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.

Barnstormers Theatre – www.gptheatre.org

Connect the Dots Theatre – www.toconnectthedots.org

Rogue Music Theatre – www.mind.net/rmt/

Rogue Theatre – www.roguetheatre.com

Stardust Repertory Theatre - Contact 541-472-961
 
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. Call 1-800-547-5927 for further information.

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. Visit www.bearfest.org for more details.

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. Visit www.visitgrantspass.org or contact 1-800-547-5927 for more information and concert performers.
 
First Friday Art Night Enjoy an evening stroll through downtown Historic “G” and 6^th 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 –
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. Contact 541-479-7204 or 800-648-4874 for further information.
 
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 6^th and 7^th Street annually, mid November to December 31^st. 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 24,790
Josephine County 78,600 est.
  
Climate
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.
 
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.
  
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 Artattack Theatre Productions. The Peter Britt Summer Music Festival in Jacksonville is 45 miles away as well.
 
WEATHER
 
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.

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

R.V. FACILITIES
  
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; Airport Transit Service, 541-479-3217 for service to airport; 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 salmn 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.
 
Lake Selmac: Fishing, boating, swimming, camping, groceries, boat rentals, licenses, horseback riding, Selma-23 Miles. Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area: Hiking, camping, wildlife, wildflowers, lakes, creeks, Illinois River. For more information: Illinois Valley Ranger District, P.O. Box 389, Cave Junction 97523. Kerbyville Museum: Early pioneer history, artifacts on logging and mining. Kerby - 26 miles. No admission charge. Open Mon. - Sat., 10 am - 5 pm, Sun., 1 pm - 5 pm, May 15-Sept. 15. Call 541-592-2076 for more information.
 
Cave Junction: Gateway to the Oregon Caves, Illinois Valley State Park on the Illinois River - swimming and picnicking, visit the Illinois Valley Visitors Center or call 541-592-2631. Home of the Wild Blackberry Festival. Cave Junction - 28 miles. Winery Loop: Enjoy tours and tastings at popular Illinois Valley wineries and vineyards - loop starts 5 miles east of town.
 
Oregon Caves: Marble cave formations, guided tours, chateau lodging, dining room. Caves National Monument - 20 miles from Cave Junction.
 
Rough & Ready Botanical Wayside: Unusual plant life, wildflowers, Rough and Ready Creek. Cave Junction - 7 miles south of town. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: Smith River, short hiking loops, camping. 75 miles from Grants Pass. Smith River: U.S. 199 follows the river just south of the border to Jedediah Smith State Park. Crescent City: Public beach access, dining, lodging, camping. 86 miles from Grants Pass.
 
Brookings: Harris Beach State Park, camping, lodging, dining. 25 miles north of Crescent City on U.S. 101. Redwood National Park: 106,000 acre park, camping, hiking, trails, rivers, elk, world's tallest trees.
  
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

CRATER LAKE
Crater Lake
For Information Call:
541-594-2211

The State's only National Park, half the fun of Crater Lake is the magnificent drive up to it. At the rim of the crater, visitors can marvel at the sight, hike around the lake or relax in the lodge. Each evening a program is put on by the National Park Service and employees of the lodge. Seasonal boat trips around the lake's 25-mile shoreline are also offered. The park, which is open all year, is a favorite of cross country skiers. Road crews work tirelessly to keep the road to the lodge open throughout the heavy snow season, while the north entrance and rim drive are closed.
 
OREGON CAVES
Oregon Caves
Cave Tour Information:
541-592-2100 or
541-592-3400
Only 50 miles from Grants Pass, Oregon Caves National Monument is located high in the Siskiyou Mountains east of Cave Junction. In addition to year-round cave tours, a rustic chateau with a dining room is part of the monument for the relaxation and enjoyment of visitors. For children under 6, who are not permitted in the Caves by government regulation, child care is provided.
 
APPLEGATE TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CENTER
Applegate Trail Interpretive Center
Offers a glimpse into the colorful history of this rugged area through the stories of the pioneer settlers, the naming of Grave Creek, the discovery of gold, the impact of the stageline, and the building of the railroad. Located in Beautiful Sunny Valley, Come visit the Center, Old Town Hall, The famous Covered Bridge and more!
 
THE REDWOODS
The Redwood Empire stretches from San Francisco into Southern Oregon. Visitors to Grants Pass who want to see the Redwoods may take the Redwood Highway, U.S. 199, southwest out of town heading towards Crescent City, California. Before reaching the coast, Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park will mark their entry into the Redwood Empire. The park provides campgrounds, hiking trails and access to one of America's cleanest waterways, the Smith River. Lush, dense fern growth on the forest floor with the towering Redwoods above guarantees visitors to the park an experience unique to our area.
  
If you didn't find what you're looking for here, try visiting: www.visitgrantspass.org