Southern Oregon Family Adventures

Rafting The Rogue	Oregon Caves National Monument

My parents introduced us to Shady Cove Oregon a little community just North East of Medford in the Upper Rogue River area. It lies about an hour from the California border. It had become a new fishing spot for my Dad. My parents coaxed us to join them there for a week’s vacation. They promised there would be more to do than just fish. So we packed up and headed north. Our week was filled with plenty to do and more that we wanted to do but simply ran out of time. We’ve since spent 3 more vacations up there both during winter and summer. Here are some of our favorite experiences.

• River Rafting. Our family of six rented a raft from one of the local rafting companies. They supplied us with transportation to our drop off spot and from our ending location. They also gave us a dry bag and an ice chest for our picnic. We let them know we were all beginners and they gave us some simple instructions to follow. And then we were off including my Dad in his seventies, to my youngest child who was 5. The section is primarily class one and two waves. Perfect for beginners with enough white water to keep it exciting. There are places to stop and rest along the way and enjoy a picnic too.
• National Parks. Within a couple of hours drive from Shady Cove there are two National Parks to visit. Our first one was the Oregon Caves National Monument where we paid to take a two hour guided tour inside the cave. The tour boasted the climb and decent of steps that equaled a 23 story building. We weren’t sure we were up for the task but decided to “go for it” anyway. We found that the guide did an excellent job of taking us through the cave with plenty of resting locations where he would talk to us and explain what we were looking at. In this fashion we never once felt too tired to go on. In the Summer heat this is an excellent place to visit because no matter what the temperature outside, inside the cave it is always cool.
• We also visited Crater Lake National Park where even in summer there was still snow on the ground! After throwing a few snowballs we walked down to the Sinnott Memorial Overlook where we were able to view the exhibits and learn the history of the lake. The kids also took part in the Junior Ranger Program. As part of the program they were able to listen to a Park Ranger explain the lake formation and ask questions of the Ranger. They were able to touch some hands-on exhibits and in the end got a Junior Ranger Badge.

Crater Lake National Park	Oregon Caves National Monument

  
Both of these National Parks boast a historic Lodge. The Crater Lake Lodge sits right on the rim of the lake and has a magnificent view. The lodges have both casual and fine dining. They are adorned with period pieces, large stone fireplaces and log poles which bring back a feel of yesterday and our National Park history.

• Wilderness Areas. Some other wilderness areas worth mentioning are McGregor Park. Where the kids were able to visit the nature center and learn more about the local plants and wildlife. They even discovered a floating rock. Another stop we made was for ice cream was in Union Creek along the way to Crater Lake. We had heard they served huge portions for a great price and they lived up to their name. My children were fascinated with the Natural Bridge area along the way to Crater Lake. Here the Rogue River flows underground for a short distance in a lava tube. There is an excellent bridge to view this natural phenomena and a short hiking trail to explore. One more place that we were very enchanted with was Lake of the Woods. It was a great place to spend the day letting the kids swim. We also enjoyed nearby Lost Creek Lake and Joseph Stewart State Park for swimming and picnicking.
• Eagle Point Fourth of July.  There are many places in Southern Oregon to enjoy fireworks, but after experiencing Fourth of July in Eagle Point my family is convinced that Garrison Keillor’s fictional Lake Woebegone is in fact Eagle Point. Our day started with a small town parade and street faire. We posed for pictures under the covered bridge adorned with flags and visited the Butte Creek Mill where they still grind all their flour using the original mill with a stone shipped over from France in the 1800’s. That evening we went to the local high school football field and watched their fireworks. Before each firework is lit they proudly announce its hometown sponsor. You learn a lot about a place as you watch fireworks one by one with a particular community sponsor attached to it. We even met the Mayor’s wife who was seated next to us. The highlight of the evening though is the parachutists that float down over the football field with flags flying and fireworks blazing behind them. It was a proud moment for small-town America.
• The trip wouldn’t be complete without taking a day to visit Ashland Oregon’s Shakespeare Festival. Even at last minute tickets are able to be purchased for one of the many plays that are being performed. The clerks are always helpful to find an appropriate family friendly play. Before the play we always go early to explore the many boutiques in the town. We also make time to visit Lithia Park. It is a shady place with duck ponds and fountains along with a playground.

Butte Creek Mill in Eagle Point	Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Southern Oregon is filled with many places to visit. My kids have tasted blue cheese (and actually liked it) at one of the small cheese factories. We have visited chocolate factories, fish hatcheries, and old western towns. We’ve explored falls, and have gone on a jet boat excursion, all within a couple of hours from our Shady Cove starting point.