When most people think of Oregon, they picture Portland. But Oregon’s a big state, with a diverse landscape. Outside of the metro area, we’ve got mountains, beaches, deserts, and forests. Our varied terrain also means a range of climates.
Start driving in any direction and you’ll encounter a lot of special places. One of those being Grants Pass, located in Southern Oregon, about an hour before you cross the border into California. Grants Pass has small town charm, surrounded by gorgeous natural beauty. It has easy access to outdoor recreation.
Whether you’re just passing through, or spending a few days in the area, you’ll find plenty to keep busy. Here are some of our top suggestions when visiting Grants Pass:
What to Do in Grants Pass
Go Rafting
The presence of the Rogue River in Grants Pass is unmistakable. After all, the river runs right through the center of town. A lot of adventure in this area starts on the water. We recommend booking a half-day or full-day trip with family-owned Arrowhead River Adventures. You can book whitewater rafting, fishing trips, even multi-day river adventures with Arrowhead River Adventures. The guides are experienced and they’ll provide a fun and safe adventure on the scenic Rogue River. Some stretches of the river are mild, whereas you might encounter a class I-III whitewater rapid in other areas.
Ride a Zipline
The river isn’t the only place to experience extreme adventure in Grants Pass. You can also head up … to the trees. The Big Zip Adventure at Treehouse Ziplines (300 Page Creek Road in Cave Junction) includes 7 different ziplines. You start out low and slow, going higher and faster with each cable. The Big Dipper goes fast and far – it’s 670 feet! The Big Zip starts at $100 per person. If you want more thrills, you can add on additional ziplines to your experience as well as the popular Tarzan swing. The Treehouse Ziplines are located at the Out ’n’ About Treehouse Treesort, a unique vacation destination in Oregon. There are more than 15 treehouses available to rent.
[ Related: Review: Out ’n’ About Treehouse Treeesort ]
Explore a Cave
The summers are hot in Southern Oregon, but one place is guaranteed to consistently be cool. It’s 44 degrees inside the Oregon Caves National Monument (19000 Caves Highway in Cave Junction). The caves are referred to as the “Marble Halls of Oregon.” They twist and wind 220 feet below the surface. National Park service guides lead visitors through the caves and explain the interesting geology and the tale of how the caves were discovered. The Oregon Caves are truly something to see. It’s a bit remote and many Oregonians have never been here Tours last about 90 minutes.
Entrance to the park is free, but cave tours cost $10 for adults, and $7 for kids 15 and under. Reservations are recommended via Recreation.gov. For same-day tickets, stop at the Illinois Valley Visitors Center in Cave Junction to find out if tickets are available before making the 60-minute drive to the cave. Kids have to be over 42 inches tall to participate. Tours are moderately strenuous and involve some crouching.
KidTripster Tip: The Oregon Caves are located near Cave Junction, which is approximately 45-minutes south of Grants Pass. Looking for something else to do in that area? Stop by the Sisikyou Smokejumper Museum (30902 Redwood Highway in Cave Junction) to learn the the unique history of smoke jumping and wildfire in Southern Oregon. We recommend grabbing a bite at Traylor’s Sausage Country Store (202 Redwood Highway in Cave Junction). The Traylor family started making sausage over a hundred years ago. It’s not just a meat market, but also a deli that’s affordably priced and delicious.
Meet Wildlife
At Wildlife Images Rehabilitation Education Center (11845 Lower River Road in Grants Pass) you can get up close to all kinds of animals. Wildlife Images is a non-profit that provides care and treatment for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife.
Animals treated at Wildlife Images have included everything from baby squirrels and badgers, to American bald eagles, bobcats and bears. Admission is $20 for adults, $12 for kids ages 4-12, and free for those 3 and under. Wildlife Images is open most days of the year, except for major holidays.
Enter a Vortex
It’s impossible not to mention the famous Oregon Vortex and the House of Mystery (4303 Sardine Creek Left Fork Road in Gold Hill) where things aren’t as they seem. Rather than explain what you’ll experience within the vortex, you can read up on the science here. It’s weird and funky, and uniquely Oregon. The Oregon Vortex is open daily and ticket prices range from $16-22.
Stroll Through Downtown
Grants Pass has a charming downtown. It’s a designated National Historic District because of the historic buildings. It’s packed with shops and restaurants. If visiting over a weekend don’t miss the Saturday Growers’ Market (corner of 4th & F Streets in Downtown). In addition to farm fresh produce, this is the place to find great local crafts and snacks.
Sample Award Winning Cheese
Some of the best blue cheese in the world hails from this area. Make it a point to stop at the Rogue Creamery Dairy and Farm Stand (6531 Lower River Road in Grants Pass). Rogue Creamery makes several award winning cheeses. Most notably, Rogue River Blue was voted the World Champion Cheese a few years ago, a first for an American-made cheese.
While at the dairy, shop the cheese selection at the farm stand – which includes blues, cheddars and curds. We highly recommend ordering a grilled cheese sandwich, too. Farm tours are available Wednesday through Sunday at 10 and 2.
Where to Eat in Grants Pass
You won’t go hungry in Grants Pass. It’s full of local eateries.
For Breakfast
We loved the fresh breakfast items at MaMosa’s (118 NW E Street in Grants Pass). It serves farm fresh local and organic ingredients – and some delicious mimosas.
For Brunch
A hip downtown spot for brunch is The Bohemian (221 SW G Street in Grants Pass). It’s got a fun vibe and great food. The restaurant serves local and organic products. Sidewalk seating and rooftop seating are available weather permitting, making it a good spot for people watching.
For Lunch or Dinner
Taprock Northwest Grill (971 SE 6th Street in Grants Pass) sits on the river. The menu is American pub food, with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. We like that it has a large kids menu and fun mocktails.
The Weekend Beer Company (1863 NW Washington Blvd in Grants Pass) is the place to be on evenings and weekends. Not all breweries are kid friendly, but this one manages to appeal to all ages … and dogs, too. Weekend Beer Company has ample indoor and outdoor seating area. There are several food trucks on site, which means lots of food choices for the whole family.
Wild River Brewing and Pizza (595 NE E Street in Grants Pass) is exactly that – pizza and beer, along with pasta and burgers, too. It’s good and it’s filling.
KidTripster Tip: While we typically prefer to eat local on our travels, Grants Pass is also home to one very popular California fast food chain. There’s an In-N-Out in Grants Pass (124 NE Morgan Lane). It’s one of just four In-N-Out restaurants in Oregon. If you haven’t been we recommend the Double-Double Animal Style.
[ Related: Del Norte County, California: Wild, Rugged & Perfect for Families ]
Where to Stay in Grants Pass
We suggest booking at room at The Lodge at Riverside (955 SE 7th Street in Grants Pass). It’s centrally located and right on the Rogue River.
The rooms are updated and spacious. We especially like the extras that the hotel offers its guests. Your room rate includes a full hot breakfast, afternoon wine and cheese, and cookies and milk in the evenings. Parking is free. And if all that isn’t enough, there’s a pool, too!
The hotel is located just across from Riverside Park. Just take a short walk across the bridge to get to the park. The park has playgrounds and gardens and river views.
[ Related: Driving the Oregon Coastline from Top to Bottom ]
The author was hosted by Visit Grants Pass for purposes of this article. All opinions are her own.
