Medford (pop. 70,000) was founded in 1883. It is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding attractions such as Crater Lake, Rogue River National Forest and the Oregon Caves. It is also a good area for fishing. The area features several covered bridges, one of which is still open to traffic.
The History Center in Medford is housed in an old J. C. Penny Company department store. It features exhibits related to the history of southern Oregon. There is also a research library with books and documents.
The Oregon Caves National Monument encompasses a remnant old-growth coniferous forest which includes a Douglas fir tree with the widest width in Oregon. Below ground is an active marble cave. The Monument is at 4,000 feet elevation on the Siskiyou Mountains.
Address: Oregon Caves National Monument, 19000 Caves Highway, Cave Junction, OR 97523, United States
Phone: 1 (541) 592-2100, Fax: 1 (541) 592-3981
Hours:
March 25 to May 26: 10am-4pm
May 27 to June 17: 9am-5pm
June 17 to September 4: 9am-6pm
September 5 to October 9: 9am-5pm
October 10 to November 26: 10am-4pm
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Tips: Cave tours are closed during the winter however the Monument is open for hiking, snowshoeing, and nature observation. Admission applies to cave tours, monument is free.
Central Point (pop. 12,500) is located in the southwest corner of Oregon. The town was originally the intersection of two stage coach routes. It offers a range of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, hiking, golf, and other recreational sports.
The Crater Rock Museum in Central Point was founded in 1954 and features exhibits of world class minerals, gemstones and fossils. There is also a spectacular petrified wood room, an art glass collection as well as a shell collection.
Hours:
10am-4pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
Tips: Guided tours have a minimum charge of $30.00.
Eagle Point (pop. 4,800) is located north of Medford in southwestern Oregon. The town features a number of cultural attractions for visitors, including a covered bridge, museums, parks, and historic buildings.
Address: Eagle Point Chamber of Commerce, 7 Buchanan Street, Eagle Point, OR 97524, United States
Phone: 1 (541) 831-1890, Fax: 1 (541) 831-1891
The small town or Rogue River (pop. 1800) is located on the banks of the Rogue River. The Woodville Museum features pioneer artifacts and the rebuilt old town jail.
Hours:
12pm-4pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Talent (pop. 5,600) is located in the Rogue River Valley, south of Medford. The Talent Historical Museum features displays related to the history of the area.
The Spirit of the Rogue Nature Center in Trail north of Medford gives a glimpse of nature along the Rogue River. The center features underwater fishing viewing windows, walks and trails, interpretive exhibits, and educational classes.