The Rogue Valley is located at the southern end of the Interstate-5 corridor between the Coastal Mountain Range and the Cascade Mountains in Southwest Oregon. It runs from the California State line to Grants Pass. Interstate-5 goes through the valley from north to south.

From the South

When entering the area from California on Interstate-5 you descend out of the Siskiyou Mountains into a lush valley made famous by the Rogue River and its “Wild and Scenic River” national designation.

From the North

When entering this area from the North you will find the Hundred Valleys of the Umpqua. All along I-5 from Roseburg to Grants Pass you will find valleys to explore with attractions for all age levels.

Oakland

At Interstate-5 Exit 138 you’ll find the historic town of Oakland. Beside some great historic buildings and interesting local businesses you will find the Oakland Museum with historic displays about the railroad, a doctor’s office, a general store, and some typical rooms.

The Highway of Waterfalls

Oregon Highway-138 at I-5 Exit 124 , the North Umpqua Highway, from Roseburg to Diamond Lake, near Crater Lake National Park in Central Oregon, is designated a National Scenic Byway. The North Umpqua goes over may waterfalls along this highway.

OR Highway-138

Roseburg

and the “Land of the Umpqua”

We begin our SW Oregon region south of Eugene at about I-5 Exit 182 (Creswell). The area to the north is Central Western Oregon and the area to the south is SW Oregon.

When traveling South on I-5 from this imaginary line the first city of any size that you will run into is Roseburg, Oregon.

Roseburg is right in the heart of the “Land of Umpqua.” The north and south forks of the Umpqua River provide unique river recreation in the area. You can enjoy steelhead and salmon fishing, white water rafting, spectacular waterfalls, hiking and calmer water tubing on the Umpqua River.

There is much much more in the “Land of Umpqua” including shopping in Roseburg, Roseburg’s historic downtown, wine and vineyards, A casino in Canyonville, a Wildlife Safari, and most of all the natural beauty of the area. Roseburg

The Rogue River in Grants Pass

One of 16 waterfalls on the North Umpqua Scenic Byway.

South Umpqua Valley

Twenty miles south of Roseburg, at I-5 Exits 103 & 108, you will find the South Umpqua Valley, where the south fork of the Umpqua winds by the towns of Canyonville, Riddle, Tri-City, Myrtle Creek, and Days Creek. All of these towns were along the famous Applegate Trail of the 1850’s. You’ll find camping, boating, hiking, fishing, a covered bridge, and much more in this area.

Canyon Creek Pass

Just south of I-5 Exit 99 you will go over Canyon Creek Pass (2,020 feet). This is where you leave the “Land of the Umpqua” and head down into the Rogue Valley. You will also find Canyonville just east of Exit 99 at the foot of Canyon Mountain. You will find 7-Feathers Casino & Resort here too.

Rogue River Loop

At I-5 Exit 71 exit and go to the Applegate Trail Interpretive Center in Sunny Valley. The Applegate Trail was the southern route of the

Oregon Trail. The Grave Creek Covered Bridge is near the Interpretive Center and shouldn’t be missed.

Go north on the Rogue River Loop and you’ll find Wolf Creek Lodge near I-5 Exit 76. This stage lodge still offers dining and lodging. You will also find the ghost town of Golden and the small communities of Pottsville and Galice along with some gold mines.

Grants Pass Area

Drive about 60 miles south from Roseburg through the “Land of the Umpqua” and you will find yourself dropping into the Rogue River Valley in the Grants Pass area.

Grants Pass, Oregon

Oakland, Oregon

The Redwood Highway

At Interstate-5 Exit 58 you will find the exit into Grants Pass City Center and the beginning of US-199, “The Redwood Highway” which will take you from Grants Pass to Crescent City, CA on the Pacific Coast. The highway runs through the Illinois River Valley and you will find the Oregon Caves National Monument. It is 28 miles down US-199 to the junction to the “Oregon Caves.”

You’ll find the Kerbyville Museum one mile north of Cave Junction with exhibits of the history of the area, including mining, Native Americans, a general store, and pioneer life.

In Cave Junction look for the Illinois River Valley Visitor Center. There you will find the National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Josephine County and the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce information with information on the Caves, Siskiyou National Forest, wilderness areas, campgrounds, and other local information.

The US Forest Service has interpretive trails among centuries-old giant redwoods in the north-most coastal Redwood Grove 8.5 miles east of US-101 on US-199.

More about Grants Pass

The “Wild and Scenic” Rogue River goes right through Grants Pass. You will find everything from lodging to RV parks to restaurants to jet boat rides on the river in the City.

You will find over 25 antique dealers, restaurants, gift shops, and many other interesting stores in the Historic Downtown Area. Grants Pass

Jacksonville, Oregon

Look for this history sign at the west end of Oakland, Oregon

Medford

The largest city on southwest Oregon is Medford. It is on Interstate-5 about 30 mi. north of the Oregon/California State Line and 270 mi. south of Portland. Medford is world renowned for its pears and other agricultural products.

In recent years Medford has gone through somewhat of a transformation from agricultural to a tourist center. That doesn’t mean it has left its agricultural base behind it just means it has added malls, begin restoring its historic downtown and other attractions for the tourist so that it is more attractive to the visitor.

It is interesting how the wine industry has expanded in the northwest. The winemakers and vineyards have also found the Medford area.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville lies 5.7 miles west of Medford on OR Highway 238 from Interstate-5 Exit 30. Jacksonville is a National Historic Landmark Town.

This historic town has interesting historic buildings that house restaurants, shops, lodgings, and don’t forget the visitor center at 185 N. Oregon Street. Jacksonville

Ashland

You will find Ashland at the south end of the Rogue Valley just 14 miles north of the California State Line. The Siskiyou Pass on Interstate-5 is located just 8 miles south of the City. The elevation of Ashland is about 2,000 feet above sea level and Siskiyou Pass is 4,310 feet above sea level.

Ashland is famous for its Oregon Shakespeare Festival that draws thousands to the community. The Festival is Ashland’s only great attribute. Other attractions include skiing at 7,500 foot Mt. Ashland, hiking, art galleries, museums, and restaurants.

Ashland

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