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Grants
Pass is located in Josephine County and is host to southern Oregon's largest outdoor "Growers
Market". In spring and fall, the Grants Pass is awash in color with
the new blooms or the fall turning of the trees, but anytime of year
at all, Grants Pass is an exceptionally beautiful town.
Below is an
Inside View To Grants Pass
Below - more detailed information on our area.
Geographic Location
Grants Pass, elevation 935 feet, is located on the
banks of the scenic Rogue River in Southwestern Oregon. It is surrounded by the foothills
of the Cascade, Siskiyou and coast mountain ranges, and is only 85 miles from the Pacific
Ocean. Grants Pass is the county seat of Josephine County, the headquarters for the
Siskiyou National Forest and the northern gateway to the Redwood Empire of California.
Crater Lake, a U.S. National Park, is 100 miles northeast, and the Oregon Caves, a U.S.
National Monument, are 50 miles to the southwest. Numerous outdoor recreational
opportunities abound in whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking, etc.
Population
City of Grants Pass 21,255 approx.
Josephine County 73,000 est.
Climate
Grants Pass is known for its mild climate. Average annual maximum temperature is 68.0,
annual minimum 40.9. Average annual precipitation is 29.5 inches. Snowfall is minimal -
2.3 inches per year and in many years is non-existent.
Recreation
Josephine County offers five public golf courses, one with a driving range. Indoor
miniature golf, two bowling alleys, one outdoor and one YMCA indoor swimming pool with a
weight room, five tennis sites with nine courts, six racquetball courts, 12 playgrounds,
14 gymnasiums, a gymnastics center (Gymnastics By Design), a sportsman club with rifle range open to the
public, and many other activities are available.
The city is within two hours of ocean beaches and mountain skiing; one hour to many high
lakes and streams for fishing, boating, etc., and within minutes to river fishing,
rafting/boating, camping, hunting, biking, fairgrounds and parks. Amazing May;is a
month long eclectic mix of fun filled events such as the Boatnik, American Indian Arts
Festival, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Art Shows, Growers Market and there is a 5-day county
fair and pari-mutuel horse racing during the summer; Boatnik Festival on Memorial day
weekend, the Muzzleloaders and Mountain Men Rendezvous during late august, and the
reenactment of the 1846 wagon train adventure called Heritage Days are just a few
of the regularly scheduled annual events in this area.
Cultural
Musical and cultural programs are presented locally by the Rogue
Music Theatre, Barnstormers Little Theater Group and the Rogue Music Theatre. The Grants
Pass Museum of Art presents changing art displays. There are also art displays featured in
the Wiseman Gallery at the Rogue Community College. The city of Grants Pass is also
represented by all major civic groups.Grants Pass is 50 miles from the renowned Oregon
Shakespearean Theatre in Ashland which offers year-around Shakespearean and contemporary
performances on two indoor stages and one outdoor Elizabethan stage. The Peter Britt
Summer Music Festival in Jacksonville is 45 miles away. .
Medical Services
The Three Rivers Hospitals are full-service, community owned health
care facilities. Three Rivers offers an array of services not usually found outside of
metropolitan areas.
Included in the hospital's services are a homelike birthing center, the area's only
maternity service and American Medical Response, the hospital' critical care ambulance.
Medical specialties currently represented on the medical staff of the hospital include:
allergy, dentistry, dermatology, emergency medicine, family and general practice, home
health, infectious diseases, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology,
occupational health, ophthalmology, oral/maxillofacial surgery, orthopedic surgery,
osteopathy, otolaryngology, (ear, nose and throat), pathology, pediatrics, psychiatry,
radiology, surgery (colon-rectal, general, thoracic, and vascular) and urology.
If you are new to our area, or would like to be referred to a doctor, please call the
Physician Referral Service.
Churches And Schools
Schools: There are 10 elementary schools, a number of
private, parochial, independent, vocational and pre-schools. Three middle schools, three
high schools, and Rogue River Community College are also available in Grants Pass.
Southern Oregon State College, a four year institution, is located in Ashland.
Churches: More than 77 churches in Josephine County represent a majority of
denominations.
Transportation
See
Transportation Page in Southern
Oregon.
Motels
At least twenty-nine motels with approximately 1579 rooms and eleven Bed and
Breakfast Inns
within the city limits serve a large seasonal tourist population.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Bulbs, vegetables, dairy products, beef, wheat, hay, timber and plywood, sand gravel and
sulfite deposits.
Labor
Grants Pass serves as the commercial and job center for most of Josephine County and parts
of adjoining counties. The total labor force November, 1989, was 26,370.
General
Taxes: There is a state income tax, but no sales tax in
Oregon. Oregon law requires that all property, real and personal, be assessed at 100% of
the true cash value. The tax is determined by multiplying the assessed value of the
property by the tax rate for the code area in which the property is located.
Banks, Savings & Loan Associations, Credit Union: The institutions total six
banks, five savings and loans, and one credit union, with total assets in excess of $350
million.
Radio and Television: Five Grants Pass area radio stations - KAJO, , KLDR, KAGI,
KFMJ, KRWQ and KCNA AM & FM.
Four Medford television stations, KTVL, KOBI, KDRV, and public station, KSYS.
Information in this guide was gathered from numerous sources. To the best of
our knowledge it was accurate at the time of printing.
HE ROGUE
RIVER:
THE ROGUE RIVER
A Civilized Wilderness
Grants Pass, Oregon is the gateway to one of America's premier
whitewater rivers. Folks who love to fish, rafters, kayakers and river enthusiasts will
enjoy the diverse recreational opportunities the Rogue offers. For all its splendid
scenery and abundant wildlife, Grants Pass offers visitors excellent accommodations and
easy access by air, auto or motorcoach.
WEATHER
Grants Pass is located in the "sun belt" of
Southern Oregon. Our ideal climate provides a minimum of precipitation, unlike our
neighbors to the west. Our average rainfall is just under 30 inches and we boast a very
gentle wind velocity, averaging only 3.2 mph. Visitors can plan on warm, sunny days and
cool, dry evenings from mid-May through mid-September.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
The Rogue River
A source of food for settlers, an inspiration to movie-makers and a
home to wildlife, the Rogue River has an exciting past and a promising future. The
recreational opportunities of the river are many: jetboat trips, rafting, kayaking,
fishing, water skiing, swimming, gold panning or just sitting and drinking in the scenic
beauty. Experienced river outfitters serve as guides to fishing enthusiasts and rafters
alike. The river is diverse enough to provide the level of excitement you seek, whether it
be a relaxing float or a heart-pounding whitewater adventure. Restaurants, motels and
lodges along the river offer visitors a chance to enjoy briefly what we savor year round.
For information on river adventure providers contact the Visitor Information Center,
1-800-547-5927 or write to P.O. Box 1787, Grants Pass, OR 97526; for Rogue River
backpacking information, write Siskiyou National Forest, P.O. Box 440, 200 NE Greenfield
Rd., Grants Pass, 97526 (phone 541-479-5301); Bureau of Land Management, P.O. Box 1047,
Medford, Oregon, 97501.
CRATER LAKE
For Information Call:
541-594-2211
The State's only National Park, half the fun of Crater Lake is the
magnificent drive up to it. At the rim of the crater, visitors can marvel at the sight,
hike around the lake or relax in the lodge. Each evening a program is put on by the
National Park Service and employees of the lodge. Seasonal boat trips around the lake's
25-mile shoreline are also offered. The park, which is open all year, is a favorite of
cross country skiers. Road crews work tirelessly to keep the road to the lodge open
throughout the heavy snow season, while the north entrance and rim drive are closed.
OREGON CAVES
Cave Tour Information:
541-592-2100 or
541-592-3400
Only 50 miles from Grants Pass, Oregon Caves National Monument is
located high in the Siskiyou Mountains east of Cave Junction. In addition to year-round
cave tours, a rustic chateau with a dining room is part of the monument for the relaxation
and enjoyment of visitors. For children under 6, who are not permitted in the Caves by
government regulation, child care is provided.
APPLEGATE TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CENTER.
Offers a glimpse into the colorful history of this rugged
area through the stories of the pioneer settlers, the naming of Grave Creek, the discovery
of gold, the impact of the stageline, and the building of the railroad. Located in
Beautiful Sunny Valley, Come visit the Center, Old Town Hall, The famous Covered Bridge
and more!
THE REDWOODS
The Redwood Empire stretches from San Francisco into Southern
Oregon. Visitors to Grants Pass who want to see the Redwoods may take the Redwood Highway,
U.S. 199, southwest out of town heading towards Crescent City, California. Before reaching
the coast, Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park will mark their entry into the Redwood
Empire. The park provides campgrounds, hiking trails and access to one of America's
cleanest waterways, the Smith River. Lush, dense fern growth on the forest floor with the
towering Redwoods above guarantees visitors to the park an experience unique to our area.
PERFORMING ARTS
Rogue Music Theatre
Offering music theatre under the stars, Rogue Music Theatre
at Rogue Community College, has Broadway-style shows with full orchestra playing July
through August, plus winter shows. With such smash hits as "Oklahoma!,"
"Annie Get Your Gun" and "Sound of Music", the presentations feature
professional actors, plus a wealth of local talent. The summer shows are held in the
outdoor Rogue Concert Bowl with audiences seated on blankets and folding chairs on the
gently sloping earth. (541-479-5541). Barnstormers: The Barnstormers
Little Theatre, the oldest community theatre in the state, presents classic and
contemporary stage offerings, leaning heavily toward comedy. (541-479-3557)
From mid-July to mid-August the Chamber of Commerce and local merchant supporters present
a series of free concerts in Riverside Park with music ranging from jazz to classical.
Concerts, featuring local musicians, are scheduled for Tuesday evenings. (541-779-2820).
ROGUE MUSIC THEATRE
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Amazing May is the season opener. Festivities are scheduled
throughout the entire month of May. Events include the Grants Pass Museum of Art Exhibit.
For information contact Hatje at (541) 479-3290. The Hot Air Balloon Tether is featured at
the All Sports Park, where tethering and regular flights are available. For information
contact Bill at (541) 582-2200. The Third Annual Native American Arts Festival is held at
the Riverside Park on May11-12. More information may be obtained from Jack at (541)
479-8770. Man's best friend(s) will be looking their best for the All Breed Dog Show and
Obedience Trials, beginning at 8am, May 18-19 at Indian Mary Park. For more information
call from Lucille at (541) 479-9694. On May 19th the Third Annual Antique and Collectibles
Street Faire takes place. Step back in time with an interpretive buggy ride on H Street
between 5th and 6th Streets, or listen to the one man band on the corner of 5th and H
Streets. Contact Yvonne at (541) 479-6491 for more information.
The whole Memorial Day weekend is devoted to the annual Boatnik. This is kicked off by a
parade terminating in Riverside Park, the starting point for white-water hydroboats racing
35 miles down the Rogue River and back. Activities in the park include magic and art
shows, crafts, art and food booths, sky divers and water-ski shows. Horse Racing:
Grants Pass Downs at Josephine County Fairgrounds features high caliber
Pari-mutuel horse racing each Saturday, Sunday through the 4th of July
weekend (approx). For hours and Information call: 541-476-1639
County Fair: Josephine County Fair at the fairgrounds, a mid-August old-fashioned
county fair with baking, crafts and hobby contests. Includes livestock auctions,
entertainment, carnival rides and even pig races. A favorite attraction is the four-wheel
drive pull. (541-476-3215). Renaissance Fair: You can see knights and
their fair ladies at the Renaissance Fair held for two days each year in Riverside Park.
Prizes are given for the most colorful and authentic costumes. Jedediah Smith Mountain
Man Rendezvous: A pre-Labor Day tradition for more than 20 years. Step back in time
at this multi-day pioneer festival in Sportsman's Park. Authentic clothing and
muzzleloaders turn the park into a pioneer settlement. For a complete list of festivals
and events, ask for our Events Calendar. Applegate Trail: 1996 marks the 150th
anniversary of the Applegate Trail. This memorial event will cover eight counties in
Oregon with a total reenactment of the 1846 wagon train. The local celebration is called
Heritage Days.
UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS
Growers' Market
P.O. Box 573, Attn: Marty Fate
Grants Pass, OR 97526
541-476-5375
Growers' Market is the largest open air agricultural market in
Oregon. Throughout the long growing season over a hundred entrepreneurs offer everything
from vegetables, berries, fruits and herbs to bedding plants, shrubbery, baked goods and
handicrafts. Location: south on Sixth St., left on "L" St. (New
location planned for 1992 season). Hours of Operation: Sat. from 9 am to 1 PM,
March 15 through Thanksgiving, and Tues. (same time) starting in June. Call for market
times and location for the 1996 season. Food Services: Vendors on site,
restaurants within 6 blocks. Parking: Ample for RV/Motorcoach. Prices:
Free.
WILDLIFE IMAGES REHABILITATION
AND EDUCATION CENTER
11845 Lower River Rd.
Grants Pass, OR 97526
541-476-0222
Originally started as a rehabilitation station for birds of prey,
now also includes a program to aid and nurture wild animals who have been injured or
orphaned. Guided tours allow groups to view this wildlife and learn about each type of
animal or bird. View bears, cougars, raccoons and many other resident creatures. Location:
13 miles out of Grants Pass. I-5 exit 58 downtown on Sixth St., right on G St., to Upper
River Road, to Lower River Road. Hours of operation: Open to the public for daily
tours at 11am and 1pm by reservation only. Call ahead for tour arrangements. Food
Services: Picnic area only. Prices/Booking: Donations gladly accepted. Gift
shop also on site.
MYRTLEWOOD PRODUCTS, INC.
1785 Dowell Road
Grants Pass, OR 97527
541-479-6664
Group woodworking tours of the facility. Watch rare myrtlewood as it
is taken from its raw state and transformed into a polished retail item. To see these
craftsmen at work, call ahead for a free tour. There it also a large retail shop on site
for purchasing the finished products. Location: From I-5, south on Sixth St.,
right at the Cave Junction/Crescent City Rt. #199, left onto Dowell road. Factory sits on
the corner of Dowell and U.S. 199. Hours of operation: Tours: Mon.-Fri., 9 am to
4 pm (12-12:30 lunch break - no tours). Gift Shop: Mon.-Sat., 9 am - 5:30 pm,
Sun. 11 am to 4 pm. Food Service: Nearby. Parking: Ample for
RV/Motorcoach. Special: They will ship purchases for groups U.P.S., no handling
fee.
HELLGATE JETBOAT EXCURSIONS
953 S.E 7th st.
Grants Pass, OR 97526
541-479-7204 or 800-648-4874
Hellgate Jetboat Excursions has what you are looking
for...excitement, scenery and history. You an experience the thrill and adventure of an
exciting jetboat trip down the famous Rogue River. There are three excursions to choose
from; a 2-hour scenic canyon tour; 5-hour rough water; or a 4-hour dinner trip served down
river at an old homestead overlooking the river.
BRIDGEVIEW WINERY
4210 Holland Loop Road
Cave Junction, OR 97523
(541) 592-4688; FAX 592-2127
Bridgeview Vineyards is nestled in the Illinois Valley of southern
Oregon's coastal mountains. Our 74-acre vineyard is densely planted in the European style.
We produce award winning wines in the varietals of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot
Gris, Gewurztraminer and Riesling (Blue Moon Riesling). Visit the Winery and Tasting Room
and enjoy the beautiful settings around our waterfalls, lakes and vineyards. Enjoy the
great hospitality at our B&B, "Kerbyville Inn", in Kerby on Hwy 199.
Visitors are welcome from February through December, 11-5 daily.
ART & ANTIQUES
Grants Pass Museum of Art -
Displaying classic and contemporary art including local artist's work. Riverside Park.
The Wiseman Gallery Works from a cross section of the
nation's fine and contemporary artists. Exhibits change every three weeks. Rogue Community
College.
Antiques and Collectibles - Grants Pass has over 25 antique
and collectable shops to explore. Maps with listings of the items each carries are
available from the Grants Pass Area Association of Antique Dealers. Write to 220 S.W. 6th
St., Grants Pass, OR 97526 or call the Information Center for assistance.
HISTORICAL SITES
The historic Schmidt House at the corner of 5th and "I"
Streets, is the present home of the Josephine County Historical Society. In addition to
its past significance, built in the 1890's of locally made brick, the Schmidt House
contains many interesting collections of books, photos and maps. The reading and
conference room of the research library are open from 10 am to 4 pm, Tues. - Fri. For more
information on this house and other historical landmarks, phone 479-7827. for a complete
list of historical residences, ask for "Walking Tour of Historic Grants Pass."
R.V. FACILITIES
For a complete list of private and public RV and campground
facilities, please call the Visitor Information Center at 1-800-547-5927 or stop by. There
are a variety of sites to meet your needs. Many are located on the banks of the Rogue River
and are quite popular, so to avoid disappointment, please reserve early during the busy
season.
SCENIC DRIVES
Redwood Hwy., U.S. 199
Lake Selmac: Fishing, boating, swimming, camping,
groceries, boat rentals, licenses, horseback riding, Selma-23 Miles. Kalmiopsis
Wilderness Area: Hiking, camping, wildlife, wildflowers, lakes, creeks, Illinois
River. For more information: Illinois Valley Ranger District, P.O. Box 389, Cave Junction
97523. Kerbyville Museum: Early pioneer history, artifacts on logging and mining.
Kerby - 26 miles. No admission charge. Open Mon. - Sat., 10 am - 5 pm, Sun., 1 pm - 5 pm,
May 15-Sept. 15. Call 541-592-2076 for more information.
Cave Junction: Gateway to the Oregon Caves, Illinois Valley State Park on the
Illinois River - swimming and picnicking, visit the Illinois Valley Visitors Center or
call 541-592-2631. Home of the Wild Blackberry Festival. Cave Junction - 28 miles. Winery
Loop: Enjoy tours and tasting at popular Illinois Valley wineries and vineyards -
loop starts 5 miles east of town.
Oregon Caves: Marble cave formations, guided tours, chateau lodging, dining room.
Caves National Monument - 20 miles from Cave Junction.
Rough & Ready Botanical Wayside: Unusual plant life, wildflowers, Rough and
Ready Creek. Cave Junction - 7 miles south of town. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State
Park: Smith River, short hiking loops, camping. 75 miles from Grants Pass. Smith
River: U.S. 199 follows the river just south of the border to Jedediah Smith State
Park. Crescent City: Public beach access, dining, lodging, camping. 86 miles from
Grants Pass.
Brookings: Harris Beach State Park, camping, lodging, dining. 25 miles north of
Crescent City on U.S. 101. Redwood National Park: 106,000 acre park, camping,
hiking, trails, rivers, elk, world's tallest trees.
MERLIN-GALICE ROAD
Hellgate Canyon: Scenic viewpoint overlooks Hellgate Canyon
and the Rogue River 250 feet below. Hellgate - 10 miles. Indian Mary Park: Large,
scenic park and campground, beach access, boat ramp, showers, baseball diamond, picnic
sites, playground. Indian Mary Park - 12 miles. Galice: The small town of Galice
is a popular luncheon stop for fishing enthusiasts and rafters on their way down the Rogue
River. Galice - 15 miles. Grave Creek Bridge: The bridge marks the beginning of
the "Wild and Scenic" section of the Rogue, from which three-day raft trips
begin. It marks the end of one-day raft trips. Bridge - 18 miles.
ROGUE RIVER HIGHWAY
Savage Rapids Dam: During the seasonal runs, steelhead and
salmon can be seen climbing the fish ladders at the dam. Dam - 6 miles.
UPPER AND LOWER RIVER ROAD
Whitehorse Park: Take G Street west to Upper River Road,
which turns into Lower River Road leading to Whitehorse Park. The lovely park offers
picnic sites, hiking, beach access, showers and campgrounds. 10 miles. Griffin Park:
Large, steel bridge spans the Rogue. After crossing, turn left on Riverbanks Road and
follow to Griffin Park. The park features picnic sites, beach access, boat ramp, camping
and a playground. Turn left onto Griffin Road. Continue on Riverbanks Road to Redwood
Highway. 15 miles.
WILLIAMS HIGHWAY
Applegate Valley: Take Williams Hwy. 238 South through the
Applegate Valley. Stop at area wineries and the Applegate Dam. Continue on into
Jacksonville. Take Old Stage Road north to Gold Hill and stop at the Oregon Vortex off
Hwy. 234. Get on Interstate 5 north to Grants Pass. Round trip - 85 miles.
INTERSTATE 5
Covered Bridges/Historic Sites: Take Interstate 5 south and
exit at the city of Rogue River. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left under the overpass
and then left again on main street. Turn right on West Evans Road and take it into the
town of Wimer to see the covered bridge. Continue your trip by driving northwest on
Pleasant Creek Road for 3.5 miles to West Evans Creek Road north for 1.2 miles. Turn left
on Ditch Creek Road and continue for 7 miles to Grave Creek Road, west, and the Sunny
Valley covered bridge. I5 at exit 76 is the former route for Hudson Bay fur trappers, the
Applegate Trail and the Oregon/California stage stopover and is still a popular stop for
travelers to dine or overnight.
OTHER INFORMATION
Jackson County Airport: Major commercial airline arrival
and departure, 22 miles from Grants Pass (contact airlines directly).
Josephine County
Airports: Facilities for light aircraft to corporate jets; Merlin Airport FBO, Grants
Pass Aviation, 541-474-0665; Illinois Valley Airport, 541-474-5285.
Ground Transportation: Grants Pass Cab, 541-476-6444; Airport Transit Service,
541-479-3217 for service to airport; Starline Limousines, 541-476-7827 for service to all
Oregon points; Greyhound/Trailways bus lines, 541-476-4513; Amtrak, 541-844-2822 (Klamath
Falls) with shuttle service to Grants Pass via York Tours (541-779-1068).
Auto Rentals: Budget Car and Truck Rental Center, 541-471-6311
Visit the Grants Pass Chamber Of Commerce:
www.grantspasschamber.org
Visit the Grants Pass Visitors & Convention Bureau at:
www.visitgrantspass.org
Visit the Josephine County Historical Society (Grants
Pass area) at:
www.webtrail.com/jchs/
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