Top Instagram-Worthy Spots In Grants Pass
We’ve all heard the saying “pics or it didn’t happen.” Make sure you don’t return home without some photos to remember your time in Southern Oregon. From iconic landmarks and murals to legendary backdrops, there’s no filter needed for these Instagram-worthy beacons of Grants Pass.
Caveman Bridge
Grants Pass wouldn’t be the town it is today without the river that runs through it. The Wild and Scenic Rogue River begins near Crater Lake National Park and flows 215 miles to the Pacific Ocean. Spanning the river near downtown Grants Pass, you’ll find Caveman Bridge, one of Southern Oregon’s most iconic landmarks. Designed by famous architect, Conde B. McCullough, the “rainbow arch” bridge was completed in 1931 and serves as the gateway to the Redwood Highway. Located on 6th street near the Riverside Inn and Hellgate and Co, one of the best ways to photograph the bridge is to park and and follow the sidewalk to the adjacent 7th street bridge. Other great viewpoints can be found at Riverside Park and the parking lot of Taprock Northwest Grill.
Pro Tips
Sunrise and Sunset are ideal times to get shots at the bridge.
At Taprock, grab drinks out on the deck or shoot from their landscaping fountain.
Hellgate Canyon Overlook
Get a birds-eye view of the Rogue’s deepest river canyon and the Hellgate Canyon Overlook. Situated near the community of Merlin, Hellgate Canyon hasn’t just been a favorite location for rafters- but Hollywood too. The popular film site can be seen in The River Wild with Kevin Bacon and Meryl Streep as well as John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn’s Rooster Cogburn. From above, get majestic views of the rugged canyon walls, Galice Bridge, and the swift moving river below. During the spring, the 200ft tall canyon comes to life with rushing waterfalls, mossy cliffs, and wildflowers that blanket the hillsides.
Historic G Street
Historic G Street has been the commercial hub and heart of Grants Pass since the late 1800’s. Originally called Frontage Road, after the decline of the stage coach, the railroad was built alongside it, bringing passengers up and down the Western corridor. Today, the street remains a prominent thoroughfare in Grants Pass, and is home to dozens of boutiques, eateries, bars, and galleries. While there, shop for locally-made gifts, visit Climate City Brewing or Steam Distillery, and view the latest exhibit at the Grants Pass Museum of Art or the Glass Forge. One of the best times to explore is during First Friday “Alive at Five” when downtown stores offer free refreshments, live music, and special discounts. One of the things that makes G Street special is that it looks straight out of a Hallmark movie. With historic architecture and cute store fronts, it will leave you with all the nostalgic feels. A few of the best spots to capture the vibe is next to Sandi’s Candies/ Blind George Popcorn and in front of the Kienlen-Harbeck building at the corner of G and 5th street. The Victorian era building is one of the most recognized structures of downtown and whose corner tower can be seen from afar.
Visitor Center’s Welcoming Evergreen Bears
Located just off of I-5’s downtown exit, a family of bears welcome you to Grants Pass. This is a great spot to gather the family for a group photo as well as an opportunity to use the facilities, gather maps or brochures, and find tips about what to see and do in the area. While there, take home a Grants Pass t-shirt or postcard from the Chamber of Commerce and say “hi” to the Grants Pass Caveman.
Downtown’s Public Art
One of the things that makes downtown Grants Pass unique is the public art that lines the streets. From murals and sculptures to festive bears, the town is brimming with color and character. Across from Ma Mosas, you’ll find the “Welcome to Grants Pass” mural at the corner of 6th and E st. Within the mural, many of the iconic landmarks mentioned here can be found imbedded in the letters of the postcard-style painting. From Oregon Caves National Monument and scenic viewpoints to the region’s history, this is a great place that wraps up all the highlights of Grants Pass. Other artsy shots to fill your Instagram feed can be taken of the Redwood Tower mural across the street, “It’s the Climate” mural on H St, and the larger-than-life metal wildflowers in the Osprey Alley.
Pro Tip:
Stand in the center and have someone take the picture from across the street to get the entire mural.
Redwood Empire Sign
The historic Redwood Empire sign stands next to Caveman Bridge and is the beginning point of Redwood Highway that ends at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The nostalgic neon sign first went into the ground in 1941 and after being restored, it continues to be one of Grants Pass’s most popular landmarks.
Wine Country
Nominated as one of the most important wine regions in the world by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, it’s not a trip to Grants Pass without a stop to wine country. Plan an afternoon exploring one of the 20 vineyards and tasting rooms along the Applegate Valley Wine Trail or take a scenic drive to Illinois Valley’s wineries. After soaking in wine and Southern Oregon sunshine, take home a bottle along with some pictures to remember your trip. Find stunning views of vineyards and rolling hills at Schultz Wines, Wooldridge Creek Vineyard, and Apricity Vineyards.
Grants Pass Caveman
Have you ever wondered about all the caveman references around Grants Pass- specifically the goofy statues along 6th street? Join the club! For those unfamiliar with its history, the Grants Pass cavemen date back to the early 20th century. After the establishment of Oregon Caves National Monument, crowds flocked to the Illinois Valley to explore the famous caves. When a road was built to the monument in the early 1920’s, local businessmen formed the Cavemen Club to boost local tourism and business. The prehistoric brutes, dressed in wigs and animal skins, became notorious (and popular) for their Stone Age antics- including crashing public ceremonies, speeches, and parades around the country. From JFK and Ronald Reagan to Shirley Temple and Babe Ruth, the Grants Pass Cavemen initiated a notable list of celebrities, garnering international attention. Now known as the Grants Pass Active Club, you can see these rowdy ruffians in action at local events, including their annual Boatnik festival during Memorial Day Weekend.
For those wanting a funny photo-op with the cavemen statues, drop by the Grants Pass Visitor Center at the intersection of Vine, Booth, and 6th street near the I-5 exit. Find his twin in the Taprock parking lot next to Caveman Bridge.
It’s the Climate
If you’ve ever driven down 6th street, it’s hard to miss the “It’s the Climate” sign that arches over the road. You might ask, what’s that all about anyways? Well, back in the day, the passenger train that stopped at the depot on G St brought scores of visitors to the area. To promote the natural and commercial opportunities of town, the Grants Pass Commercial Club erected signs spanning the street like “Welcome to Grants Pass: Orchards and Vineyards, Farmers Paradise” and “It’s the Climate” with hopes of enticing people to stay. This ploy worked and Grants Pass became an industrious destination, from farming and logging to mining.
In terms of the weather, the town shares many characteristics of a Mediterranean climate. Unlike most of the PNW, winters are mild, summers are hot, and the region sees far less rain than Northern Oregon. Grants Pass enjoys all four seasons with stunning spring wildflowers and colorful fall foliage. Even during winter, Applegate Valley is one of Oregon’s secret banana belts, boasting bluebird days much of the winter. Get a picture with the sign from either sidewalk along 6th Street.
Pro Tip:
For one of the best angles of the sign, stand near the railroad tracks on the East side of 6th street and get the mountains and G Street’s corner in the frame.
Rogue Creamery
There’s no better place to “Say Cheese” than at Rogue Creamery’s legendary farm stand. Since taking home the “World’s Best Cheese” title in 2019, Rogue Creamery has been on the map for cheeseheads across the globe. From international awards to being featured at the White House State Dinner, its accolades speak for themselves. Visit the farm stand on Lower River Road, take a tour, peruse their cheese shop, and try their famous grilled cheese.
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