Southern Oregon's Upper Rogue River

Crater Lake National Park to Gold Hill

The World Famous Rogue River was designated one of the nations first Wild and Scenic Rivers by United States Congress in 1968.

National Wild and Scenic River

 "It is here by declared to be the policy of the United Sates that certain selected rivers of the nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstanding remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations."
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
October 2, 1968

The Rogue River begins its 200-mile journey to the Pacific Ocean from crystal clear cold springs at the 6000 foot elevation on the west slope of Mount Mazama an ancient volcano now Crater Lake National Park.

Crater Lake is widely known for its intense blue color and spectacular views. During summer, visitors may navigate the Rim Drive around the lake, enjoy boat tours on the lake surface, stay in the historic Crater Lake Lodge, camp at Mazama Village, or hike some of the park's various trails including Mt. Scott at 8,929 ft. Diverse interpretive programs enhance visitors' knowledge and appreciation of this national park, 90% of which is managed as wilderness. The winter brings some of the heaviest snowfall in the country, averaging 533 inches per year. Although park facilities mostly close for this snowy season, visitors may view the lake during fair weather, enjoy cross-country skiing, and participate in weekend snowshoe hikes. Crater Lake National Park website.

The drainage is over 5000 square miles of Southwest Oregon. Starting in springs in the Cascade Mountains within Crater Lake National Park and flowing as a Wild and Scenic River westward through the dense Old Growth Forests of Douglas Fir in the Rogue River National Forest on its path Pacific Ocean.

The Rogue River flows 75 miles west through old growth forests while passing through old logging and mining towns of Prospect, Trail, Shady Cove and Eagle Point before entering the Rogue River Valley near the cities of Medford and Central Point. This area is famous for its Spring King Salmon fishing May thru July and Summer Steelhead Fishing July thru November. Flyfishing for Summer Steelhead is a favorite method. Our Guides and Outfitter members will help you have a successful fishing excursion.

Whitewater Rafting is a favorite summer activity. Our Whitewater Guides and Outfitters members can give you a safe fun Whitewater Rafting experence. Raft rentals are available for those wanting to go it on there own also. Rogue Klamath Adventures can help.

Near by you will find Ashland and it's famous Shakespearean Theater with wonderful Lithia Park.

Jacksonville, Oregon

Located to the southwest is Jacksonville, site of a late 1800's Gold Rush. Jacksonville is a national historic town with shops, museums and the Britt Gardens and Music Festival to offer a pleasant evening excursion. Numerous Golf courses make the Rogue Valley the center of outdoor activities and entertainment. Medford International Airport and interstate 5 make access convenient.

Area Lakes of Lost Creek, Applegate, Howard Prairie, Hyatt, Lake of the Woods, Fish Lake and Agate Lake offer camping and fishing opportunities. Several Jackson County and State Parks are nearby for camping and recreation. The Seven Lakes Wilderness area has numerous small lakes and hiking opportunities to access the rivers most secluded areas.

Summer Steelhead  Photo by Don Roberts

The Upper Rogue area will give the traveler a recreational choice of Salmon, Steelhead and Trout fishing, white water rafting, lakes, camping, hiking, golf, snow sports, shopping, music and theater.

About Medford, Oregon from Oregon.com

The Greater Medford area, located in the Rogue River Valley, is the professional and retail trade center for eight counties in southern Oregon and northern California. The City of Medford, incorporated in 1905, is the seat of Jackson County.

With beautiful parks and designated historic buildings, Medford offers an environment where residential communities flourish in close proximity to good schools and multi-denominational churches.

Medford living can be as active or as relaxing as you choose. Avid walkers delight in getting from place to place, thanks to the well cared for and well lighted sidewalks in the downtown area. It is also an ideal way to see the horticultural beauty of Alba Park, the quaint streetscapes, the arts and educational district, and the historic architecture.

Medford's location helps it offer the professional and cultural activities of a metropolitan area in a city of just 63,154. Whether you visit Medford for business, to take advantage of its many cultural and recreational opportunities, or to visit family and friends, you will find a warm welcome here.

Population
Jackson County 2000: 181,269 / Medford 2000: 63,154

Climate and Temperature
Lowest monthly average:
  44 degrees F
Highest monthly average:
  91 degrees F
Hottest month: July
Coldest month: December
Driest month: July
Wettest month: December
Average annual precipitation: 18.86"

About Ashland from Oregon.com

About Jacksonville from Oregon.com

Jacksonville is located less than 30 miles north of the California border and is easily accessible from Interstate 5. It sits in the countryside 5 miles west of Medford on the Jacksonville Highway, nestled against the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains in Southern Oregon.

Temperature is moderate and the seasons are distinctive. Summers are warm and sunny; winter brings sporadic showers and an occasional dusting of snow. Due to the moderate climate, this area has been called the “banana belt” of the Pacific Northwest.

Population: 2,100
Climate: Summer 70 to 100 degrees / Winter 30 to 65 degrees
Annual Rainfall: 20"
Schools: 1 elementary and 1 high school
Community: 4 churches, 3 banks, 5 wineries nearby, 5 real estate offices

General Information
The historic character of this 19th Century town and the colorful legends of the past are woven into the fabric of everyday life in Jacksonville, reflected in the architecture and historic landmarks that line the streets.

Experience the warm summers and mild winters that beckon visitors to this appealing vacation spot through all four seasons.

History
After the Gold Rush Gold was first 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 scouring the hills hoping to stake a claim.

A thriving mining camp emerged along the gold-lined creeks and before long, the bustling camp was transformed into a town named “Jacksonville”. As luck would have it, Peter Britt, Oregon’s first photographer, arrived by oxen cart in 1852. After a brief period of gold mining and operating a pack train, he returned to his passion for photography. Britt captured the landscape of Jacksonville’s early history with pictures of people, architecture, events and natural settings that reflected the unusual lives and colorful legends of the day.

Meanwhile, 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 eager prospectors. Makeshift shops, supply stores, a bank and all sorts of enterprising businesses suddenly began to appear on the scene.

A City In Transition - 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 valley route through what is now 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 in1884. By the1890’s, agriculture had replaced mining as the main industry in the Valley. Historic Recognition Preserving Our History With great resilience and a new recognition of Jacksonville’s valuable heritage, the residents and business merchants began to actively preserve the town’s 19th Century character and charm. Photo archives, writings and artifacts that document Jacksonville’s colorful history were carefully rediscovered and assembled into exhibits and collections. In 1966, the entire town of Jacksonville was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior and in 2001, was named one of the 12 Distinctive Destinations in the United States. More than 80 individual buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.

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