Discovering Southern Oregon – March 2025
SPRING IN SOUTHERN OREGON is a magical time when longer, warmer days bring vibrant flowers, lush green landscapes, and snowcapped mountains framed by budding trees in bright lime hues. It’s the perfect season to step outside and immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty and charming communities. Here are some favorite outdoor springtime adventures to enjoy:
Our Home, Historic Jacksonville—Nestled in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains, our historic gold-mining town comes alive in the spring. Known for its rich history, music, and wine, we welcome locals and tourists alike. Wander the streets lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, and historic hotels. Catch the vibrant energy of live music emanating from tasting rooms, taverns, saloons, and pubs.
Wine lovers can hop aboard the iconic red wine trolley for tours of local wineries featuring live music, delicious appetizers, and exceptional wines. History buffs will enjoy the green trolley guided tours, delving into Jacksonville’s Gold Rush past and its early settlers. Cap off your day with a meal on one of the charming outside patios or porches—it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Hike to a Steelhead Run—Witness the incredible journey of Steelhead trout as they fight their way upstream to spawn. A hike to Rainie Falls, along the Wild & Scenic Rogue River, offers stunning views and a quintessential Oregon adventure. The 3.6-mile round-trip trail is fairly level, weaving through oaks and madrones, while hugging the Rogue River’s steep hillside. Spring is the ideal time to visit, with cascading waterfalls and mild temperatures. The falls make a perfect spot for a picnic, where you can relax to the roar of Class V rapids and watch Steelhead and salmon battle their way upstream. Wildlife sightings are common with river otters and deer, bald eagles and Osprey. Accessible parking along the Merlin-Galice Road goes over Graves Creek Bridge.
Enjoy Live Music at the Britt Festival—Spring signals the start of the Britt Music Festival in Jacksonville. This renowned outdoor hillside amphitheater, set on a hillside with stunning views of the Rogue Valley, hosts world-class genres with classical, jazz, blues, folk, bluegrass, and country music. With over 35 concerts from spring through summer, the Britt offers unforgettable evenings under the stars. On concert days, Jacksonville buzzes with energy, making it a great time to explore the town’s lively saloons, cafes and wine bars before heading to the show.
Sip and Savor in the Vineyards—Southern Oregon is a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of varietals due to its unique climate and topography. Jacksonville serves as the hub to this region’s wine country, home to nine local wineries and the gateway to the scenic 50-mile-long Applegate Valley, featuring 18+ wineries. In Spring, the countryside bursts with vibrant greenery, blossoming vineyards, and rushing rivers, making an idyllic backdrop for wine tasting. Many of the family-run wineries offer intimate experiences in serene settings, perfect for savoring exceptional wines.
Get Out on the Water—As the snow and ice melt and water levels rise, Southern Oregon’s lakes become prime destinations for springtime adventures. Head to Acorn Woman Lakes (formerly Squaw Lakes), located just beyond the Applegate Dam, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding—plus, the area is home to turtles, fish, and birds.
For a bigger adventure, head to Lake of the Woods. Nestled at the base of snowcapped Mount McLoughlin, this 5,000-foot alpine lake begins to thaw in April, offering the best time to explore its coves and passageways that disappear into marshes in summer. Rent a pedal boat, pontoon boat, or kayak from the Lake of the Woods Resort Marina and keep an eye out for white Pelicans, Sandhill Cranes, and Bald Eagles.
Experience Outdoor Theater—Starting in May, Ashland’s renowned Elizabethan Shakespeare Theater kicks off its spring season with captivating outdoor performances. Offering matinee and evening performances of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and “Into the Woods.” Tickets for these unforgettable plays are available through the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF).
Enjoy a Scenic Drive to the Coast—The Southern Oregon Coast is beautiful year-round, but spring offers especially pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The drive through the Applegate Valley and Illinois Valley, set along the Smith River, is stunning. Once at the coast, explore the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile stretch of rugged coastline between Brookings and Gold Beach. There are many pullouts that lead to overlooks, picnic areas, trails and beaches. Our favorites are Whaleshead Beach, Indian Sands Trail, Natural Bridge turnout and Secret Beach, which is actually several beaches that can only be accessed at low tide, with imposing tree-covered sea stacks offshore!
As winter fades, Southern Oregon transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to hiking, rivers, wineries, live music, or coastal escapes, spring offers endless opportunities to enjoy this incredible region. The only question is: What adventure will you start spring off with?