In Southern Oregon – with its soaring mountains, calm lakes and culture-packed towns — you’ve got plenty to do without worrying about a car. You’ll be able to reduce your carbon footprint as you avoid traffic, enabling you to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Exploring a place on foot brings its own slower pleasures — not only will you get those steps in, you’ll get to know a place more intimately. From birding in the Upper Klamath Basin to window-shopping in Grants Pass, you may find you won’t miss the car in Southern Oregon at all.
Several transportation options allow you to enjoy this diverse region without a vehicle. The scenic Coast Starlight Amtrak route stops in Klamath Falls, and the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is located in the center of the region in Medford. POINT’s SouthWest Route provides bus transportation between Klamath Falls and Brookings with stops in between. Here are some of the fantastic options for road trips that allow for maximum relaxation without driving.
Brick Buildings, Brews and Birds in Klamath County
The Amtrak train station lies at the edge of walkable downtown Klamath Falls, where there is plenty to see and do. Dive into the region’s fascinating history at the Klamath County Museum; afterward, stroll through downtown to admire the historic brick buildings and colorful murals. Tame your appetite with pub fare and brews at Common Block Brewing Company, coffee and a sandwich at A Leap of Taste, or excellent Thai cuisine at Thai Orchid.
Alternatively, you can catch the POINT bus to the Running Y Resort. Book a tee time, dine at the resort restaurant or enjoy the many trails. If you’re a birder, be sure to bring your binoculars. Some of the best birding is accessible from the Skillet Handle trail, which skirts along the shoreline of Upper Klamath Lake.
Oregon’s Iconic Volcano-Made Lake
The namesake of Crater Lake National Park is a deep, sapphire pool formed in a dormant volcano. You’ll have to drive to get there, but once you arrive, park your car and see the area by foot or bicycle. Rim Village makes for a good headquarters. The Crater Lake Trolley — which runs July through September — offers two-hour tours along the rim of Crater Lake. You can also take a self-guided walking tour of Rim Village, or choose from one of several satisfying hikes that begin nearby, including the Discovery Point and Garfield Peak trails. Afterward, enjoy a drink on the back patio at the Crater Lake Lodge — a perfect way to wind down the day — or stay overnight if you’ve booked far ahead of time. Until September 15, 2024, you can also book a boat tour from Cleetwood Cove, your last chance until construction closes the cove for multiple years.
History and Culture in the Rogue Valley
If you’re flying into Southern Oregon, you’ll land at the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport and from there, you can experience some of the region’s best food and wine, art and culture. Medford, the largest town in the Rogue Valley, is a great place to start. From the airport, catch the POINT bus and enjoy your car-free getaway. Start with a self-guided walking tour downtown, with over 20 historic buildings. Be sure to check out the historic Craterian Theater, which hosts a diverse lineup of concerts and shows throughout the year and monthly events like the Medford Thursday Market at Hawthorne Park and Third Friday Medford, where you can enjoy the labors of artists and musicians. For intimate eats, try 4 Daughters Irish Pub for its cozy atmosphere and Elements Tapas Bar for Spanish-style dishes.
To enjoy a car-free trip to Ashland, either take an airport shuttle or the POINT bus, which stops near the Southern Oregon University campus. Once there, either walk the mile and a half or catch an RVTD bus. You’ll be happy to avoid parking downtown as you attend a play at one of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s three stages. Be sure to reserve time for ambling through lovely Lithia Park and browsing Main Street’s many interesting shops and boutiques — all walkable with no car necessary. If you time your visit for a first Friday or weekend, you can visit the booths at the Lithia Artisans Market on Calle Guanajuato near the plaza. Enjoy house-made potato pancakes for breakfast at Brothers’ Restaurant, or pair a craft brew with beer-braised pork or grilled corn poblano tacos at Skout for a casual alfresco dinner.
Local Art and Jet Boats Along the Rogue River
Downtown Grants Pass is known for its antiquing, and the POINT bus stops conveniently close to the shops on Sixth Street, perfect for browsing. A self-guided public art walking tour in the city’s National Historic District will help you find murals, sculptures — and even art-covered utility boxes. For more art, tour The Glass Forge Gallery & Studio or visit the Grants Pass Museum of Art, which hosts not only rotating exhibits but monthly concerts and an eclectic gallery/gift shop featuring local artists.
Afterward, order a slice and a pint at The Haul as you listen to live music, or nibble on crab cakes with a hand-selected glass of wine at The Twisted Cork. Stroll down to Riverside Park, which fronts the Rogue River, to cap off the day. For a completely different flavor, book a wet and wild trip down the Rogue River with Hellgate Jetboat Excursions. The outfitter — conveniently located in town — offers five excursions launching from Grants Pass, three of which include a brunch or dinner stop at the Hellgate River Lodge Restaurant.
