We’re going to have a few days in Ashland this August and are looking for recommendations for non-theater activities (we’ve already booked two plays). Rafting? Hiking? We’ll have our 15 and 12-year olds with us. Thanks!
Ken,
In all the times I’ve visited Ashland, I’ve found a few things to do outside of the plays. Downtown Ashland has some interesting shopping. There is a really nice bike path that goes all the way to Medford (~15 miles one way), although the start is at the bottom of the city and somewhat hard to find. There are numerous hiking trails up into the mountains from Lithia Park, adjacent to downtown. There are also tours for a “backstage” look at the Shakespeare Festival as well. There is rather tame rafting on the Rogue (the more interesting stuff is downstream from Grants Pass) upstream from Medford, and the Rogue Creamery (incredible blue cheeses) is nearby as well in Central Point.
The daytime highs will likely be in the 90’s, at least, though it cools off at night. Also keep in mind that the evening plays usually don’t wrap up until about 11:30, so it usually ends up being a rather slow start in the morning. Have fun!
What Rick said and there are also wineries worth visiting in and near Ashland. You can also drive up to Crater Lake (which takes some time, though).
Thanks, guys.
I’d spend most of my time there eating and pillaging the wine list at New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro.
Morrisons lodge in Merlin is a great place for rafting fishing and food.
Just up the Rogue River, on the way to Crater Lake, is a little town called Shady Cove. You can raft or fish, either guided or unguided. There’s a Mexican restaurant overlooking the river where you can down a margarita while watching the river scene. If you have the time (a couple of hours) the drive to Crater Lake is beautiful. Another drive east from Ashland will take you to some lakes, Hyatt Reservoir and Howard Prairie Lake, for water sports, and another 20 minutes takes you to Lake of the Woods, a little jewel in the Cascades with a view of Mt. McLoughlin, a volcano.
We’ll be stopping off at Science Works on our way through Ashland. Not sure if your kids will consider themselves “too old” for this place, but it looks pretty cool and our 8 yr. old is stoked.
I’m going to echo the above and recommend Crater Lake. It is a bit over two hours away, and not to be missed.
There are some decent hikes around the lake. It can be cold there at any time of year.
You can continue a loop on the way back past Klamath Lake and its Pelicans, and on to Lake of the Woods.
If you get the urge to climb up Mt McLoughlin, it takes about 10-12 hours and only for the most fit.
The kids will get a kick out of rafting if you can spare another half day.
P Hickner