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Parks & Fishing
We are within walking distance of Tom Pearce Day Use Park and the Rogue River (great Salmon & Steelhead fishing). Tom Pearce Day Use Park has baseball fields, freebie golf, horseshoe pits, playground and two large
pavilions for group gatherings.
Golf
Applegate Golf
Set amongst the splendor of awe inspiring mountains and the Applegate River is the regulation, 9-hole Par 36. Golf Course that can be enjoyed year round. For more information call (541) 955-0480.
Colonial Valley
A flat 9-hole Par 3 course that features mature trees, no sand traps and is a good little course for the novice golfer. This course also has a driving range. Located 7 miles north of Grants Pass. For more information call (541) 479-5568.
Dutcher Creek
This par-36 9-hole course features four different trees, hazards on five of the nine holes and 40 bunkers over the entire course. The Pro shop offers snacks and beverages as well as golf equipment. For more information call (541) 474-2188.
Grants Pass Golf Club
This is an 18-hole semi-private par 72 course offers an interesting mix of hills, tricky doglegs, a few sand traps and some water hazards. Open to the public During specific times (call for times). The driving range is open to anyone, playing a round or not. For more information call (541) 476-0849.
Red Mountain
If you want to play a challenging game with your irons, than this is the place to go! Red Mountain is a picturesque 9-hole course. Open year-round the tree-lined par-28 course is well laid out and features pond hazards, sand traps and some tricky fairways. Red Mountain is 8 miles north of Grants Pass. For more information call (541) 479-2297.
Illinois Valley Golf Course
A 9-hole par 36 course located off Redwood Highway in Cave Junction. Features
include golf cart rentals, pro shop, driving range and snack bar. This course is 28 miles
west of Grants Pass. For more information call (541) 592-3151.
Fishing:
One of the few rivers in Oregon that offers salmon and steelhead year round, the Rogue River is at the top! Famous for 20 pounders, the kind of fish that can get your heart and your arms aching. The arrival of the spring Chinook salmon in the Grants Pass area is like an official invitation to spring for those waiting to catch the big one. Every year,
fishermen line the banks in hopes of landing those firm, bright and first fish of the season.
The Chinook run is the strongest, May through July on the upper Rogue, where the fish are more concentrated and easier to catch that on the lower portions of the river. When the spring salmon fishing ends in mid July, that's when the fishermen really get excited. Then start to gear up for what makes the Rogue River famous; the Fall run. From late July to mid August, the fly fishermen line the banks of the lower Rogue, in hopes to hook into a run of summer steelhead and by September you realize why so many love this sport.
Rivers & Lakes In Or Near Grants Pass:
Rogue River
January through March: Winter steelhead are running, averaging seven to ten pounds. April through September: The river is full of spring and fall Chinook salmon. The average weight is 20 pounds, with some huge lunkers mixed in the runs. June through December: Summer steelhead are in the river weighing four to six pounds on the average and ready for a good fight. October through November: There's a light run of Coho salmon moving up the river, with fish going about eight pounds. June through August 31 is trout time with legal keepers going from eight to sixteen inches.
Applegate River
The Applegate offers excellent fishing for steelhead averaging five to eight pounds. Usually, this river is slower in January, perks up by February, and is down right hot in March. The river is also open for trout during
this time. The Applegate is then closed to fishing until the last Saturday in May. Then open through October 31: Good fishing for rainbows and cut-throat.
Lake Selmac
The states record largemouth bass was brought out of this lake in the Illinois Valley. Open year-round, Lake Selmac is designated as a trophy bass lake by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. In addition to bass, the lake offers trout, crappie, bluegill and bullheads. Peak time for bass and trout is March through August.
Illinois River
Out in the Illinois Valley, by Cave Junction and Selma, you will find the Illinois River. This beautiful river is one of the two main tributaries of the Rogue, the other being the Applegate. January through March: The river flows with bright steelhead approximately 10 to 14 pounds. October through December: Hefty Chinook averaging 20 pounds are waiting
to test your talent, your muscles and your tackle.
Applegate Lake
The lake is open to fishing year-round for largemouth bass, trout, smallmouth bass, brown trout, crappie and catfish. However, the best time for the bass is March through August.
Galesville Dam
Located off Interstate 5, about 40 miles north of Grants Pass, this reservoir produces rainbows, Kokanee and largemouth bass. The fishing satisfies all anglers and is best April through September.
Fishing Licenses:
Fees apply to both residents and non-residents. Salmon-Steelhead, Sturgeon and
Halibut Tag is included with daily licenses, and fish must to recorded.
1-Day Angling License $ 8.00
2-Day Angling License $14.50
3-Day Angling License $21.00
4-Day Angling License $27.50
7-Day Angling License $34.75 (Non-residents only
Fishing Guides/Charter Services
- Malone's Guide Service (541) 479-2036
- Briggs Rogue River Guide Service (541) 479-1504
- Ferron's Fun Trips (541) 474-2201
- Geoff's Guide Service (541) 474-0602
- Inkrote Guide Service (541) 474-0806
- Rogue Wilderness, Inc. (541) 479-9554
Outdoor Activities
The Rogue River's world-wide claim to being one of the finest whitewater rivers is justified. To prove it, just take a trip down the wild and scenic section. In 1968, Congress included an 84-mile stretch of the Rogue in the National Wild & Scenic System.
The Rogue River offers endless recreational opportunities for everyone to enjoy in one way or another. There are areas along the upper Rogue that can be enjoyed by all ages regardless of your physical condition. And, for some people, the lower Rogue will take your endurance to the limits through thrilling whitewater. The Rogue is great for photography, fishing, swimming, rafting and even gold panning, if you know the right places!
Hellgate Canyon is a beautiful spot to take pictures of the rafters or if you're a raftee just sit back and relax, enjoy the peaceful float (unless someone decides to have a water fight on one of those hot days). Grave Creek is the departure point for the entrance of the lower portion of the Rogue. The local area has many qualified outfitters to guide you down the upper and the lower Rogue. Experience the adventure of a lifetime drifting through the pristine Rogue Wilderness area.
Backpacking
If backpacking and hiking are what you enjoy, the looping 40 mile Rogue River Trail begins at Grave Creek, passes through the Rogue Wilderness Area to Foster Bar which is just above Agness. The Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue is located in the Siskiyou National Forest, which covers more than a million acres in southwestern Oregon. There are five wilderness areas in the Siskiyou forest the largest being Kalmiopsis just west of Selma and Cave Junction.
Outdoors and More
Grants Pass has fourteen city parks, five tennis sites with nine courts, a number of
playgrounds, an outdoor swimming pool and an excellent indoor pool at the YMCA.
There are also area fitness centers offering everything from weight rooms, racquetball
and handball courts to aerobic training and karate. There are two bowling alleys, and a
roller skating rink.
Churches
Redwood Christian Church
4995 Redwood Ave. (off Hwy 199)
E-mail: redwoodchristian@cyberhouse.org
(541) 474-0778
Parkway Christian Center
229 NE Beacon DR (off Hwy 199)
479-2639
River Valley Community Church
405 NE 6th St. (between B St. & C St.)
476-7761
Church of Christ
714 SW J Street
476-9194
St. Anne Catholic Church
1131 NE 10th St.
476-2240
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
First Ward
747 NE Savage St.
479-8476
Bethany Presbyterian Church
748 NW 5th Street
476-3684
Calvary Lutheran Church
909 NE A Street
479-2577
(This is a partial listing of the churches we have in & around our town)
Places to Visit & Things to See and Do:
Hellgate Jetboat Excursions
A visit to spectacular scenic southwestern Oregon wouldn't be complete without a jetboat trip down the Rogue River. Minutes after departing the dock, wildlife begins to flirt with the
passengers. Great blue heron, bald eagle, grazing deer and other river inhabitants are often seen throughout the trip. Anyone, who loves magnificent scenery, will enjoy the breathtaking trip through Hellgate Canyon.
Hellgate Excursions offer four different trips to choose from there's an excursion to fit every schedule and pocketbook. Enjoy a 2-hour scenic canyon tour, a 5-hour whitewater tour, a 4-hour country banquet dinner or champagne brunch excursion. Family style meals, served on an open-air deck with a view of the river. More information is available by calling 1-
800-648-4874. We will also make your reservations for you and if you don't have a tow car we will even drive you to the docks.
Wildlife Images
Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Educational Center has provided treatment and care of injured, sick and orphaned wildlife for the pass decade. The volunteers at Wildlife Images are knowledgeable and dedicated as they give guided tours of wildlife ranging from hummingbirds, wrens, osprey, falcons and great horned owls to the grand eagles both American and Golden. From fuzzy baby squirrels and rabbits to the cougar and black bear cubs. More information is available by calling (541) 476-0222.
Oregon's Adventures Aloft
Sail away in a spectacular flight over the scenic Rogue Valley and see breathtaking aerial views of Southern Oregon's mountains, rivers and meadows. Upon landing passengers toast the occasion with champagne (or sparkling cider) in the French tradition of balloon flight. For more information (541) 476-7717
Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing
For the horse racing enthusiast, Grants Pass Downs is open Saturday, Sunday and holidays (May
17th through July 6th). Post times are usually at 1:00 p.m. For addition information call (541) 476-3215.
Growers' Market
The largest open air agricultural market in Oregon. Throughout the long growing season, hundreds of entrepreneur's offer everything from vegetables, berries, fruits and herbs, to bedding plants, shrubbery, baked goods and handicrafts.
Walking Tour of Grants Pass Historical District
Take a stroll through an eclectic mix of history and architectural styles. This tree-lined city center is brimming with antique and specialty shops. (541) 476-5773
Seven Feathers Hotel & Gaming Resort
Just off I-5 in historic Canyonville is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Oregon. Nestled in the hills 43 miles north of Grants Pass. Seven Feathers Hotel & Gaming Resort offering you elegance, glamour, excitement and plenty of entertainment. Hotel Reservations: (888) 677-7771 Gaming Center: (541) 548-8461
Oregon Caves National Monument
In 1874 a deer hunter stumbled upon this underground cave when his dog disappeared into the side of the mountain in hot pursuit of a black bear. Thus the discovery of the "Oregon Caves". In 1907 poet Joaquin Miller popularized the caves with his poem "The Marble Halls of Oregon". Many visitors now enjoy the many chambers and passages never seen before. A 75 minute tour is led by park rangers through the many incredible rooms and corridors. Tours are offered March 1, through November 28th. Located just a short one-hour drive from Grants Pass. Take Hwy. 199 southwest to Cave Junction, take Hwy. 46 to the caves.
Crater Lake National Park
For a 2-hour drive from Grants Pass that is absolutely beautiful, take the scenic upper Rogue River route past Lost Creek Reservoir and up into the majestic Cascade high country Hwy. 62 leads to the parks south entrance and scenic Rim Village Visitor Center. Crater Lake, the deepest in the U.S. at 1932 feet sits inside the caldera of a collapsed volcano. A violent volcanic eruption formed the caldera 7,000 years ago. For information (541) 830-8700.
The Performing Arts
Rogue Music Theater
The Rogue Music Theater is an independent, non-profit corporation dedicated to providing a quality musical theater to the residents and visitors of the Rogue Valley. Theater under the stars is a treat you'll thoroughly enjoy. Rogue Community College's outdoor amphitheater offers you a magical evening and fun. Come early and enjoy the landscaped park-like setting. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and relax with great entertainment. For information please call RMT (541) 479-2559.
Barnstormers Theater
Barnstormers have been packing the house for decades and pleasing audiences with many outstanding full length productions. Barnstormer Theater is used by traveling troupes, local musicians, musical groups and one-person shows. The theatre is located at 112 NE Evelyn St. Grants Pass. Information (541) 479-3557.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
A 50 minute drive south on Interstate 5 is the city of Ashland. Ashland plays host to repertory theatre at its finest. The productions range from classical to contemporary in their distinctly different theaters. Productions in indoor theaters begin in late February and continue to the first of November. Plays in the Elizabethan Theatre begin late June
through early October. Information call (541) 482-4331
Historic Jackson Britt Music Festival
Just 50 minutes from Grants Pass lies the city of Jacksonville. For over 25 years the hillside estate of pioneer photographer Peter Britt has hosted world renowned performers. Ricky Skaggs, Judy Collins, Kathy Matea and George Carlin are just a few of the cast who have performed. The mood for Britt is both intimate and inviting, offering a panoramic view of the Rogue Valley. Visitors are encouraged to pack a lunch and picnic with the stars. Performances begin in the early evening and run from mid-June through Labor Day. Information (541) 773-6077
More Things to See and Do
Amazing May
Begins May 1 and includes more than 30 community events throughout the month. Parades, train rides, hot air
balloon rides, raft races, bike fair, musical theater, disc golf tournament, softball tournaments, fishing
derbies and many more planned activities. Information call the Grants Pass Visitor's and Convention Bureau (541) 476-5510.
The Boatnik Festival
Memorial Day heralds in Boatnik Festival and the beginning of the summer festivities. Boatnik activities include a parade through downtown Grants Pass, followed by 3 days of activities centered in Riverside Park. Highlights include carnival rides, food booths, arts and crafts show, square dancing, water-skiing demonstrations, sky diving, drag boat competition and the ever exciting fast-pitch softball tournament. The main event of the festival is the hydroplane-boat race. The 48-mile course begins at Riverside Park and continues down river. The boats reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, pushing their slick maneuvers through riffles, rapids and the narrow chute formed by Hellgate Canyon.
Josephine County Fair
Each year, the third week in August is the Josephine County Fair, where you'll find fun and amusement for a fairgoers delight. Grants Pass boasts crowds up to 100,000 to enjoy stunning exhibits and top-name entertainment. The fair offers junior-livestock shows and square dancing, midway rides and 4x4 truck pulls, giving the crowds a little
something for everyone.
Concerts in the Park
Each year, under the cool shade trees of summer, you can enjoy free concerts at Riverside Park. Concerts are on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. (weather permitting). Schedules and information are provided by the Chamber of Commerce, for more
information (541) 476-7717.
Fourth of July Fireworks Display
Entertaining music show and ground presentation followed by a grand finale. Held at the Josephine County Fairgrounds.
Heritage Days Celebration
A tribute to the ethnic diversity of the people of Grants Pass and surrounding areas.
Festivals and events reflect the history and culture, that has been kept alive for centuries. Activities range from Cowboy Poetry, a Pow Wow, Cow-Pie Bingo, Logging Show, Heavy Horse Pulls, and Art Tours. Heritage Days lasts from the middle of
September to mid-October.
Sizzlin' Summer Celebration "Back to the 50's
You'll take a step back in time to those boppin' 50's, when ducktails were a hair-do and greasy hair was cool. A car show, music, and a dance are all part of the wonderful and nostalgic summer festival held last Saturday in July.
Jedediah Smith Mountain Man Rendezvous
A pre-Labor-day weekend tradition for more than 20 years. This 6-day pioneer festival captures individuals in authentic clothing with muzzle loaders, activities and ending with a buffalo barbecue on Labor day. Held at Sportsman's Park (541) 476-2040.
Wine Country Safari
Don you pith helmet and venture into deepest Southwestern Oregon where numerous wineries await your explorations. Friendly proprietors invite you to inspect their craft and sample their wines. Take a drive through a unique growing region where wineries flourish and the vines bask in the bright summer sun.
- Foris Vineyards Winery
- Valley View Winery
- Ashland Vineyards
- Weisinger's Of Ashland
- Villa Novia Vineyards
- Ashland Vineyards and Winery
- Bear Creek Winery
- Eden Valley Orchards
- Bridgeview Vineyards Winery
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