SOLO TRAVEL: THREE FALL DAYS IN THE ROGUE VALLEY

We all love the perfect autumn day and I am pleased to report that Southern Oregon will make your autumnal dreams come true! Here are my tips for a solo trip through the Rogue Valley in fall.

Southern Oregon is home to some of the most breathtaking outdoor adventures, and personally one of my favorite places in the United States. From the awe-inspiring views and pristine blue waters at Crater Lake (more on that in another post), to the endless sky atop Mt. Ashland, there's something for everyone in this area.

"How wild it was, to let it be." — Cheryl Strayed, Wild

Day 1

It is late October when I depart for several days of solo hiking and sight-seeing in Southern Oregon. With Medford as my base I have easy access to all of the wonders of the Rogue Valley. Day 1 takes me to Upper and Lower Table Rocks just in time for golden hour (see photo above). This evening I am focusing on Upper Table Rock whose walking trail is 1.25 miles long, ascending approximately 720 feet. Hikers should be prepared that your ascension will be an uphill climb comprised mostly of moderate switchbacks. Once at the top, you'll have a plateau with 360 views of the Rogue Valley. Landmarks such as Mount McLoughlin, Mount Ashland, Roxy Ann Peak, and Pilot Rock are visible on clear days from the edge of the rocks.

Day 2

I start my day with a hot coffee in downtown Medford. I recommend Mellelo Coffee Roasters on Main Street. The coffee shop will be the perfect fuel to start your day, but also give you a chance to see some of the lovely historical charm of downtown Medford, whose trees are all dressed up for fall this late in October. After a quick stroll in the brisk morning it's time to hit the road and make my way towards Ashland. Having packed my own lunch I plan to head straight to Mt. Ashland to hike the summit.

Located just 30 minutes from the town of Ashland, Mt. Ashland, the highest mountain in Southern Oregon’s Siskiyou range, and in-season is a popular destination for skiers with over 200 acres of skiing terrain. The day I head up the mountain is nothing but clear blue skies and a high of 65 degrees. With the recreation area not yet open for snow sports, I will drive passed the Mt. Ashland Ski Area (enjoying arial views along the way) and plan to park at the Mount Ashland Campground. There I will find picnic tables to enjoy my lunch at as well as restroom facilities. The campground makes a perfect base for the day's hiking adventures with beautiful views and easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail. I'll park here and ascend the rest of the summit on foot. It should be noted, that much of Mt. Ashland is accessible by car and you could potentially even drive all the way to the top of the summit. I decide to take it easy on my sedan and park rather than drive as much of the roads at the top are not paved or well-maintained.

After a full afternoon of hiking, tired and happy I make my way back down the mountain and descend into the town of Ashland for a cool-down walk around Lithia Park where fall is in full swing. After walking through the park, a trip to Ashland wouldn't be complete without visiting the shops of downtown. I'll also stop in at my favorite Ashland-based restaurant Brickroom for a bit to eat and a cocktail to toast the day's adventure.

Day 3

Today I head southwest from Medford to the town of Jacksonville. I arrive mid-morning and make my way to GoodBean Coffee for a cup of joe. A local hotspot, I find myself rubbing shoulders with locals and tourists alike as the place is bustling with caffeine-fueled excitement this early in the day. GoodBean also puts me in perfect position to start my own walking tour of the town. The coffee shop is positioned perpendicular to Main Street I am a stone's throw from all of the local shops.

Dubbed "one of America’s Top 10 Coolest Small Towns” by Frommers, Jacksonville is dripping with historical charm. In fact, the entire town is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors have the option of exploring the roots of the area through self-guided walking, Segway or trolley tours. On the late-October day when I visit, history isn't the only thing Jacksonville is steeped in—a quick look around reveals a vibrant array of fall colors blanketing every crevice of this quaint little town.

I am smitten with Jacksonville from the start and enjoy walking the length of the town, with tangents into picturesque neighborhood side streets as well as an autumn stroll through the Jacksonville Cemetery. Perched on a hilltop the cemetery is blanketed in leaves on this fall afternoon when I visit. Jacksonville's Historic Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the Pacific Northwest and one of the few that has remained in continuous use since being dedicated in 1860. I take a few moments to take in the historical significance of one of the largest historic cemeteries in the state of Oregon whose antiquity rests peacefully around every corner and gravestone, with some of the earliest pioneer grave sites in all of Southern Oregon. It is here that I enjoy the final moments of this abridged tour of the Rogue Valley. Upon leaving the cemetery I cherish the last few blocks of the picturesque Jacksonville. Vowing to return I merge onto the 238 and head home.