Winter Adventures in Grants Pass
With its temperate climate, Southern Oregon is one of the best outdoor recreation destinations on the West Coast. Between November and March, the valley’s mild weather favors hikers, bikers, and anglers while the surrounding mountains and higher elevations provide the perfect backdrop for a winter wonderland escape. From riverside hikes and mountain biking trails to cross-country skiing, get best of both worlds and make Grants Pass your launchpad to outdoor adventure this winter.
Mountain Biking at Cathedral Hills
Looking for all season biking? You’ve come to the right place. From challenging mountain trails to easy riverside biking paths, you’ll find riding opportunities throughout the year. One of the best places to ride is at Cathedral Hills, just a stone’s throw away from downtown Grants Pass. Spanning over 400 acres, the extensive network of trails is rated from easy to hard, offering riders a “choose-your-own-adventure” experience. Zip through giant manzanita tunnels and old growth trees while taking in the panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. Need a loaner bike? Find bike rentals, gear, and more at Bikekraft on Williams Highway or Don’s Bike Shop downtown for your biking needs.
Snowshoeing at Oregon Caves National Monument
Nestled in the heart of the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon Caves National Monument offers visitors a tranquil winter wonderland retreat in the Illinois Valley. While the cave tours are closed until spring, the surrounding national monument is open and free of charge for those seeking some fun in the snow. Bring your snow chains and winter gear and plan a day cross country skiing or snow shoeing in the mountains. For short and easy routes, explore the Old Growth Trail, Cliff Nature Trail, and the No Name Trail, all roughly a mile in length. Before heading off to your winter adventure, make sure to check the NOAA website for winter weather and conditions as roads can be temporarily closed until they are plowed.
Disc Golfing at Tom Pearce Park
Grants Pass is home to several disc golf courses, including Tom Pearce County Park, located just minutes from downtown. The 18-hole course weaves through mossy forest, the ruins of the Ament Dam, rocky outcroppings, and open field. For those just visiting for the day, you can pick up a $5 day pass or purchase a $30 annual pass good for all Josephine County parks. Find additional disc golf courses at Lake Selmac, Indian Mary Park, Forks State Park, and Riverside Park.
Hiking at Waters Creek and Rainie Falls
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 or scenic day hike you’ll find scores of options around the valley. For an easy escape, hike through lush forest at the Waters Creek Trail, which passes old growth trees, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque foot bridges. While the first mile loop trail is barrier free, hikers can also continue to the longer and more rugged trail that follows the creek. For a longer hike, plan an afternoon exploring the recently re-opened Rainie Falls trail near Galice. The hike skirts along the Wild and Scenic section through the river’s canyon offering views of the towering mountains and powerful Rainie Falls rapids. While the hike is rated as moderate, the ground is rocky and the hike involves cliffs so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Applegate Valley Trail Rides
Applegate Valley isn’t only renowned for its world-class wine, but also its stunning landscape. One of the best ways to explore Southern Oregon’s agrarian gem is on horseback. Before heading out on a wine tasting adventure, book 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 Pacifica, a 500 acre nature preserve located 25 minutes from downtown Grants Pass. Best of all, for those wanting to escape Oregon’s grey winter days, Applegate Valley is a secret banana belt, providing more sunny days year round than most of the region.
Winter Angling on the Rogue River
December through March is primetime for fishing Steelhead around Grants Pass. While sunny days are few and far between, the cooler temperatures keep the crowds away, guaranteeing a beautiful section of river all to yourself. Anglers fishing the Middle Rogue will find the best luck near the Lanthrop Boat Landing, Griffin and Whitehorse Parks, and the mouth of the Applegate River to Robertson Bridge. Whether you’re floating or bank fishing, the area between Almeda and the Grave Creek Boat ramp is a great place to cast a line. 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.
Sledding at Page Mountain Sno-Park
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.
Zip-Lining at Out n About Treesort
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, most notably zip-lining! Whether you plan to stay in a treehouse 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.
Golfing
Looking for all season golfing? Find multiple premier golf resorts with stunning views around Grants Pass. Head to Applegate River Golf Club and experience one of the most beautiful courses in Southern Oregon. The 9-hole course is situated along the Applegate River with 360 views of the surrounding Siskiyou Mountains, and offers a course that both beginners and experienced golfers will enjoy. While there, check out their pro shop and dine for lunch at the cafe. For those traveling in an RV, play and stay at their new RV park. Discover other great golf clubs at Dutcher Creek and the Grants Pass Golf Club.
With endless outdoor recreation opportunities and the valley’s mild winter weather, Grants Pass makes a perfect playground for nature lovers looking to venture outside this winter. While planning your trip, read about some of our favorite cozy lodge stays on our blog: https://visitgrantspass.com/blog/4-idyllic-winter-getaways-cozy-cabin-and-lodge-stays-in-grants-pass/
