About the Author

Lanessa Pierce

Lanessa Pierce is the owner and social media manager of "What to Do in Southern Oregon," a local events blog, website and social media outlet showcasing the region's best events and adventures. Lanessa enjoys all that Oregon has to offer with her husband and two children, getting outdoors as much as possible. She is also passionate about local homegrown music, food, beer and wine.

Celebrate Latin Community in Southern Oregon

August 28, 2024
A great time to enjoy everything from the arts to traditional food is National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15), but there’s plenty to experience year-round. Here are some of the events, eats and culture you shouldn’t miss in Southern Oregon. More
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Regions , Attractions ,

Family Fun in the Umpqua Valley

July 17, 2024
Less than 180 miles south of Portland, but with a warmer year-round climate, Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley is a favorite destination for family vacations. Hikers can enjoy miles of trails along the Thundering Waters corridor. History buffs can dive into fascinating exhibits about the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians or the region’s gold-mining history at Douglas County Museum, and kids will flip over the chance to help feed red pandas at the Wildlife Safari. Crater Lake National Park, 92 miles east, is... More
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Southern Oregon , Roseburg , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Aventuras en Cascadas Aptas Para Niños en el Sur de Oregon

April 15, 2024
Disfrutar de la vista de estas maravillas no requiere demasiado esfuerzo, y también resulta atractivo para los pequeños. More
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Southern Oregon , Family Fun , Waterfalls ,

Fly-Fishing With Women, For Women

September 6, 2022
One day as my family and I were traveling from Medford to Bend, we stopped for a break at a popular fishing hole on the Rogue River for Southern Oregon anglers. Our 10-year-old, Olivia, immediately became mesmerized by the fishermen — and yes, they were all men — casting and wanted to learn how to do it herself. More
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Southern Oregon , Medford , Fishing , Outdoor Recreation ,

Family Paddling on the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail

June 28, 2022
Upper Klamath Lake has long been one of my family’s favorite paddling spots, with its sweeping views of the wetlands and wildlife amid conifer and redwood trees. About 25 miles northwest of Klamath Falls in Southern Oregon, its tributaries make up the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail. Since we have a 9-year-old and a 16-year-old, the calm waters make it a great spot for our varying experience levels. Here’s how to navigate this great spot with your family. More
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Kayaking , Lakes & Reservoirs , Canoeing , Favorite Trips , Campgrounds , Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) , Rivers & Streams , Family Fun , RV Parks , Paddle Sports , Destinations , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Activities , Cities & Regions , Places to Stay ,

Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Brookings

May 14, 2018
No matter the season, Brookings is a fun little town to visit. It's the first beach town you hit as you cross the southern Oregon border. Rain or shine, there is always something for the family to do. Check out this list of favorite family-friendly activities in Brookings. More
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Oregon Coast , Brookings , Family Fun ,

Swing into Spring with These Southern Oregon Events

April 10, 2018
We're not sure which Southern Oregon season we love more, spring or fall, so it's a good thing we don't have to choose! Spring is when Southern Oregon comes alive. Outdoor life kicks into full swing, flowers are blooming, outdoor music begins and of course it is the gateway to summer. As a family we love to partake in as many events as we can either volunteering or enjoying the fun, so here are our picks for our favorite spring events and some that we... More
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Southern Oregon , Fairs & Festivals , Family Fun ,

Kid-Friendly Waterfall Adventures in Southern Oregon

February 9, 2018
What is it about waterfalls that makes them so captivating? My husband, Gary, and I took a Southern Oregon waterfall tour with the kids and it was one of our best trips of all time. We enjoyed every moment of the serenity — the quiet meditation as we hiked to each waterfall was so calming and surreal. We kept our eyes wide open so we didn't miss a thing: a squirrel crossing our path; a lizard lounging on a rock; or the first misty moment... More
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Southern Oregon , Family Fun , Waterfalls ,

Fall Family Must-Dos in Southern Oregon

October 3, 2017
We all know that Southern Oregon is a beautiful place, but there is something about fall that adds to its charm. As a family, it is our favorite time of year. More
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Southern Oregon , Trip Ideas ,