Around the Rogue Valley and Josephine County there are many great things to experience for all ages. It is a quiet and peaceful retreat region that also offers the wild and picturesque Rogue River. By staying at one of the many conveniently located Grants Pass hotels, almost everything worth visiting is within an hour’s drive or less.
Many Grants Pass hotels can even provide shuttle services to nearby attractions. The Rogue and Applegate rivers have been renowned for fishing for wild salmon, bass, and trout. The town of Ashland, just 45 minutes from Grants Pass, hosts the annual Shakespeare Festival. Some hotels offer packages that include tickets to see some of these performances. The Rogue and Applegate Valleys now have numerous family-owned wineries offering world-class wines.
You’ll find plenty of hiking trails surrounding the Grants Pass region. For determined hikers, there are hiking trails at Crater Lake, Mt Ashland, and Mount McLoughlin. A hike through Lower Table Rock will be something the whole family can enjoy along with stunning views of the Rogue Valley and the meandering Rogue River. These areas contain hiking trails that are well maintained and relatively easy to follow.
Heading just a couple of miles north of Grants Pass from I-5 is Merlin/Galicia Road, where you’ll discover well-designed bridges that offer incredible views of the Rogue River and Hellgate Canyon. At the end of the trail, you can take a 3-mile hike to Rainey Falls. It’s always a good idea to let someone know what your plans are and where you’re going at all times. The hiking tips outlined above are safest in the early spring, summer, and early fall seasons.
Probably one of the best located Grants Pass hotels is the Riverside Inn and Resort. Each and every room faces the Rogue River. This is where the popular Hellgate Jet Boat Tour departs. Some of their room packages include tickets to the excellent Rogue River Speedboat Tour, which also includes brunch, lunch or dinner at OK Coral Restaurant. The Rogue River Speedboat Tour will be something every tourist should experience. Offers interesting historical information about the Rogue River and the abundant wildlife you’ll encounter during your cruise.
Grants Pass boasts a wonderfully picturesque and historic shopping area with a number of great eating places offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can find a number of antique stores that have unique treasures found in the Rogue Valley. Each store is distinctive and interesting with friendly and welcoming shopkeepers.
The local wine industry has quickly built a reputation for itself. Many of the local vineyards are family owned. You may want to take a wine tour and visit the Rogue and Applegate Valley wineries where you can connect with the owners and sample their best wines.
Within walking distance of any of the Grants Pass hotels, you’ll find restaurants offering fresh river-caught salmon as well as locally grown fruits and vegetables. From March through November, nearby farmers, ranchers, and artisans are available at the Farmers Market on Saturdays. Here you’ll find great souvenirs and a number of delicious homegrown or baked goods to enjoy on the spot. Grants Pass certainly has a lot to do and see. So much so you may want to extend your stay.