Southern Oregon Rogue Valley Information by
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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 recently earned the distinction of a National Historic District
because of its historic buildings and homes. Downtown 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 and the Rogue
Valley are famous for the wonderful climate! 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.
Also 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 hydroboat 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.
While in Grants Pass you may want to visit:
Merlin and the North
Valley, Oregon Murphy and the Applegate
Valley, Oregon
City of Rogue River, Oregon Cave Junction and the Illinois Valley, Oregon
Recreation Opportunities and History of the Rogue River
Crater Lake National Park
Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley, Ashland, Grants Pass,
Jacksonville, Medford, Illinois Valley, Jackson County, Josephine County, Oregon Southern
Oregon, Rogue Valley, Ashland, Grants Pass, Jacksonville, Medford, Illinois Valley,
Jackson County, Josephine County, Oregon Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley, Ashland, Grants
Pass, Jacksonville, Medford, Illinois Valley, Jackson County, Josephine County, Oregon
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Ashland
Ashland is located 15 miles north of the California
border on Interstate 5 at the south end of the Rogue Valley, sitting at about 2,000 feet
above sea level. Mt. Ashland looms above the city to the South, 7,500 feet high, and the
Cascade Range lies about 30 miles to the east.
Ashland offers qualities of life that many towns only dream
about. Snow-capped mountain peaks, a major theater company joined by other smaller
theaters, art galleries, museums and fine restaurants offer a truly picturesque setting.
Ashland is a unique place, offering a ski resort in the winter, and three other
distinctive seasons. With its warm summers and mild climate, Ashland is an excellent place
to garden. The climate is so good, in fact, that Ashland had an active agricultural
industry around the turn of the century. The Rogue Valley is still known as "pear
country," and you can see trees from the old orchards around town. The climate is
also conducive to growing grapes, and Ashland has two local wineries.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is known worldwide for the quality of its productions. In
its 61st year, the Tony Award-winning OSF produces Shakespeare, classic and contemporary
plays in a season that runs from mid-February through October. Its three theaters provide
three very different settings; the $7.5 million newly renovated 1,200-seat Allen Pavilion
of the outdoor Elizabethan Theatre, whose performance stage
design was inspired by the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's time; the modern 600-seat Angus Bowmer; and the 140-seat Black Swan,
a perfect setting for intimate performances. The Festival uses volunteers for
ticket-taking, ushering, administrative tasks, selling souvenirs for the Tudor Guild, and a number of other functions. This offers a way for
residents to participate in the theater activities and, if ticket-taking, see friends and
neighbors. The early season is a time of excitement for resident theater-goers, as they
compare notes on new productions. They also enjoy half-price tickets to selected
performances then.
Jacksonville, Oregon
The historical town of Jacksonville is located about seven miles west of Medford and
fifteen miles north of Ashland Oregon. Jacksonville is one of the most historically
significant communities in the western United States. Filled with historical landmarks
this town offers visitors to share in the experience of a bygone era. Jacksonville is
filled with antique and specialty shops, cozy inns, museums, fine restaurants and other
historic attractions. People from all over come to dine in Rogue Valley's best restaurants
still in the original brick and wood. There are a selection a galleries, bookstores,
boutiques and gold prospect shops. Home to several Historical sites such as the
Jacksonville Museum (formerly the old courthouse.) Visitors can come see exhibits and
collections of yesteryears. More than 80 individual buildings are on the National Register
or Historic Places.
In 1966, the entire town of Jacksonville was designated a National Register of Historic
landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. There are historic Inns and Bed and
Breakfast Inns (most are actual historic landmarks that reflect the mystery and elegance
of an earlier era.) The Peter Britt House, the Nunan House, the Beekman House and others
await to show you "Living History."
In the early years Gold was discovered in the Oregon territory at Rich Gulch in 1851.
Miners flocked to the Rogue Valley from everywhere to seek their fortune. Within months,
thousands were scoring the hills hoping to stake a claim. A thriving mining camp emerged
along the gold-lined creekbeds and before long, the bustling camp was transformed into a
town named "Jacksonville".
The gold rush fever brought prosperity very quickly to Jacksonville and by the winter of
1852, saloons and gambling halls were springing up to coax the gold from the hands of the
eager prospectors. Makeshift shops, supply stores, a bank and all sorts of enterprising
businesses suddenly began to appear on the scene.
During these early"boom" years, Jacksonville became
the hub of commerce in Southern Oregon and the county seat of government. In 1884, when
the railroad decided to bypass Jacksonville and choose the new town of Medford as the
primary link between north and south, many residents and businesses moved away. A few
wealthy merchants built grand mansions and the new County Court House was completed in
1884. By the -1890's agriculture had replaced mining as the
main industry in the Valley.
For the next 50 years, Jacksonville remained relatively
unchanged as surrounding communities continued to grow. The county seat was finally moved
to Medford in 1927. Depression years and World War II left a serious impact on the local
community. But these turning points for Jacksonville had actually helped to preserve it's
historic legacy. Throughout the year, Jacksonville offers a wide range of events and
activities for all ages. Activities include the famous Peter Britt
Music Festival --Jacksonville Museum Tours -- Vintage Food and Wine Festival -- Pioneer Day
-- The Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market -- Trolley Tours -- Arts and Crafts Shows
and more.
Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley, Ashland, Grants Pass, Jacksonville, Medford, Illinois
Valley, Jackson County, Josephine County, Oregon Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley, Ashland,
Grants Pass, Jacksonville, Medford, Illinois Valley, Jackson County, Josephine County,
Oregon Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley, Ashland, Grants Pass, Jacksonville, Medford,
Illinois Valley, Jackson County, Josephine County, Oregon
Illinois Valley - Cave Junction
The beautiful Illinois Valley and the
surrounding area of Southern Oregon were once part of a continental margin. They lie at
the western end of the Siskiyou Mountains, where they abut the Coastal Range.
Cave Junction is a scenic, small town just north of California located on Hwy. 199. It is
approximately 30 miles southwest of Grants Pass, and is home to some 1,225 residents. Cave
Junction is considered the "Home of the Oregon Caves",
which are located about 20 miles east of town, off Hwy. 46.. It serves as a home base for
visitors from around the world, many of whom travel to the Illinois Valley to see the
unique geologic wonder.
The wonderous Illinois River borders Cave Junction on the west. There are plenty of shops
and other amenities available serving the 15,000 rural residents of the Illinois Valley,
along with the thousands of visitors who pass through annually.
Hunting and Fishing
Oregon hunters annually bag more than 100,000 deer and 15,000 elk as well as a number of
antelope and bear. For the bird hunter, pheasant, quail, pigeon, geese and duck provide a
sportsman's selection. The Illinois (check restrictions), Rogue River and Applegate Rivers
provide salmon, steelhead and trout, while Selms's 160-acre man-made Lake Selmac is the
state's premier trophy bass lake. A 55-mile drive to the coast affords surfcasting and
deep sea opportunities.
Boating and Water Sports
These include rafting, kayaking and canoeing. There are plenty of creeks, rivers and Lake
Selmac for swimming and water activities.
Winter Sports
They include cross country skiing and snow mobiles at the Page Mountain Snow Park and a
downhill facility at nearby Ashland. Serious skiers can travel to Mount Bachelor in Sun
River, about a 4 1/2 hour drive.
Hiking, Camping and Picnic
Areas are limitless in many state and federally operated locations. Trails include those
for hiking, biking, horseback riding and four-wheel drive vehicles or motorcycles.
Illinois Valley Golf Course
is currently on a 9-hole par 36, 3,100 yard course and will be expanding to 18. There are
several other golf courses in the surrounding areas. We also have baseball, softball,
soccer, volleyball, basketball, and horse riding clubs.
Climate
With an average elevation on the valley of 1,350', we offer more than 300 frost-free days
per year, attested to by our fast-growing wine vineyard operations. The Ilinois Valley
lies in one of the few U.S. climatic zones which experience little summer precipitation
and comfortably low humidity. Some summer days may reach 100 degrees, but the nights often
will still require a blanket.
For the vast majority of the year there is zero air pollution and a low percentage of
cloud cover, which contributes to the valley receiving more solar energy than most of the
United States.
Winter temperatures seldom fall below 20 degrees. Occasional snowfall on the valley floor
seldom reaches 6 inches and usually melts away in two to three days. Precipitation
averages 30-40 inches in the winter. The water supply is primarily subterranean or is from
the snowpack in the surrounding mountains.
The average latest and earliest killing frosts are April 17 and Oct. 25. Located less than
50 miles from the Pacific Ocean, our valley has cooler summers and warmer winters than
adjacent areas located farther inland.
Local winter energy needs are met primarily by wood and heat pumps with solar energy being
designed in new structures.
Public Schools
The Illinois Valley has two elementary schools including a kindergarten program -
Evergreen Elementary in Cave Junction and Selma Elementary located in Selma. There is one
middle school, Lorne Byrne, and Illinois Valley High School, both located in Cave
Junction. There is also a Head Start Program and Alternative Education Center.
Private Schools
There are several pre-school and kindergarten programs and some providing education
through the 12th grade. The Seventh-Day Adventist Academy and the Community Christian
Academy are two having religious affiliations.
Higher Education
Rogue Community College has its main campus in Grants Pass, 25 miles north of Cave
Junction, and holds occasional courses in a sub-campus located in Kerby. The nearest
technical school is the Oregon Institute of Technology located 100 miles to the east in
Klamath Falls. A four-year college is located in Ashland 70 miles away, and a business and
commercial training center is located in Medford.
Elsewhere in Oregon are more than 20 four-colleges and universities, both public and
private, as well as a multitude of trade, technical and commercial schools.
The Southwest corner of Oregon covers about 1,600 square miles of mountain terrain. The
elevation ranges from 1,240' above sea level along the river to 7,055' above sea level on
Grayback Mountain.
Valley Soil
consists of stream-deposited sand, silt and gravel, bench gravel deposits, and glacial
moraines. Some areas contain deposits of placer gold, minor platinum, nickel, and chrome
made commercially unimportant by current regulations and restrictions.
Illinois Valley Economy is based on a fast-fading lumber industry; growing tourism, cottage
industries and retirement, minimal agriculture, and employment by the government.
The Airport
provides a major flying and skydiving center, and the valley has several ultralight
enthusiasts too. Go-kart and motorcycle racing enthusiasts travel to nearby Crescent City
in Northern California.
There are lots of other service and and social clubs to get involved with.
Sights
Proclaimed a National Monument in 1909 the Oregon Caves has remained a geological wonder
for all to experience. A 75-minute guided interpretive tour will allow you to view the
stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstone and other beautiful formations. Tours are
available all year. The adjoining Oregon Caves Chateau offers accommodations from June to
September, year-round bed and breakfast and was designated a National Historic Landmark in
1987.
Kerbyville Museum
in Kerby provides a wonderful insight into the history of our area with many artifacts
displayed.
Lake Selmac
in Selma offers boating, fishing, swimming, camping facilities, and horseback riding.
Other recreational activities within a 2 1/2 hour drive include Crater Lake and Redwood
National Parks, the Oregon coast, Oregon Shakespearean Festival in Ashland, Immigrant Lake
in Jackson County with summer water slide, Lost Creek Lake, Applegate Lake, and Gold Ray
Dam. Right here in the Illinois Valley some additional sights are Eight Dollar Mountain
Botanical Area, Illinois River State Park, Kalmiopsis Wilderness, Fort Hay, Kerbyville
Ghost Town, Rough & Ready Botanical Wayside and much more including wineries and
unique businesses such as It's A Burl.
Labor
Almost any industry or company locating in the Illinois Valley can look to Rogue Community
College for technical and vocational training to upgrade existing worker skills.
Seventy-five percent of its 350 classes each session relate to job training and it can
even provide special short-term programs for individual employers. A Small Business
Development Center offers continuous courses and training in the Historic City Hall in
Grants Pass as well as on campus.
Churches
The Illinois Valley is home to more than 20 churches covering almost every denomination.
Transportation
Air: The Illinois Valley Airport is located four miles south of Cave Junction. The paved
landing strip is 5,200 feet long, 75' wide and at an elevation of 1,400'. It has 20,000
pounds single and 30,000 pounds double wheelbearing weight. Airline service is available
at Crescent city, California or Medford, Oregon.
Highways
The Illinois Valley is bisected by US 199 (also called the Redwood Highway) which runs
from Interstate 5 at Grants Pass to US Hwy. 101 on the coast. There is limited bus service
in and out of the area. Daily delivery service is provided by UPS and FEDEX with local
drop-off points. Several regional and national freight carriers also service the area. A
Greyhound bus station is located in Grants Pass, approximately 30 miles from Cave
Junction.
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