Around Rogue Valley and Josephine County there are many great things to experience for all ages. It is a quiet and relaxing region of retreat that also offers the wild and scenic Rogue River. When you stay at one of the many conveniently located Grants Pass hotels, almost everything worth visiting is within an hour’s drive or less.
Many Grants Pass hotels can even offer shuttle services to nearby landmarks. The Rogue River and Applegate have long been renowned for fishing for wild salmon, bass, and trout. The town of Ashland, which is just 45 minutes from Grants Pass, is home to the annual Shakespeare Festival. Some hotels offer packages that include tickets to see some of these performances. The Rogue and Applegate Valleys now have numerous family-owned wineries offering top-notch wines.
You will find abundant hiking trails around the Grants Pass region. For determined hikers, there are hiking trails at Crater Lake, Mt Ashland, and Mount McLoughlin. A hike down the bottom of Table Rock will be something the whole family can enjoy along with breathtaking views of the Rogue Valley and the meandering Rogue River. These areas contain hiking trails that are well maintained and relatively easy to follow.
Just a couple of miles north of Grants Pass from I-5 is Merlin / Galice Road, where you’ll discover well-designed bridges with incredible views of the Rogue River and Hellgate Canyon. At the end of the trail, you can take a 3 mile hike to Rainey Falls. It is always advisable to let someone know what your plans are and where you are going all the time. The hike suggestions described above are safest in early spring, summer, and early fall.
Probably one of the best located Grants Pass hotels is the Riverside Inn and Resort. Each and every room overlooks the River Rogue. This is where the popular Hellgate Jet Boat Tour departs. Some of your room packages include tickets to the exceptional Rogue River speedboat tour, which also includes brunch, lunch or dinner at OK Coral Restaurant. The speedboat ride on the Rogue River will be something that every tourist should experience. It offers interesting historical information about the Rogue River and the abundant wildlife that you will encounter during your cruise.
Grants Pass features a wonderfully scenic and historic shopping area with a number of great eating places offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find a number of antique stores that have unique treasures found in the Rogue Valley. Each store is distinctive and interesting with friendly and welcoming merchants.
The local wine industry has quickly built a reputation. Many of the local vineyards are family owned. You may want to take a wine tour and visit the Rogue and Applegate Valley wineries, where you can connect with the owners and taste their best wines.
Within walking distance of any of the Grants Pass hotels, you’ll find restaurants offering fresh river-caught salmon, as well as locally grown fruits and vegetables. From March through November, nearby farmers, ranchers, and artisans are available at the Growers Marketplace on Saturdays. Here you will find great souvenirs and a number of delicious homegrown or baked goods to enjoy on the spot. Grants Pass certainly has a lot to do and see. So much you may want to extend your stay.
