| INSIDERS
GUIDE TO GRANTS PASS
OREGON |
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THE ROGUE RIVER:
A Civilized Wilderness Grants Pass,
Oregon is the gateway to one of America's premier
whitewater rivers. Folks who love to fish, rafters,
kayakers and river enthusiasts 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 air, auto or motorcoach.
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.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
The Rogue River
A source of
food for settlers, an inspiration to movie-makers and a
home to wildlife, the Rogue River has an exciting past
and a promising future. The recreational opportunities
of the river are many: jetboat trips, rafting, kayaking,
fishing, water skiing, 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 be
a relaxing float or a heart-pounding whitewater
adventure. Restaurants, motels and lodges along the
river offer visitors a chance to enjoy briefly what we
savor year round. For information on river adventure
providers contact the Visitor Information Center,
1-800-547-5927 or write to P.O. Box 1787, Grants Pass,
OR 97526; for Rogue River backpacking information, write
Siskiyou National Forest, P.O. Box 440, 200 NE
Greenfield Rd., Grants Pass, 97526 (phone 541-479-5301);
Bureau of Land Management, P.O. Box 1047, Medford,
Oregon, 97501.
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.
PERFORMING ARTS
Rogue
Music Theatre
Offering music theatre under the stars,
Rogue Music Theatre at Rogue Community College, has
Broadway-style shows with full orchestra playing July
through August, plus winter shows. With such smash hits
as "Oklahoma!," "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Sound of
Music", the presentations feature professional actors,
plus a wealth of local talent. The summer shows are held
in the outdoor Rogue Concert Bowl with audiences seated
on blankets and folding chairs on the gently sloping
earth. (541-479-5541). Barnstormers: The Barnstormers
Little Theatre, the oldest community theatre in the
state, presents classic and contemporary stage
offerings, leaning heavily toward comedy. (541-479-3557)
From mid-July to mid-August the Chamber of Commerce
and local merchant supporters present a series of free
concerts in Riverside Park with music ranging from jazz
to classical. Concerts, featuring local musicians, are
scheduled for Tuesday evenings. (541-779-2820).
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Amazing May is the season opener.
Festivities are scheduled throughout the entire month of
May. Events include the Grants Pass Museum of Art
Exhibit. For information contact the museum at (541)
479-3290. The Hot Air Balloon Tether is featured at the
All Sports Park, where tethering and regular flights are
available. For information contact Bill at (541)
582-2200. The Third Annual Native American Arts Festival
is held at the Riverside Park on May11-12. More
information may be obtained from Jack at (541) 479-8770.
Man's best friend(s) will be looking their best for the
All Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trials, beginning at
8am, May 18-19 at Indian Mary Park. For more information
call from Lucille at (541) 479-9694. On May 19th the
Third Annual Antique and Collectibles Street Faire takes
place. Step back in time with an interpretive buggy ride
on H Street between 5th and 6th Streets, or listen to
the one man band on the corner of 5th and H Streets.
Contact Yvonne at (541) 479-6491 for more information.
The whole Memorial Day weekend is devoted to the
annual Boatnik. This is kicked off by a parade
terminating in Riverside Park, the starting point for
white-water hydroboats racing 35 miles down the Rogue
River and back. Activities in the park include magic and
art shows, crafts, art and food booths, sky divers and
water-ski shows. Horse Racing: Grants Pass Downs at
Josephine County Fairgrounds features high caliber
Pari-mutuel horse racing each Friday, Saturday, Sunday,
holidays and Memorial Day through July 7. (541-476-3215)
County Fair: Josephine County Fair at the
fairgrounds, a mid-August old-fashioned county fair with
baking, crafts and hobby contests. Includes livestock
auctions, entertainment, carnival rides and even pig
races. A favorite attraction is the four-wheel drive
pull. (541-476-3215). Renaissance Fair: You can see
knights and their fair ladies at the Renaissance Fair
held for two days each year in Riverside Park. Prizes
are given for the most colorful and authentic costumes.
Jedediah Smith Mountain Man Rendezvous: A pre-Labor Day
tradition for more than 20 years. Step back in time at
this multi-day pioneer festival in Sportsman's Park.
Authentic clothing and muzzleloaders turn the park into
a pioneer settlement. For a complete list of festivals
and events, ask for our Events Calendar. Applegate
Trail: 1996 marks the 150th anniversary of the Applegate
Trail. This memorial event will cover eight counties in
Oregon with a total reenactment of the 1846 wagon train.
The local celebration is called Heritage Days.
UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS
Growers' Market
P.O. Box 573,
Attn: Marty Fate
Grants Pass, OR 97526
541-476-5375
Growers' Market is the largest open air
agricultural market in Oregon. Throughout the long
growing season over a hundred entrepreneurs offer
everything from vegetables, berries, fruits and herbs to
bedding plants, shrubbery, baked goods and handicrafts.
Location: south on Sixth St., left on "L" St. (New
location planned for 1992 season). Hours of Operation:
Sat. from 9 am to 1 PM, March 15 through Thanksgiving,
and Tues. (same time) starting in June. Call for market
times and location for the 1996 season. Food Services:
Vendors on site, restaurants within 6 blocks. Parking:
Ample for RV/Motorcoach. Prices: Free.
WILDLIFE
IMAGES REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION CENTER
11845
Lower River Rd.
Grants Pass, OR 97526
541-476-0222
Originally started as a rehabilitation station for birds
of prey, now also includes a program to aid and nurture
wild animals who have been injured or orphaned. Guided
tours allow groups to view this wildlife and learn about
each type of animal or bird. View bears, cougars,
raccoons and many other resident creatures. Location: 13
miles out of Grants Pass. I-5 exit 58 downtown on Sixth
St., right on G St., to Upper River Road, to Lower River
Road. Hours of operation: Open to the public for daily
tours at 11am and 1pm by reservation only. Call ahead
for tour arrangements. Food Services: Picnic area only.
Prices/Booking: Donations gladly accepted. Gift shop
also on site.
MYRTLEWOOD PRODUCTS, INC.
1785
Dowell Road
Grants Pass, OR 97527
541-479-6664
Group woodworking tours of the facility. Watch rare
myrtlewood as it is taken from its raw state and
transformed into a polished retail item. To see these
craftsmen at work, call ahead for a free tour. There it
also a large retail shop on site for purchasing the
finished products. Location: From I-5, south on Sixth
St., right at the Cave Junction/Crescent City Rt. #199,
left onto Dowell road. Factory sits on the corner of
Dowell and U.S. 199. Hours of operation: Tours:
Mon.-Fri., 9 am to 4 pm (12-12:30 lunch break - no
tours). Gift Shop: Mon.-Sat., 9 am - 5:30 pm, Sun. 11 am
to 4 pm. Food Service: Nearby. Parking: Ample for RV/Motorcoach.
Special: They will ship purchases for groups U.P.S., no
handling fee.
HELLGATE JETBOAT EXCURSIONS
953
S.E 7th st.
Grants Pass, OR 97526
541-479-7204 or
800-648-4874
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
three excursions to choose from; a 2-hour scenic canyon
tour; 5-hour roughwater; or a 4-hour dinner trip served
down river at an old homestead overlooking the river.
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!
BRIDGEVIEW WINERY
4210 Holland Loop Road
Cave Junction, OR 97523
(541) 592-4688; FAX 592-2127
Bridgeview Vineyards is
nestled in the Illinois Valley of southern Oregon's
coastal mountains. Our 74-acre vineyard is densely
planted in the European style. We produce award winning
wines in the varietals of Pinot Noir, Merlot,
Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Riesling
(Blue Moon Riesling). Visit the Winery and Tasting Room
and enjoy the beautiful settings around our waterfalls,
lakes and vineyards. Enjoy the great hospitality at our
B&B, "Kerbyville Inn", in Kerby on Hwy 199. Visitors are
welcome from February through December, 11-5 daily.
ART & ANTIQUES
Grants Pass Museum of Art -
Displaying classic and contemporary art including local
artist's work. 229 SW 'G' St.
The Wiseman
Gallery Works-
from a cross section of the nation's
fine and contemporary artists. Exhibits change every
three weeks. Rogue Community College.
Antiques
and Collectibles -
Grants Pass has over 25 antique
and collectable shops to explore. Maps with listings of
the items each carries are available from the Grants
Pass Area Association of Antique Dealers. Write to 220
S.W. 6th St., Grants Pass, OR 97526 or call the
Information Center for assistance.
HISTORICAL
SITES
The historic Schmidt House at the corner of 5th
and "J" Streets. In addition to its past significance,
built in the 1890's of locally made brick, only open now
for events. Located next door is the Research Library
which contains many interesting collections of books,
photos and maps. The reading and conference room of the
research library are open from 10 am to 4 pm, Tues. -
Fri. For more information on this house and other
historical landmarks, phone 479-7827. for a complete
list of historical residences, ask for "Walking Tour of
Historic Grants Pass."
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 variet 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.
SCENIC DRIVES
Redwood Hwy., U.S.
199
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.
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.
OTHER
INFORMATION
Jackson County Airport: Major commercial
airline arrival and departure, 22 miles from Grants Pass
(contact airlines directly). Josephine County Airports:
Facilities for light aircraft to corporate jets; Merlin
Airport FBO, Grants Pass Aviation, 541-474-0665;
Illinois Valley Airport, 541-474-5285.
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
541-474-5285.
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