The Grants Pass, Oregon, area is like a playground for the outdoor enthusiast. There are several nearby national recreation areas, as well as boundless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, climbing, birding, mountain biking and more.
Oregon Cave National Monument, just 50 miles south of Grants Pass, features miles and miles of dark, twisty cave passages, including the amazing Marble Halls of Oregon. Tours are available, and hiking the mountain is a special treat. There is also nearby camping, and many backpacking trails and sites.
A river runs through Grants Pass. The Rogue River flows for about 215 miles and is famous for whitewater rafting, salmon runs, and rugged scenery. One of the first rivers named in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, the river starts near Crater Lake and flows through the Cascade Mountains. Dinosaur fragments were discovered near the Otter Point Formation, and are some of the only dinosaur remains found in Oregon.
The Siskiyou National Forest features a wide variety of gorgeous botanical diversity and is home to the isolated wilderness, fisheries, wildlife, and breathtaking vistas and mountain landscapes. About 30 miles west of the area, it’s an easy drive in your Grants Pass rental RV. Recreational activities include whitewater kayaking, lake and river fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter, and plenty of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.
Right on the border with California is
Klamath National Forest
, with over 1.7 million acres of ponderosa pine, fir, and other old growth trees. The Klamath Mountains punctuate this stunning landscape, and a favorite spot is Kangaroo Lake, with fishing, boating, and camping areas.
When you rent an RV in Grants Pass, your trip is not complete without seeing
Crater Lake National Park
, about 75 miles east of the city. In the Cascade Mountains, this park is known for its namesake Crater Lake, which was formed by a now-collapsed volcano peak, Mount Mazama. Right in the center of the lake is a cinder cone, named Wizard Island. There are many trails including Sun Notch, which features views of another mysterious small island called Phantom Ship. The lake water is fed by snowmelt and seasonal rains, and this area is a favorite of photographers, artists, and sightseers who all gaze in wonder at its pure blue waters in the awe-inspiring setting of the mountain backdrop.
Back in the city, locals and visitors alike love to visit municipal parks like Riverside Park, and Reinhart Volunteer Park. Both are pleasant green spaces, with Riverside Park along the Rogue River, with swimming and fishing spots, and Reinhart a great place to take the kids, with fishing ponds, volleyball, and horseshoe game areas, as well as soccer and basketball areas.
