| Tours |
 |
|
 |
| Angler's Paradise |
|
We have a little secret. Even if you´re not an angler, you´ll go absolutely wild over southern Oregon. And if you do like to fish? Well, let´s just say you wouldn´t be the first to pack up and move to this part of the state after just one trip.
On the west side of the Cascade crest, you´ll wander along famous wild rivers like the Rogue. Deep forests, roller-coaster mountains, reservoirs brimming with fish ... this is the place pictured on all those postcards you see at the gift stores. The Rogue River has a lot of little cousins living in the hills. These streams are smaller, more intimate. Running against the grain of Oregon´s reputation, the sun is a frequent visitor (just like you could be). In the morning, the streams seem peppered with diamonds.
Then there´s Crater Lake, with its deep, blue water. The historic lodge has been totally renovated. A jaunt around the rim is a whole trip unto itself (but no, you can´t fish in the lake).
Whether you fish or not, skip the postcards and go right to the source. Southern Oregon.
DAY 1
Afternoon
Begin your journey at Valley of the Rogue State Park campground a few miles south of Grants Pass on I-5.
After checking into the campground, you´ll want to scout out a place to fish for tomorrow morning.
Evening
Unwind with some frisbee or evening stargazing in the spacious fields between the campground loops. Check with the ranger for information on presentations scheduled for the program area.
DAY 2
Morning
Get up early and drop a line in the Rogue River — a favorite with anglers and rafters alike.
Enjoy a delicious fish breakfast before packing up camp and heading east on Highway 234 to Joseph Stewart State Park on the shores of Lost Creek Reservoir. Along the way, you can get a little more fishing in at Casey State Recreation Area (or simply enjoy the stunning scenery).
Afternoon
Pull into Stewart and set up camp. The park has wonderful paved trails for walking or bicycling.
Evening
Pick a quiet spot on a trail north of the campground and wait for the deer to come out. Keep an eye out for osprey and bald eagles.
DAY 3
Morning
Pack for a little fishing. No need to leave the park this morning ... head over to the day-use area near the boat ramp and marina. Spend the morning fishing. Do an early lunch at the picnic area.
Afternoon
Take a short drive to the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery for the self-guided tour.
Afterward, head east on Highway 62 to Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint. Bring water and snacks, and take the trail to Pearsony Falls. Oh, and bring film. Lots of film.
Evening
Head back to Stewart and spend the evening around a campfire telling stories about your favorite part of this busy day. Check with the ranger for a schedule of evening programs and Junior Ranger activities (the Junior Ranger program is a youth-oriented natural resource program for kids aged 6-12).
DAY 4
Morning
Pack up camp and head east on Hwy 62 toward Crater Lake. If you see a restaurant or store selling homemade huckleberry pies along the way, go ahead and stop. You won´t have any problem finding things to do at Crater Lake. Bring film, good shoes and sunblock.
Have lunch at the park (and bring extra napkins for the huckleberry pie stains).
Afternoon
Drive the rim road if it´s open (usually opens in mid-July to September). It´s a spectacular ending to your southern Oregon tour.
Want more? Try heading east toward Klamath Falls. North of the intersection of Highways 62 and 97 lies Collier Memorial State Park. It´s one of those delightful hybrids: part museum, part campground, part mythical fishing spot. The outdoor museum puts a host of logging artifacts and steam-powered engines on display. The campground is great for tents or RVs. The Williamson River and Spring Creek are trout-heaven.
If you´re heading back toward I-5, head south from Grants Pass on Highway 199. Near Cave Junction, take a cool dip in the Illinois River at Illinois River Forks State Park, or head up to Oregon Caves National Monument on Highway 46.
See what we mean? Angler or not, you might as well give up trying to do it all in one trip and just move to southern Oregon.
|
|
|
|
