arrive. Pack your fishing gear and your favorite new book and spend a weekend relaxing in nature.

10. U-Pick Berries at Fort Vannoy Farms

Late spring means strawberry season. Head to Fort Vannoy Farms for fresh-picked berries, farm fun, and the sweetest taste of the season this May and June.

11. Explore the Oregon Caves

Just a scenic drive from Grants Pass, Oregon Caves National Monument in the Illinois Valley offers guided tours through marble caverns—a cool underground adventure that’s perfect as temperatures warm up. While the cave tours begin in May, the hiking trails throughout the National Monument are open year round and are free of charge.

12. Score Fresh Produce at a Farmer’s Market

The Grants Pass Growers Market returns to its downtown location every March offering local produce, baked goods, flowers, and more. Nextdoor, the Grants Pass Makers Market showcases handcrafted goods and local art from tinctures and candles to jewelry and textiles. Beginning in May, find additional farmers markets throughout the week at Williams Farmer’s Market on Mondays, Applegate Evening Market on Wednesdays, and Cave Junction Farmer’s Market on Fridays.

13. Go Mushroom Hunting

Spring rains bring morel season to Southern Oregon. Head to nearby forests (with proper permits where required) and enjoy the thrill of foraging—one of the region’s favorite spring traditions. As a reminder, it’s important to not consume wild mushrooms if you’re unsure of its identity. Grab a guide book or plan to attend a mushroom foraging class with Siskiyou Field Institute.

14. Birdwatching at Reinhart Park

Bring binoculars and stroll Reinhart Park’s trails, ponds, and riverside to spot one of the many species of birds that call the park home. Spring migration brings a variety of songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors to the area, and the ponds serves as an important rest stop. Keep an eye out for ducklings and goslings throughout April and May.

15. Get on the Rogue River

Spring is prime time for rafting and fishing along the Rogue River. Snowmelt creates exciting whitewater conditions, while anglers can cast for salmon and steelhead in one of the Northwest’s most iconic rivers. Expect Spring Chinook to peak around April and May while Winter Steelhead peaks throughout March.

Celebrate the changing of the season in Grants Pass.

From wildflower hikes and wine tasting to jetboats, festivals, and farmers markets, spring in Grants Pass is all about getting outside and soaking up the season. The days are longer, the river is lively, and adventure is around every corner—so grab your bucket list and start checking it off.