Courier July 2016 | Page 42

COMPASS PACIFIC NORTHWEST Going Rogue in southwest Oregon Located just north of the Oregon-California border, the city of Medford is a haven for nature lovers. The area’s mountains, lakes and rivers provide varying levels of adventure for visitors and residents alike. The Rogue River, which winds mostly west from the Cascade Range to the Pacific Ocean, is a popular local spot for more adventurous travelers. On-the-water options include jet boat rides, white-water rafting excursions and paddling tours. “Rafts for large families or personal kayaks are available for varying lengths of time, including overnight guided wilderness trips that include some of the best fresh foods southern Oregon has to offer,” says Sue Price, tour and public relations contractor for Travel Medford. Crater Lake National Park, reachable from Medford via motorcoach in about THE COLUMBIA GORGE REGION PREMIER RAIL EXPERIENCE 90 minutes, offers a variety of tour options for groups such as boat tours, nature walks, backcountry hikes, bicycling and, in the winter months, snowHOOD RIVER, OREGON shoeing tours and skiing. “The park is like no other place on Earth, as its deep blue water and sheer surrounding cliffs tell a story of a violent volcanic past,” adds Price. Rounding out the area’s outdoor hit AN ESSENTIAL GROUP AND PACKAGE INCLUSION list are hiking, biking and zip lining, as well as additional water-based activities at Emigrant Lake, Howard Prairie Lake and Willow Lake. “[Groups] can plan a day’s trip to Crater Lake National Park or go rafting The Pullman Table Dinner on the Rogue River then head back to and Champagne Brunch Trains Hood River to Odell Excursions Medford and enjoy award-winning wine Hood River to Odell Roundtrip June 18 - October 30, 2016 May, June and September - Thursday through Sunday July and August – Wednesday through Sunday and artisan food in the evening,” says Dinner presented Saturday at 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. October – Friday through Sunday Price. “The region has more than 120 Champagne Brunch Sunday 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Departure times conveniently displayed online wineries, making tours and winery hopMenus highlighting ingredients prized by establishments Beautiful in all seasons, our most popular ride journeys embracing the farm-to-table philosophy, paired with craft through woods, orchards, and vineyards to witness ping an adventure in its own right.” beer, wine and spirits sourced locally – giving guests a true picturesque views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams. Contact Price at suep@travelmedford. taste of the Hood River Valley. org or go to travelmedford.org/groups E XPLO RE O U R FU LL E XCU RSIO N A N D DININ G TR A IN SCH ED U LE O N LIN E . to view sample itineraries based on MtHoodRR.com/explore EXPLORE OUR ENTIRE PREMIER RAIL COLLECTION themes such as West Coast adventures, 800.872.4661 PremierRails.com culinary, arts and culture. MOUN T HOOD R A IL ROA D Find Yourself RESERVE YOUR TRIP TODAY 40 July 2016 TRAVEL MEDFORD ON A NEW TRACK