The Smith River, known for its trophy-size fish, is a major route for migrating fish to their native spawning grounds. When a 1964 flood destroyed much of the spawning population, a need for a fish hatchery arose. In 1968, the Kiwanis Club in the town of Smith River raised enough money to sponsor the construction and operation of the first privately owned fish hatchery in … [Read more...]
#22 – Alfred A. Loeb State Park
Need to relax? Love the outdoors? Alfred A. Loeb State Park combines secluded relaxation with the natural wonders of Southern Oregon. The crisp fragrance of myrtlewood is the prevailing scent in the air; the park is nestled in groves of these marvelous 200-year-old trees. Just beyond the park, the Chetco River rushes toward the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the time of year, the … [Read more...]
#26 – Fishing in Brookings
Fishermen love Brookings. The area, known for its warm, mild climate and natural beauty, offers superb year-round ocean and seasonal river fishing. The Port of Brookings-Harbor has one of the safest entries to the Pacific Ocean on the West Coast. It is a working port that caters to sport fishermen, sailors, pleasure boaters, and a fleet of commercial fishing vessels. The … [Read more...]
#27 – Tidewind Sportfishing
Whether you are an experienced fisherman or have never picked up a rod, you will enjoy the exhilaration of sport fishing on the high seas, stalking those elusive record catches. Lingcod and vermillion cod are the two most sought-after fish off the coast of Southern Oregon. If you are seeking the perfect fishing trip, this is the place to go. Family-owned and operated for … [Read more...]
#40 – Fishing the Coast & Lower Rogue
Gold Beach and Agness offer not just world-class fishing year-round, but they offer stellar choices. From here you can fish the world-famous Rogue River, or you can enjoy fishing the waters of the Pacific Ocean off the Southern Oregon coast — or do both! There is nothing like watching the spectacular views of sunrise or sunset over the ocean and mountains as you enjoy calm w … [Read more...]
#44 – Agness Lodging
The only way to truly experience the backcountry east of Gold Beach is to spend some time with the locals: eat, sleep, shop, see the sights and get your feet wet. Follow the Rogue River from the rugged Pacific Coast along what is called Jerry’s Flat Rd. inland to the little town called Agness and take a step back in time. Your 35-mile sojourn from the coast will take you t … [Read more...]
#48 – Cape Blanco State Park
Cape Blanco is located about 9 miles north of Port Orford along a mountainous stretch of Oregon coastline. Jutting out a mile and a half into the Pacific, it is a large and fairly level promontory about 200 feet above sea level, with white, chalky cliffs that face the ocean (hence its name) and jagged, rocky formations extending from its northern end. The Sixes River flows into … [Read more...]
#46 – Humbug Mountain State Park
Rising majestically from the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean about 6 miles south of Port Orford, Humbug Mountain is a massive headland visible from miles away, both to the north and the south. Heavily forested (much of it old growth) and offering a variety of scenic hiking trails, it is the centerpiece of Humbug Mountain State Park and the tallest mountain directly on the … [Read more...]
#17 – The Wild & Scenic Smith River
The Smith River waterway is the northernmost of California’s major rivers. Its mouth is about 5 miles south of the Oregon border and 10 miles north of Crescent City. It is the largest free-flowing river in the state, producing the largest steelhead and Chinook salmon. The untamed nature of this river, without a single dam along its entire length, makes it especially prized a … [Read more...]
#18 – Bear Basin Butte Lookout & Smith River National Recreation Area
If you really want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, spend the night in a fire lookout at Bear Basin Butte Lookout in the heart of the Smith River National Recreation Area. Perched atop a narrow ridge at 5,300 feet, the lookout features breathtaking 360-degree views of the Siskiyou Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. If … [Read more...]
#52 – Vertical Horizons Tree House Paradise
Vertical Horizons Treehouse Paradise is not your average bed and breakfast. Guests actually stay in tree houses, each unique in design. A stay among the trees at Vertical Horizons is a thrill on its own, but the B&B is also located in a beautiful location just off Hwy 199, near the redwood forest and the gorgeous coastline. It offers all manner of opportunities for nature … [Read more...]
#56 – Illinois River Forks State Park
If you need a break from driving, or just some respite from the daily grind, check out one of the delightful picnic areas here where the east and west forks of the Illinois River meet. Stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. Keep your eyes peeled and explore the unique geological features and beautiful plant and animal life. There are many fantastic fishing holes and spots … [Read more...]
#63 – Valley of the Rogue State Park
The beautiful Rogue River is one of Oregon’s true treasures, and Valley of the Rogue State Park is a great place to stop and experience it. The park is conveniently located just off I-5, and has a day-use picnic area and an overnight campground along 3 miles of Rogue River shoreline. Launch a boat and spend the day on the water. Spend an afternoon fishing, drifting down the r … [Read more...]
#74 – Agate Lake
A beautiful and popular recreational destination just outside of White City, Agate Lake County Park is 216 acres of natural beauty that include 3 miles of lake frontage. It is perfect for fishing, swimming, picnicking, agate hunting or just taking in the view of Mt. McLoughlin while enjoying a peaceful day by the lake. Black-tailed deer can be found here, and over 190 species … [Read more...]
#79 – Parks Near Shady Cove
Take the time to stop and enjoy the beauty of nature at nearby state recreation areas. Casey State Recreation Site is a day-use area that makes a perfect, relaxing stop off Hwy 62. Have a picnic among the trees. Raft the river or bring along your rod and reel and see if you can snare some salmon, steelhead or trout. Nearby, you can take yourself on a self-guided tour of the … [Read more...]
#80 – Lost Creek Lake & Marina
When looking for a fun time out on the water, there is no need to look any further than Lost Creek Lake and Marina. Lost Creek Lake is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, and with 3,430 acres of surface area it is the largest lake in the area. The lake is a popular wakeboarding and jetskiing area, and with sturdy afternoon winds it is a popular sailing, windsurfing and p … [Read more...]
#84 – Union Creek Resort
Enjoy rustic comfort for an unforgettable experience in a comfortable historic cabin in the Rogue River National Forest. Just 23 miles from Crater Lake National Park, historic Union Creek Resort proudly offers 23 unique cabins and vacation rentals, a Lodge with nine beautifully restored rooms, a game room and fireside library, Beckie’s Café, a BBQ chuck wagon and ice cream shop … [Read more...]
#101 – Emigrant Lake
For a day of fun in the sun, head out to Emigrant Lake. With 1467 acres and 12 miles of lake frontage, this popular destination offers a ton of recreational activities. Take your pick of RV or tent camping, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, playing on the playground, or sliding down the exhilarating, 280-foot twin flume water slide … [Read more...]
Union Creek Resort, Prospect
Surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the Rogue River National Forest, Union Creek Resort invites guests to experience the peace and beauty that is all encompassing. The resort sits among tall pines in a spectacular setting off Hwy 62, right across from the Rogue Gorge. It’s a fun place for hiking, biking, horseback riding and fishing. If you’re looking for that win … [Read more...]
Patrick Creek Lodge, Gasquet
Patrick Creek Lodge is nestled in the Six Rivers National Forest in Northern California minutes from the Oregon border on Highway 199 in Gasquet, California. Just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find yourself pampered by gourmet cooking, mystified by enormous Redwoods, and thrilled by the trout, salmon and steelhead fishing accessible immediately outside the Lodge d … [Read more...]