| GRANTS PASS
OREGON
PROFILE |
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Grants Pass is located in Southern Oregon about 60
miles north of the California border. It is a town
filled with beauty, history and scenic attractions.
Downtown Grants Pass has earned the distinction of a
National Historic District because of its historic
buildings and homes. The city is filled with antique and collectible shops,
ice cream parlors, and sidewalk espresso stands. Be sure
to stroll through downtown and enjoy the beautifully
restored historical buildings.
 Grants
Pass is known for its mild climate. Average annual
maximum temperature is 68.0, annual minimum 40.9.
Average annual precipitation is 29.5 inches. Snowfall is
minimal - 2.3 inches per year and in many years is
non-existent. Grants Pass is located in the "sun
belt" of Southern Oregon. Our ideal climate provides a
minimum of precipitation, unlike our neighbors to the
west. Our average rainfall is just under 30 inches and
we boast a very gentle wind velocity, averaging only 3.2
mph. Visitors can plan on warm, sunny days and cool, dry
evenings from mid-May through mid-September.
 
The highlight of Grants Pass is the mighty Rogue River
flowing through town. Riverside Park is located right on
the Rogue River and is a wonderful place to picnic and
walk along the Rogue. The city is often referred to the
"whitewater rafting capital" of Oregon and over 25
outfitters offer rafting adventures in Grants Pass and
nearby Merlin.
There are jet boats that leave
from Grants Pass and take visitors on a tour through
Hellgate Canyon. Be sure to bring your cameras to catch
the extensive wildlife on film. In 1968 the Rogue River
was designated by Congress as a National Wild and Scenic
river. This means that visitors have access to an
unspoiled wilderness world.
Grants Pass abounds
with modern campgrounds and RV facilities, many with
boat ramps and riverside campsites. Josephine County has
an extensive system of parks, and many of these are on
the Rogue River. As far as overnight accommodations, you
will find everything from motels to elegant bed and
breakfast inns.
At the end of May in Grants Pass
is the world famous Boatnik festival at Riverside Park.
It lasts four days and the main event is a thrilling
hydro boat race. Grants Pass is also host to southern
Oregon's largest outdoor "Growers Market". In spring and
fall, the Grants Pass is awash in color with the new
blooms or the fall turning of the trees, but anytime of
year at all, Grants Pass is an exceptionally beautiful
town.
ART GALLERIES
Grants
Pass Museum of Art –
Located in the heart of Grants
Pass on historic “G” Street, the museum enhances lives
by offering art experiences that stimulate the senses
and intrigue the intellect, displaying classic and
contemporary art including local artist’s work.
The Fire House Gallery –
Artwork by local, regional,
national, and international emerging artists which
challenges preconceived ideas and attitudes is featured
in Rogue Community College Firehouse Gallery. A variety
of art educates and inspires viewers from the college
and community. First Friday Art Night receptions are
held monthly at the gallery.
The Glass
Forge Studio –
The Glass Forge Gallery and Studio
manufactures and sells hand blown glass, specializing in
Venetian style art glass. The style is most apparent in
the many wine glasses blown at The Glass Forge. Vases,
bowls, perfume bottles, and one-of-a-kind sculptural
glass art are also prominently displayed. The use of
color, movement, form and composition are key elements
in each piece of work created at the studio. There is a
gallery for display and sale of products next to the
studio. Additionally, sales are conducted on a regional
and national scale. Individual items range in price from
$15 to $5000.
The Wiseman Gallery –
Aesthetic, cultural, and social works are among the art
displayed by the Wiseman Gallery. Exhibits range from
works by local artists to national artists of emerging
importance. A variety of media and styles are presented
to inspire and educate the viewer. Annual exhibits
include: student and faculty shows, and the National
Women's History Month juried exhibit, "Celebrate
Northwest Women". The gallery also coordinates Black,
White & the Blues, an annual art auction and dance held
in cooperation with the Grants Pass Museum of Art to
raise 'art awareness' funds for both art exhibitors.
Antiques & Collectibles -
The Jewel of the
Pacific Northwest, we have the largest concentration of
antique shops in Southern Oregon. Each business
possesses its own unique character, specialty items and
services. Contact Visitor Information Center at
1-800-547-5927 for listings and maps.
ATTRACTIONS
The Rogue River
Grants
Pass, Oregon is the gateway to the legendary Rogue
River, one of the original wild and scenic rivers. Folks
who love to fish; raft, jet boat, and kayak along with
all other river activities, will enjoy the diverse
recreational opportunities the Rogue offers. For all its
splendid scenery and abundant wildlife, Grants Pass
offers visitors excellent accommodations and easy access
by auto, motor coach, or air.
A
source of food for settlers, an inspiration o
movie-makers and a home to wildlife, the Rogue River has
an exciting past and promising future. The recreational
opportunities of the river are many: jetboat trips,
rafting, kayaking, fishing, water skiing, and swimming,
gold panning or just sitting and drinking in the scenic
beauty. Experienced river outfitters serve as guides to
fishing enthusiasts and rafters alike. The river is
diverse enough to provide the level of excitement you
seek, whether it is a relaxing float or an exhilarating
whitewater adventure. Restaurants, motels and lodges
along the river offer visitors a chance to enjoy briefly
what we savor year round. For information on Rogue River
backpacking information contact the Bureau Land
Management at 541-479-5301.
HISTORICAL SITES
Enjoy a walk through time as visitors and residents
share the legends of Historic Grants Pass. Visitors will
enjoy a tour of our Pioneer Cemetery Memorial Drive,
visit historic homes of The Croxton House, The Alf
House, The Judson House and our famous Schmidt House.
Visit the Schmidt House located on SW 5th Street,
downtown, for a tour of Josephine County’s Historical
Society. Contact 541-479-7827 for tours. For a complete
list of historical residences, ask for maps on our
“Walking Tour of Historic Grants Pass.”
Historic Haines Apple Tree - Nearby Merlin
Located in
Merlin Oregon, this tree is Oregon's 2nd oldest apple
tree. It was planted by the Haines family in the either
1852 or 1854 (accounts vary), the tree stood throughout
the Indian wars. Read More:
www.rogueweb.com/haines
Howling
Acres Wolf Sanctuary –
As you stroll along the
trails of shredded bark, you immediately begin to sense
the calmness and comfort of this natural setting.
Howling Acres is a humane, spiritual, educational
sanctuary, dedicated to the preservation of abandoned
and injured wolves. Howling Acres provides a safe
shelter, offers educational tours, recreational
activities, special events and live demonstrations.
Located in Williams, OR. Contact 541-846-8962
Pottsville - Nearby Merlin
The home of historic gas &
steam engines, buildings and more of the past. It is
located on Pleasant Valley Road, off of Merlin-Galice
Hwy. Pottsville was founded by Eugene "Debbs" Potts a
former Mayor of Grants Pass and State Senator from
Grants Pass in 1961 to 1985. "An accumulation of the
past" is what you will find here. Home of thousands of
items commemorating Oregon's history. Read & See more
about Pottsville in our recreation section...
Josephine County Historical Society (Grants Pass area)
at:
www.webtrail.com/jchs/
PERFORMING
ARTS
Grants Pass offers a uniquely diverse
selection of performing art theatres varying from
treasured Musicals to favored Comedies along with
remembered Documentaries & the exploration of Modern
performances. Reminiscing favorite Broadway style
shows, enjoying invigorating community youth
productions, to reliving audience involvement plays, may
the list go on?
SEE OUR RECREATION SECTION...
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Amazing May is the season
opener. Festivities are scheduled throughout the entire
month of May. Events include the Native American Arts
Festival; Spring Wine Stroll, Antique & Collectible
Street Fair, Boatnik, the Wild Rogue Balloon Festival,
and many more. For a list of May events please visit
www.amazingmay.com or call 1-800-547-5927 for
further information.
Art Along the Rogue A
premiere fall event. This unique event introduces an art
and music festival at its best, introducing
nationally-known and local pastel street artists along
with local and regional musical entertainers and art
displays, in an event that promises to be as inspiring
as it is fun. This three-day event is a must see! Visit
www.artalongtherogue.com or call
1-800-547-5927 for more exciting details.
Back to the 50’s Car Show is a summer event not to be
missed. This summer celebration includes a downtown 50’s
car cruise, a dance, live music and much more for the
entire family to enjoy. See
www.southernoregon.com/cars
Bear Fest
in Grants Pass, Oregon, is a celebration honoring the
area's most prized inhabitants - the black bear. Our
bedecked, larger-than-life bears start out as plain
fiberglass figures. They are then magically transformed
by local artists into colorful, embellished creatures
that are publicly displayed on the downtown streets for
all to see, touch, and enjoy throughout the summer
months. Besides its obvious entertainment value, Bear
Fest was organized to raise funds and support for
nonprofit organizations in Grants Pass. There are
sixty-two of the wildest bears you are likely to
encounter. Larger than life-size bears, artfully
interpreted by local artists as fun and friendly public
art, are displayed on the streets and sidewalks of
beautiful downtown Grants Pass. Each of the designed
bruins include an adorable "bear cub" as a companion.
Boatnik is an event for the entire family to enjoy
memorial weekend. The event is kicked off by a parade
terminating in Riverside Park, the starting point for
whitewater hydro boats racing 35 miles down the Rogue
River and back. Activities in the park include magic and
art shows, crafts, art, clothing and food vendors. Visit
www.boatnik.com or call 1-800-547-5927 for further
information.
Concerts in the Park is a great
setting for a family picnic! Annually this event
provides a unique variety of local music performances
free to the public. Limited food vendors, beverages and
other snack treats for the kids are available throughout
the concert. Every summer from July to August
performances will take place every Tuesday evening
starting at 6:30pm at Riverside Park. Contact
1-800-547-5927 for more information and concert
performers.
First Friday Art Night Enjoy an
evening stroll through downtown Historic “G” and 6th
Street viewing a variety of local talents in our art
Galleries and Museum. Occurring on the first Friday
night of the month (excluding January), Grants Pass
comes alive with music and art. There are various shops,
galleries and restaurants open late displaying local art
and musical talent. Event begins at 6pm and ends at 9pm.
Grants Pass Saturday Artisan & Crafters Market
A
festive open-air market featuring some of the finest
artisans from around the Rogue Valley. View a wide
variety of exquisite, handmade items including: glass
art, pottery, jewelry, metal art, photography, garden
art, furniture, textiles, watercolor, mixed media and
much, much more. We are co-located next to Grower’s
Market on 5th St between E & F Streets every Saturday
from May through October between the hours of 9AM to
1PM.. For further information contact: D. Gypsy Dessert
or Darla Stacy at (541) 660-9000 or
saturday.art@hotmail.com
Growers’
Market –
“We grow it, cook it, and make it, just for
you.” Rising above Oregon’s only permanent open-air
agricultural market, one hears many languages; Spanish,
German, Japanese, Russian; all boasting of the bounty of
Southern Oregon. Providing our families with a wide
variety of specialties, the atmosphere is relaxed,
festive and fun. Discover Grants Pass Growers Market.
Open Mid March to Thanksgiving, Saturdays from 9am – 1pm
& June to September on Wednesdays at Riverside Park from
9am – 1pm. Contact 541-476-5375 for further information.
Horse Racing at Grants Pass Downs at Josephine County
Fairgrounds features high caliber Pari-mutuel horse
racing each Saturday, Sunday through the 4th of July
weekend (approx). For hours call: 541-476-1639
Hellgate JetBoat Excursions – has what you are looking
for...excitement, scenery and history. You an experience
the thrill and adventure of an exciting jetboat trip
down the famous Rogue River. There are five excursions
to choose from; a 2-hour scenic canyon tour; a 4-hour
Champagne Brunch trip, a 3-hour Lunch Trip, a 4-hour
Dinner Trip, served down river at an old homestead
overlooking the river, or a 5-hour Whitewater Adventure.
See Our Recreation Section to contact them...
Josephine County Fair is held
in mid- August and is a great summer event. This
old-fashioned county fair includes baking, crafts, and
hobby contests along with livestock auctions,
entertainment, carnival rides and even pig races. Please
visit
www.jocofair.com
Magical Musical Holiday
Murals These holiday murals light up Grants Pass along
both 6th and 7th Street annually, mid November to
December 31st. Donated by the fine works of Fiber optic
Lighting, 20 murals decorate downtown, each 5ft x 10ft
uniquely designed giant holiday card, weighing 400
pounds, specializes in its own sound system along with
playing its own holiday tune. Who says you can’t stroll
through downtown Grants Pass during the holidays
listening to Jingle Bells? Visit:
www.magicalmurals.com
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Geographic Location
Grants
Pass, elevation 935 feet, is located on the banks of the
scenic Rogue River in Southwestern Oregon. It is
surrounded by the foothills of the Cascade, Siskiyou and
coast mountain ranges, and is only 85 miles from the
Pacific Ocean. Grants Pass is the county seat of
Josephine County, the headquarters for the Siskiyou
National Forest and the northern gateway to the Redwood
Empire of California. Crater Lake, a U.S. National Park,
is 100 miles northeast, and the Oregon Caves, a U.S.
National Monument, are 50 miles to the southwest.
Numerous outdoor recreational opportunities abound in
whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking,
etc.
Population
City of Grants Pass 25,790
(est) Josephine County 79,600 (est.)
Recreation
Josephine County offers five
public golf courses, one with a driving range. Indoor
miniature golf, two bowling alleys, one outdoor and two
indoor swimming pools, one at the YMCA and one at Club
NW. Five tennis sites with nine courts, six racquetball
courts, 12 playgrounds, 14 gymnasiums, a gymnastics
center (Gymnastics By Design), a sportsman club with
rifle range open to the public, and many other
activities are available. The city is within two hours
of ocean beaches and mountain skiing; one hour to many
high lakes and streams for fishing, boating, etc., and
within minutes to river fishing, rafting/boating,
camping, hunting, biking, fairgrounds and parks. See Our
Recreation Section...
Cultural
Musical and cultural programs are presented locally by
the Rogue Theatre, Barnstormers Theater, Stardust
Repertory Theatre, Connect the Dots Theatre, and the
Rogue Music Theatre. The Grants Pass Museum of Art
presents changing art displays. There are also art
displays featured in the Wiseman Gallery at the Rogue
Community College and the Fire House Gallery downtown.
The city of Grants Pass is also represented by all major
civic groups. Grants Pass is 50 miles from the renowned
Oregon Shakespearean Theatre in Ashland which offers
year-around Shakespearean and contemporary performances
on two indoor stages and one outdoor Elizabethan stage
along with the Oregon Cabaret and Art Attack Theatre
Productions. The Peter Britt Summer Music Festival in
Jacksonville is 45 miles away as well. See our
Recreation Section.....
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TO ALL REAL ESTATE IN THE
AREA
Medical Services
The
Three Rivers Hospitals are full-service, community owned
health care facilities. Three Rivers offers an array of
services not usually found outside of metropolitan
areas. Included in the hospital's services are a
homelike birthing center, the area's only maternity
service and American Medical Response, the hospital'
critical care ambulance. Medical specialties currently
represented on the medical staff of the hospital
include: allergy, dentistry, dermatology, emergency
medicine, family and general practice, Hospice Care,
home health, infectious diseases, internal medicine,
neurology, obstetrics/gynecology, occupational health,
ophthalmology, oral/maxillofacial surgery, orthopedic
surgery, osteopathy, otolaryngology, (ear, nose and
throat), pathology, pediatrics, psychiatry, radiology,
surgery (colon-rectal, general, thoracic, and vascular)
and urology.
If you are new to our area, or
would like to be referred to a doctor, please call the
Physician Referral Service.
Churches And
Schools
Schools: There are 10 elementary schools, a
number of private, parochial, independent, vocational
and pre-schools. Three middle schools, three high
schools, and Rogue River Community College are also
available in Grants Pass. Southern Oregon State College,
a four year institution, is located in Ashland.
Churches: More than 77 churches in Josephine County
represent a majority of denominations.
Transportation
Josephine Community Transit
541-474-5452 offers a city bus route and taxi service.
Greyhound has a terminal on Agnes Ave as well as one at
the Grants Pass Airport, which has a small airstrip near
Merlin . The City of Grants Pass is within 30 minutes of
a major air terminal in Jackson County which serves both
counties. An industrial-business-recreational airport in
Merlin is five minutes from Grants Pass.
Lodging
SEE OUR LODGING SECTION
For a
complete list of private and public RV and campground
facilities, please call the Visitor Information Center
at 1-800-547-5927 or stop by. There are a variety of
sites to meet your needs. Many are located on the banks
of the Rogue River and are quite popular, so to avoid
disappointment, please reserve early during the busy
season.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Bulbs, vegetables, dairy products, beef, wheat, hay,
timber and plywood, sand gravel and sulfite deposits.
Labor
Grants Pass serves as the commercial and job
center for most of Josephine County and parts of
adjoining counties. The total labor force November,
1989, was 26,370.
Taxes: There is a state
income tax, but no sales tax in Oregon. Oregon law
requires that all property, real and personal, be
assessed at 100% of the true cash value. The tax is
determined by multiplying the assessed value of the
property by the tax rate for the code area in which the
property is located.
Banks, Savings & Loan
Associations, Credit Union: The institutions total 15
banks, 15 savings and loans, and two credit unions, with
total assets in excess of $350 million.
Radio
and Television: Five Grants Pass area radio stations -
KAJO, , KLDR, KAGI, KFMJ, KRWQ and KCNA AM & FM.
Four Medford television stations, KTVL, KOBI, KDRV,
and public station, KSYS. Information in this guide was
gathered from numerous sources. To the best of our
knowledge it was accurate at the time of printing.
Ground Transportation: Grants Pass Cab,
541-476-6444; Starline Limousines, 541-476-7827
for service to all Oregon points; Greyhound/Trailways
bus lines, 541-476-4513; Amtrak, 541-844-2822 (Klamath
Falls) with shuttle service to Grants Pass via York
Tours (541-779-1068).
Auto Rentals: Budget
Car and Truck Rental Center, 541-471-6311
Recreation Dept: Youth & adult recreation program
information at 541-476-6435.
SCENIC DRIVES
Redwood Hwy., U.S. 199
Hwy. 238,
Jacksonville, Ruch
MERLIN-GALICE AREA
Merlin
& Galice
Hellgate Canyon: Scenic viewpoint overlooks
Hellgate Canyon and the Rogue River 250 feet below.
Hellgate - 10 miles. Indian Mary Park: Large, scenic
park and campground, beach access, boat ramp, showers,
baseball diamond, picnic sites, playground. Indian Mary
Park - 12 miles. Galice: The small town of Galice is a
popular luncheon stop for fishing enthusiasts and
rafters on their way down the Rogue River. Galice - 15
miles. Grave Creek Bridge: The bridge marks the
beginning of the "Wild and Scenic" section of the Rogue,
from which three-day raft trips begin. It marks the end
of one-day raft trips. Bridge - 18 miles.
ROGUE RIVER HIGHWAY
Savage Rapids Dam: During the
seasonal runs, steelhead and salmon can be seen climbing
the fish ladders at the dam. Dam - 6 miles.
UPPER AND LOWER RIVER ROAD
Whitehorse Park: Take G
Street west to Upper River Road, which turns into Lower
River Road leading to Whitehorse Park. The lovely park
offers picnic sites, hiking, beach access, showers and
campgrounds. 10 miles. Griffin Park: Large, steel bridge
spans the Rogue. After crossing, turn left on Riverbanks
Road and follow to Griffin Park. The park features
picnic sites, beach access, boat ramp, camping and a
playground. Turn left onto Griffin Road. Continue on
Riverbanks Road to Redwood Highway. 15 miles.
WILLIAMS HIGHWAY
Applegate Valley: Take Williams Hwy.
238 South through the Applegate Valley. Stop at area
wineries and the Applegate Dam. Continue on into
Jacksonville. Take Old Stage Road north to Gold Hill and
stop at the Oregon Vortex off Hwy. 234. Get on
Interstate 5 north to Grants Pass. Round trip - 85
miles.
INTERSTATE 5
Covered Bridges/Historic
Sites: Take Interstate 5 south and exit at the city of
Rogue River. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left
under the overpass and then left again on main street.
Turn right on West Evans Road and take it into the town
of Wimer to see the covered bridge. Continue your trip
by driving northwest on Pleasant Creek Road for 3.5
miles to West Evans Creek Road north for 1.2 miles. Turn
left on Ditch Creek Road and continue for 7 miles to
Grave Creek Road, west, and the Sunny Valley covered
bridge. I5 at exit 76 is the former route for Hudson Bay
fur trappers, the Applegate Trail and the
Oregon/California stage stopover and is still a popular
stop for travelers to dine or overnight.
▪
TO ALL REAL ESTATE IN THE
AREA
For
Business, Lodging, Real Estate & Recreation In This
Town/City, Please Use Menu Above.
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