FAMILY FUN IN THE ROGUE VALLEY

In 1846, a wagon train led by Jesse Applegate traversed southern Oregon along what became known as the Applegate Trail. Tub Springs Wayside is one of the stopping points before you head down the mountain pass into Ashland. Take a moment to stop here amid the towering fir and sense what it was like 150 years ago. Breathe in the fresh mountain air. There's an interpretive panel at the wayside describing the difficulties faced by these pioneers. The name Tub Springs is derived from the tubs that were installed in the 1930s to provide spring water for travelers. The tubs have been renovated and are still functional today. The same springs that provided early settlers with plentiful fresh water still flow.

This short, lovely hike through the brushy foothills of the little Applegate is ideal for a sunny afternoon in summer, or winter, with a picnic basket and all the kids you can round up. Wildflowers abound in spring. The described route, the Tunnel Ridge Trail, is a connecting link to the Sterling Mine Trail, a 26-mile path under development along an old mining ditch. From the 1870s to the 1930s, the ditch channeled water to the gold mines on Sterling Creek. The highlight of the 26-mile engineering feat is the 100-foot tunnel through Tunnel Ridge. Highlight: An unusual, low-elevation, year-round hike following a historic mining ditch. Magnificent spring wildflowers.

The City of Central Point and School District 6 have partnered to provide this community sports park, known as Civic Field. Located in the northwestern part of the City, Civic Field includes over 7 acres of multi-use fields, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts and walking paths.

Originally named "Shady Cove Park" after the City of Shady Cove, this irresistible stop along the Rogue River offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, barbecues, restrooms, and a fishing platform for the disabled. With a total of 7.86 shady acres and 0.17 miles of river frontage, Upper Rogue Regional Park can take the edge off a hot summer day. Whether using the shaded day use area for a picnic or watching the rafters drift by from the waterfront, just relax and take in one of the more popular county parks.

This 2.1 acre park features a covered gazebo, 2 playground structures, tennis and basketball courts.

The Vaughn Family Farm has been growing in one form or another since 1902. We specialize in four varieties of pears: Bartlett, Comice, Bosc and Packhams Triumph. With over 100 acres of pastureland, orchards and hay fields, we also have wild blackberries for picking. We would love you to come visit us for our u-pick fruit in season and for a conducted tour of our orchard. Call Farmer Ed directly in late summer and throughout fall to get your fresh sun-ripened pears and pick up your canning pears for the winter. You can find our locally grown fruits at many local grocery stores.

Wagner Butte towers directly above the Bear Creek Valley immediately west of Medford and Ashland. At 7,140 feet, it’s right next to and only 200 feet lower than Mount Ashland, the Siskiyous’ highest peak. If you’ve ever wished there were a wilderness trail to the top of Mount Ashland instead of a network of roads, consider tackling Wagner Butte. The trailhead lies just 10.5 miles from downtown Talent. Highlight: The highest hikeable mountain overlooking Bear Creek Valley.

Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center was founded as a non-profit corporation in 1981 by renowned wildlife rehabilitator J. David Siddon. The facility was created in order to provide for the care and treatment of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Wildlife Images has since expanded to provide educational programs on wildlife, conservation, and the environment to schools, organizations and the general public.

Willow Lake, a wooded escape set at the base of Mt. McLoughlin, offers an accessible retreat from the hustle and bustle work week. Just 7.5 miles east of the City of Butte Falls, Willow Lake is a short drive and an excellent opportunity to enjoy a peaceful day at the lake and take in the picturesque views. With an expansive 927 acres, including 4.4 miles of lake frontage, recreational activities include hiking, swimming, fishing for trout, bass or crappie, camping and boating. Willow Lake can accommodate anyone from the most avid outdoor enthusiast to someone just wanting to escape for a while.