Winter Adventures Around Grants Pass

Southern Oregon is one of the best outdoor recreation destinations on the West Coast and wintertime presents its own unique adventures. Around Grants Pass, you get the best of both worlds, as those looking for powder can easily find it, while others can choose to avoid it. During the winter, the valley’s temperate climate favors hikers, bikers, and anglers while the surrounding mountains and higher elevations provide the perfect backdrop for a winter wonderland escape.

Hiking

While much of the Pacific Northwest experiences heavy rain and snowy conditions throughout winter, Grants Pass offers milder weather for outdoor recreation. One of the best ways to explore the valley is by trail. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly stroll, picturesque day hike, or a backpacking adventure, you’ll find scores of options around the valley. For an easy escape, hike through lush forest at the Waters Creek Trail or along the Limpy Creek Botanical Loop where you’ll discover cascading waterfalls and moss strewn trees and boulders.

Find long range views along the East Applegate Ridge Trail that passes through oak savannah, mossy conifers, and panoramic hillsides. For a multi-day excursion, plan a backpacking trip along the Rogue River Trail that skirts along the Wild and Scenic section through the river’s canyon. Starting at Grave Creek, follow the 37-mile trail to Agness near the coast, passing waterfalls, a 19th century miners cabin, and old growth forest along the way.

Skiing

Plan an exhilarating powder day at Mount Ashland Ski Area, just an hour south of Grants Pass. For over 60 years, this community-owned ski resort has provided terrain for skiers and riders of every ability. Explore steeper slopes in The Bowl, along one of their many groomed runs, or find your happy place in one of the tree glades. For those that want to practice your freestyle game, check out their terrain park. This year, Mount Ashland added a new lift to serve beginners and intermediate skiers, making it a great mountain for families. Being the highest point in the Siskiyou Range, the resort offers majestic views of Mt.Shasta and Mt. McLoughlin as you ski above the clouds. Mt. Ashland features a full rental shop (with ski and snowboard rentals and tuning), several dining options, the T-Bar Lounge, a retail shop, and ski school. Purchase half day, whole day, or twilight lift tickets and save up to 20% off by booking in advance.

Fishing

December through March is primetime for fishing Winter Steelhead around Grants Pass. While sunny days are few and far between, the cooler temperatures keep the crowds at bay, and having a beautiful section of river to yourself is nearly guaranteed. Anglers fishing the Middle Rogue will find the best luck near Griffin or Whitehorse Parks, the mouth of the Applegate River to Robertson Bridge, and the area between Almeda and Grave Creek. Along the Applegate River, fly-anglers usually find the area near Redwood Highway promising from January-March. The Illinois Valley presents its own share of fishing opportunities, with popular spots being along the Illinois River Trail or Illinois River Road near Selma from December- March.

For a fun day trip, spend a leisurely afternoon ice fishing at Lake of the Woods. Rated as one of the top ice-fishing destinations in the country, Lake of the Woods is not only renowned for its wide variety of fish, but for its stunning view of the snow-capped Mt McLoughlin. Here anglers will find trout, crappie, perch, salmon, and bass with yellow perch being the popular biters. Before heading out on a fishing adventure, check the conditions and purchase an Oregon fishing license online or at a local retailer.

Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing

Plan a day in Southern Oregon’s winter wonderland by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Crater Lake. Oregon’s only National Park is home to the country’s deepest, bluest, and clearest lake that was created when Mount Mazama, an ancient volcano erupted, leaving behind the massive caldera you see today.

While Rim Drive is closed during the winter months, adventure seekers can access Rim Village via the West and South entrances which remain open year-round, pending weather. Bring your own gear and explore in solitude or reserve a spot along a guided ranger-led snowshoe walk which explores the forest, meadows, and rim of Crater Lake.

Mountain Biking

Looking for all season biking? You’ve come to the right place. From challenging mountain trails to easy riverside biking paths, you’ll find biking opportunities throughout the whole year. Bolt Mountain, Cathedral Hills, and Mountain of the Rogue offer great trail systems, and many county parks are perfect for family rides. For BMX riders, head to River City BMX on Agness Avenue, 1-out-of-10 sanctioned USABMX tracks in the state. With year round racing opportunities for children and adults, the facility is state of the art and welcomes all levels of experience. Need a loaner bike? Find bike rentals, gear, and more at Bikekraft on Williams Highway.

Sledding and Tubing

Outside of Cave Junction, head up the hill to Page Mountain Sno-Park that overlooks the Illinois Valley. Perfect for a family day, bring your sleds or tubes and enjoy rides down the sledding hill. After the Slater Fire, the forest service built a new warming hut below the sledding hill, where visitors can escape from the cold. This is a high elevation destination and the roads aren’t maintained so come prepared. Chains, traction tires, and 4WD is encouraged.

Ziplining

Open year round, Out n’ About Treehouse and Zipline is one of the PNW’s most unique attractions and a fun family activity any month of the year. Located outside of Cave Junction, near the community of Takilma, the “Treesort” is sky-high with things to do, from ziplining and trail rides to arts and crafts. Whether you plan to stay or just visit for the day, book a zipline canopy tour. With multiple courses for all comfort and skill levels, these two hour excursions provide a thrilling adventure that takes you up to 70ft in the air, speeds up to 45 mph, and expanses up to 850ft long.

Snowmobiling

For those needing an adrenaline rush, plan a day snowmobiling around the snow-packed Cascade Mountains from December-April. Diamond Lake offers a network of 300 miles of groomed trails where you can explore the rim of Crater Lake or Mount Bailey Summit. Bring your own ride or rent a snowmobile from Diamond Lake Resort who offer special packages.

Road Conditions and Winter Travel

Before venturing out on your next winter escapade, double check weather and road conditions along your route on Tripcheck. While the weather stays relatively mild in the Rogue Valley, high elevation passes see plenty of snow, including those along I-5. Be aware of chain requirements, bring extra clothing and supplies, and make sure your vehicle in winter-ready. With the proper precautions, Southern Oregon offers wintertime adventurers  the best of both worlds and an exciting place to enjoy the outdoors. Make Grants Pass your vacation hub and starting planning your winter getaway.