Your Fall Guide To Grants Pass
Fall in Grants Pass is one of the best times to explore Southern Oregon. The weather is crisp, the Rogue Valley starts turning shades of gold and red, wine country is in the middle of harvest, and the calendar fills up with festivals, outdoor adventures and local events.
Whether you’re chasing fall color, looking for a little spooky-season fun or planning a weekend around wine and food, here are 10 things to add to your Grants Pass fall bucket list.
1.Catch Fall Color At Reinhart Park
Head to Reinhart Park for one of Grants Pass’ prettiest fall walks. Follow the trails along the Rogue River, cross the bridge and keep an eye out for birds along the way. In autumn, the park’s maples put on a particularly spectacular show, lighting up the landscape with brilliant reds and oranges.
2. Watch the Streets Come Alive During Art Along the Rogue
Art Along the Rogue brings three days of art, music and creative energy to Grants Pass. Kicking off on First Friday, October 2nd, the festival features local muralists and artists, vendors, food, live music and aerial performances that takes the experience to new heights.
Spend the weekend browsing art and meeting makers, then stick around for music and food. It’s a great way to experience Grants Pass’ creative side—and see why the local arts scene deserves a spot on your fall itinerary.
3. Go Behind the Scenes During Fall Uncorked
Fall means wine harvest in the Rogue Valley, and there’s no better time to explore Southern Oregon wine country. During the Fall Uncorked Barrel Tour on Nov.21st, Applegate Valley wineries open the doors to their cellars and barrels for a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process.
Afterwards, explore the Illinois Valley Wine Trail which features slightly different varietals than ones you’ll find in the Applegate. From treehouse tasting rooms to fun open mics, the Illinois Valley wine scene has its own hidden gems.
4. Chase Color on Fall Hikes
From mountain trails to riverside paths, there’s plenty of hikes to add to your fall bucket list. The East Applegate Ridge trail offers golden hills and panoramic vistas of wine country while Limpy Creek is an easy and short hike for families. For those who don’t mind a drive, the Upper Rogue River Trail winds past gorges, ancient volcanic geology, and colorful maples along the river. After your hike, make a pitstop at Beckie’s for a well-earned slice of their famous homemade pie.
5. Have Old-School Fun at Fort Vannoy Fall Festival
For nostalgic fall fun, make your way to the Fort Vannoy Fall Festival. Pick out a pumpkin, get lost in the corn maze, ride the cow train, and launch a gourd at the pumpkin chunker. For those brave enough, dare to explore their nighttime haunted maze. Visit the festival at Fort Vannoy Farms Tuesday-Sunday Oct 1st-31st.
6. Fish for Steelhead and Salmon
Fall is prime time to get out on the Rogue River in search of steelhead and salmon. Book a guided fishing trip and spend the day floating the Lower Rogue, surrounded by the scenery of Southern Oregon’s designated Wild & Scenic river country.
One of the season’s unforgettable sights is watching fish make their way upstream, including the impressive leap at Rainie Falls. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying river fishing for the first time, fall is a spectacular season to be on the Rogue.
7. Shop and Drink Local at Downtown’s Tapwalk
Trade the car keys for a walking route and explore Grants Pass one local pour at a time during the Downtown Tapwalk, organized by the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce.
It’s an easy way to discover local brews while wandering through downtown and popping into locally owned shops.
8. Ride Dollar Mountain
You don’t have to drive hours into the wilderness to find an epic mountain bike ride. Dollar Mountain is just minutes from downtown Grants Pass, making it easy to squeeze an adventure into a fall weekend.
The 25mi+ trail system delivers epic views across the Rogue Valley, with terrain for riders looking to get outside and enjoy the changing season. Showcasing rolling singletrack, fast flow lines, and scenic ridge climbs, the system provides routes for all skill levels. Ride in the morning, then head downtown for lunch or a local beer afterward.
9. Step Back in Time at Golden Ghost Town
For a dose of Southern Oregon history, make the trip to Golden Ghost Town near Wolf Creek. This former mining town offers a glimpse into the region’s gold-rush past, with historic buildings and plenty of stories from the days when prospectors came looking for their fortunes.
Pair the visit with a stay—or at least a stop—at the haunted Wolf Creek Inn, one of Oregon’s historic treasures. As an original stagecoach stop, the inn has more than a century of history and plenty of ghost stories and fun facts to make a fall road trip here especially atmospheric.
10. Explore Oregon Caves and View the Dark Sky
Nestled in the Illinois Valley’s Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon Caves National Monument boasts incredible marble caverns and is a designated Dark Sky Park. After your cave tour, plan a camping trip at Bigelow Lakes or a nearby campground and watch the night sky come alive. Plan a trip during the Orionid or Leonid meteor showers and see the milky way like never before.
Make a Fall Weekend of It
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or pining for fall adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to experience an autumn getaway in the Rogue Valley. From fall festivals and wine tastings to vibrant riverside trails, enjoy the changing of the season in Grants Pass.
