Discovering Southern Oregon – February 2026
AS HOLIDAY LIGHTS FADE and fresh snow blankets the surrounding mountains, winter invites you outdoors to experience the seasonal magic of Southern Oregon. It’s the perfect time to work off those holiday meals and embrace everything from snow-covered slopes and frozen alpine lakes to rushing rivers and quiet winter trails. Whether you’re seeking adventure or peaceful scenery, Southern Oregon offers winter activities for everyone. Here are some favorite ways to enjoy the season and make the most of winter’s beauty.
Skiing—Set against stunning mountain scenery, Mt. Ashland offers terrain for skiers and riders of all abilities. The mountain features 45 runs, six lifts, steep terrain, tree glades, night skiing, and 223 acres of skiable terrain. Visitors will also find a full rental shop, retail store, ski school, lounge, and several dining options—everything you need for a perfect day on the slopes.
Fly Fishing—The Applegate River is one of Southern Oregon’s best-kept secrets. This 51-mile-long tributary of the Rogue River is located just eight miles from Jacksonville and offers excellent access at Cantrall Buckley County Park, Applegate Lake, and Jackson Campground. The river is open for hatchery steelhead fishing from January 1 through March 1. Bait is allowed, though angling from a floating device is prohibited.
Ice Skating—In Medford check out “the RRRink” an indoor ice arena offering a range of activities.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing—Crater Lake may be famous for its summer beauty, but in winter it becomes truly magical. Known as one of the snowiest inhabited places in North America, the area receives an average of 43 feet of snow annually. With breathtaking views of the lake and more than 183,000 acres of backcountry to explore, Crater Lake is a top destination for winter adventurers. Guided snowshoe tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday through April. These 1–2 mile off-trail hikes range from moderate to strenuous and are open to ages eight and up, with or without snowshoe experience.
Snowmobiling—Few experiences compare to exploring the Cascade Mountains by snowmobile. Diamond Lake Resort is one of the few resorts offering snowmobile rentals, with access to miles of groomed trails and routes leading all the way to Crater Lake National Park. Rental rates range from $300 for two hours to $575 for a full day, plus fuel.
Kite Festival—Each February, Lake of the Woods hosts a unique and colorful winter kite festival. Visitors can walk out onto the frozen lake beneath massive professional kites soaring overhead—shaped like animals, cars, spinning wheels, and more. Before heading out, be sure to check the Lake of the Woods Resort website cameras to confirm weather conditions are suitable for flying.
Birdwatching—Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is part of a six-refuge complex in the Klamath Basin, created to protect what remains of the largest wetland area west of the Mississippi River. This remarkable refuge can host up to 1.8 million birds at a time, including migratory waterfowl such as geese, swans, and ducks traveling the Pacific Flyway. Winter also brings impressive birds of prey, including hundreds of bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and rough-legged hawks. Other species commonly seen include sandhill cranes, herons, egrets, white pelicans, grebes, quail, and pheasant. The refuge is free to visit and can be toured by car or on foot. February and March are the best months to visit, offering breathtaking winter landscapes and unparalleled wildlife viewing.
Ice Fishing—When winter freezes Southern Oregon’s alpine lakes, ice fishing season begins. Lake of the Woods is a top destination, with the resort renting everything you need, including ice tents to keep warm. Augers are available to rent—or staff can drill the holes for you.
Sledding & Tubing—Diamond Lake is the premier spot for sledding and tubing fun. One- and two-person custom tubes are available for rent, though tickets must be purchased online in advance. Riders are transported uphill via a 470-foot wonder carpet conveyor before racing down multiple tubing lanes. It’s a favorite activity for all ages.
Hiking—With three major mountain ranges, Southern Oregon offers endless hiking opportunities year-round. In winter, the Rogue Valley and lower Applegate Valley often remain snow-free, making them ideal for scenic hikes. Winter favorites include the Jacksonville Woodlands, RoxyAnn Peak, Table Rocks, Forest Park, the East Applegate Trail off Sterling Creek, and the hike to Rainie Falls along the Wild and Scenic Rogue River. Fewer crowds and leaf-free trees reveal sweeping views rarely seen in summer.
Get outside and enjoy the winter wonders of Southern Oregon. Before long, the snow will melt, spring will arrive, and green leaves will return to the trees—but winter’s magic is here to be enjoyed now.