Discovering Southern Oregon – October 2024

ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE MOST about Southern Oregon is its four distinct seasons. I can’t say I have a favorite, but I do have favorite activities for each. Fall is the season of crisp, cool weather. The season when pumpkins and squash are harvested, ciders are brewed, and the leaves turn into vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. It’s the perfect time for a hike or a scenic drive to enjoy the stunning colors or to relax by a cozy fireplace while listening to live music. Here are my top 10 favorite activities to enjoy this fall:

  1. Scenic Fall Drives—The fall foliage from maples, alders, dogwoods, aspens, and white oaks is breathtaking. Four of the best spots to enjoy the colors are Jacksonville, Ashland, Applegate Valley, and the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. In Jacksonville, stroll through the historic town, with its quaint shops, restaurants, and Victorian homes beneath towering maple trees. In Ashland, don’t miss Lithia Park, a must-see in the fall. For more beautiful views, head to the Lindsay Lodge overlooking the Applegate River or take the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, where the colors along the Rogue and Umpqua rivers are particularly brilliant.
  2. Live Music by the Fire—Southern Oregon is full of intimate spots where you can enjoy live music by a warm fireplace. Popular venues include South Stage Cellars, Bella Union, Daisy Creek, DANCIN, Rellik, and new places like Remotion, SOMAR, and the Wine Lounge at the Jacksonville Inn.
  3. Wine Tasting in the Countryside—There’s no better way to enjoy the fall colors than by visiting local wineries. Take a ride on Jacksonville’s Wine Trolley, which lets you hop on and off at different wineries without worrying about driving. You can also take a self-guided tour of the Applegate Valley’s 18 tasting rooms, where winemakers will be ready to chat after the harvest. Private wine tours are available too, with companies like Wine Hopper.
  4. Hiking to Colorful Waterfalls—Just south of Prospect, you’ll find Mill Creek Falls and Barr Creek Falls, two stunning waterfalls surrounded by fall foliage. Hike the 1.4-mile loop from Mill Creek Falls Trailhead, passing through the “Avenue of the Boulders” before reaching the falls.
  5. Bask in the Holiday Lights—As the days grow shorter, holiday lights begin to glow. Jacksonville and Ashland both put on spectacular displays. Jacksonville’s tree lighting ceremony on November 30th kicks off its Victorian Christmas celebration, and this year, you can take a Holiday Trolley Lights Tour in December. New this year is the Holiday Trolley Lights Tour showcasing the lights and decorations of Jacksonville, happening December evenings.
  6. Celebrating Halloween—For a fun and festive Halloween, attend Jacksonville’s Halloween Promenade on October 27th, where downtown businesses hand out candy to costumed kids. Another great option is Ashland’s Halloween Parade on October 31st, which brings out kids and adults in creative costumes for a trick-or-treating parade down main street.
  7. Pheasant Fields Farm Harvest Festival—Located on Camp Baker Road in Medford, this 20-acre farm hosts its 20th annual Harvest Festival this fall. The festival features a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, animal exhibits, and more, set against a backdrop of colorful hills and mountains.
  8. Oysters & Ales at Bella Union—Every Thursday night from October through April, Bella Union hosts its popular Oysters & Ales event. Enjoy BBQ oysters and beer samples from a featured brewery, or indulge in their delicious Italian food, live music, and cozy atmosphere.
  9. Watching Football with Friends—Whether you’re a fan of the Ducks, Beavers, Seahawks, 49ers, or another team, fall weekends are perfect for gathering with friends to watch football. Whether at home or in one of Jacksonville’s local saloons, it’s a great way to spend a fall afternoon.
  10. Romantic River Getaways—Fall is an ideal time for a riverside staycation. With fewer rafters on the water and stunning fall colors, my three favorite spots are Morrison Lodge on the Rogue River in Galice, Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge near Gold Beach, and Steamboat Inn on the Umpqua River.

As the leaves begin to fall and the trees turn brilliant shades of red and yellow, don’t think of it as the end of summer—see it as the start of fall and all the wonderful activities the season brings.