Expressways are great for reaching your destination quickly, but oftentimes, you miss out on the hidden gems and charming places. For instance, we’ve sped past Grants Pass Oregon dozens of times on I-5, enroute to other popular destinations like the slopes of Mt. Hood or the powder mecca Mt. Baker. It seemed picturesque surrounded by luscious green peaks, but we heard nothing about it. As part of our tour of mountain biking Oregon we decided to explore it, and we were in for a pleasant surprise. Here’s what we found on things to do in Grants Pass Oregon.
Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover
Exiting off of I-5 onto Highway 199 (Redwood Highway) nothing seems out of the ordinary. Strip malls filled with big box stores such as a Walmart Super Center. As the road snakes a left it quickly transitions into a beautiful tree-lined boulevard. Making a right onto 7th Street the intersection I feel a bit of déjà vu. As if I’m in Bend Oregon thirty years ago. On the right is a well-manicured park sitting on the shore of the Rogue River. This is symbolic of what makes Grants Pass special. On the outside it looks like nothing special but as you peek around every corner and between two trees, you’ll find a doorway to another adventure.
“It’s The Climate”
As we continue our journey on 7th Street to downtown Grants Pass, we make a left onto G Street and park at the corner of 6th and G. Opening the door the first thing that we see is a giant sign overhanging the roadway on 6th Street proclaiming “It’s The Climate.” It reminds me of the Historic Reno Arch “Biggest Little City In The World.” Doing a bit of research, we come to find out that the sign’s slogan came about in 1919 by the community to extol why it was a great place to live. The physical sign was then put together and hung over Sixth Street in 1920.
Pleasant People Everywhere
What we came to realize Grants Pass is a hidden corner of the world that’s small time America and yet accepting of the bigger world. Small, quaint and funky. A place that’s open to new experiences but not tainted by it. People greet you with a smile and a howdy. Refreshing and wholesome but aware of what’s happening. You may come for the outdoors, but you’ll stay for the community. The ambiance.
Downtown Grants Pass – Photographer’s Safari
When it comes to exploring the charms of Grants Pass, we highly recommend taking a leisurely stroll through its downtown core. There, you’ll discover a collection of remarkable late 19th-century historic buildings, as well as a delightful array of murals that have been lovingly commissioned over the years. In particular, the blocks between 6th and 4th on G Street offer a unique experience. The south side of the street is adorned with historic structures, while the north side features single-level buildings with parking in front, allowing you to stand back and truly appreciate their architectural beauty. For more information and guidance, you can pick up a free downtown map from Visit Grants Pass.
Shopaholics Heaven
Along with the captivating architecture the buildings house an eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind shops. For example, audiophiles will love Time Machine Records. You’ll find new and used vinyl, CDs, tapes and more. Art fanatics should make their way to Glass Forge Gallery and Studio. Here you can witness the mesmerizing process of crafting glass sculptures in person.
And when it comes to culinary delights, don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor a slice of pie at Powderhorn Café & Pie. Their buttery, flaky crust and generously filled berry pies will transport you back to the homemade treats your grandmother used to whip up.
The First Dutch Bros
Back in 1992 Dane and Travis Boersma left the dairy business and started Dutch Bros. with a pushcart by the railroad tracks in downtown Grants Pass. While the pushcart is no longer around coffee junkies should add to their list of things to do in Grants Pass hitting up the Dutch Bros Coffee House. Instead of the normal drive-thru this is an actual coffee house that you can sit at and enjoy their drinks.
Getting Into The Spirits Of Grants Pass At Steam Distillery
After taking in the downtown area for a bit we headed a few blocks over to Steam Distillery for some libations and a bit of dinner. Inside the original Rogue Brewery, the interior is decorated in a steam punk motif. Large three-dimensional metal sculptures hang on the wall with a dark wood bar taking up one corner of the cozy hang-out spot. The menu is concise, but you’ll find each item is refreshing, healthy and out of this world. Even if you come for the food be sure to try one of their cocktails. Their take on the old fashioned is worth the price of admission. It’s so good that the bartender stated people say it’s as good or better than the ones they’ve had on the Bourbon Trail.
Small But Mighty Cathedral Hills
What Central Park is to New York City Cathedral Hills is to Grants Pass. A local’s diversion from daily lives you’ll find everyone from dog walkers, equestrians, kids with one wheelers and of course mountain bikers. Located a short jaunt from the historic district you could easily ride from there to the trails in no time at all. Although it clocks in at only 10 miles of trails the number of combinations and different ways you can ride it makes into a Spaghetti bowl of scrumptious outings that you can’t really get lost in since its well-marked throughout it. If you’re wondering what the trail network looked like be sure to check out Jaime’s video – Chasing Boys MTB Style In Cathedral Hills.
Record Setting Plants
What makes Cathedral Hills one of the most important things to do in Grants Pass isn’t the trail system but the vegetation. Clocking in at just 400 acres its filled with a variety of wildflowers some that are rare and endangered. What was the most jaw-dropping to us was the entire trail network is under a canopy of the tallest most luscious manzanita bushes I’ve ever seen. Instead of a normal four-foot varieties we see in the Sierra these grow as big as trees. Looking more into it we came to find out that Cathedral Hills is home to the LARGEST whiteleaf manzanita in the state! Clocking in at 25 feet high! It’s also home to the tallest knobcone pine as well at a 117-feet in height. Both are off of the Outback Loop and are not marked.
Mountain of the Rogue
For a more mountain biking focused trail system make your way to Mountain of the Rogue. Conveniently located right off of I-5, this trail system offers a contrasting experience to Cathedral Hills. Instead of the shaded, smoothly rolling clay terrain, you’ll find yourself mostly under the sun, tackling rocky paths.
Easy Up For Some Rowdy Down
To access the goods is a mellow 2.5 mile ascent called Rat Pack that switchbacks your way up to the top. The final 500 feet present a challenging climb, but you can opt to skip it and enjoy a few extra laps instead. We did “Break Away” and its terrain felt like a wooden roller coaster ride. Its dirt was smooth as peanut butter but peppered with chunky rock formations. Just like a roller coaster, as you descend further, the jumps, rocky features and berms become more daring.
Strike MTB Gold On Pay Dirt
As you exit Break Away, “Pay Dirt” awaits. This thrilling run weaves and pumps its way through tabletops, double jumps, and kicker-style moon shooters, allowing you to launch into perfect tailwhips.
Where To Finish The Day
Anyone that has spent a day outside mountain biking, hiking, or even floating a river knows you need to celebrate with some music and a frosty pint. For Grants Pass that’s Weekend Brew. Tucked in a quiet industrial neighborhood, this giant brewery is a spot that the whole family will enjoy. Kids can expend some energy in the outdoor patio area while adults can partake in a barely pop. And if you’re hungry, there’s always at least two food trucks that serve scrumptious food.
When To Visit
The Rogue River is a magnet for those seeking a refreshing dip in the summer, but it’s important to note the region can experience scorching summer temperatures. We heard from locals it can often reach triple digits. For the most comfortable conditions, spring and fall are your best bet. We arrived in October and found the weather to be just right, with temperatures hovering in the upper 70s and the added beauty of vibrant fall foliage.
Surprisingly, even winter holds its charm as a great time to visit. Snowfall is a rare occurrence. And thanks to the unique soil make-up, the mountain biking can be incredible, especially in the periods between storms when the terrain has a chance to dry out.
Where To Stay
We stayed at The Lodge At Riverside and had an exceptional experience that we highly recommend to anyone. It isn’t just a place to rest your head. It’s an experience in itself. For instance, the front desk managers, Johnathan and Dan, genuinely care about their guests. They take the time to engage with you, listen to your stories, and offer free cookies, milk and even a glass of wine, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a community gathering than a typical hotel.
Roll Out The Red Carpet
But it doesn’t stop there. The hotel also treats you to a glass of wine and some cheese in the afternoon in the lobby. Every detail is carefully considered, and if you have dietary restrictions, like a gluten allergy, they’ll happily bake gluten-free cookies just for you.
Location, Location, Location
Close enough to downtown for convenience yet nestled by the Rogue River, providing a sense of seclusion. The well-maintained grounds include a heated outdoor pool, and the rooms are huge. They’re so large that you can easily fit two mountain bikes in the room’s foyer, keeping them out of the way.
Additional Attractions
Although our time to explore other parts of Grants Pass was limited, there are several attractions in the greater Rogue Valley area that you might want to consider visiting. Here are some recommendations we received from locals for must-see destinations:
Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center
Established in 1981, this facility was purpose-built to offer care and treatment for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. While it primarily serves as a rehabilitation center, it warmly welcomes the public to provide firsthand experiences with wildlife.
Applegate Valley
Sunset Magazine has aptly labeled this area along the Applegate River as “Wine country, the way it should be.” What were initially considered drawbacks have now transformed into its strengths. The remote location and the presence of 18 small producers offer visitors a unique opportunity to engage in personal conversations with passionate winegrowers.
Notable highlights in this region include Wooldridge Creek Winery, renowned as the only establishment in the state to combine a vineyard and creamery. Then there’s Troon Vineyards, proudly holding the distinction as one of only four worldwide to be honored with the Regenerative Organic Gold designation. And to conclude your visit, don’t miss a tour of the gardens at Schmidt Family Vineyards and the chance to savor one of their renowned wood-fired pizzas.
Boatnik
The highlight of the year in Grants Pass is Boatnik at Riverside Park. This annual event has been a Memorial Day Weekend tradition since 1959. It features live music, a brewfest, and an array of motorboat races. These races range from nimble sprint boats to thundering drag boats that can reach speeds up to 150 MPH.
