Best Winter Activities in Southern Oregon

Winter is full of activities in Southern Oregon. Whether you want to get outside and explore or stay in where it’s warm, here are some of the best things to do in Southern Oregon during the winter months.

Snowshoe at Crater Lake

The stunning Crater Lake National Park is open through the winter to adventurers looking for fun outdoor things to do in Southern Oregon. Explore the snowy wonderland on your own or join one of the free guided walks during the winter, led by an experienced park ranger. The total distance around Crater Lake is about 33 miles, so you may not be able to do the whole thing in a short winter day, but you can pick a short section and make a plan to come back to see more!

Ski in the Mountains

If you love winter sports, you’ll find plenty of things to do in winter in Southern Oregon. Both the Cascades and Siskiyou mountain ranges offer plenty of opportunities to get on the slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Mt. Ashland is a great ski area to visit for first-timers and experts alike. The ski area offers equipment rental and classes for skiers of all ages and skill levels.

Go Winter Wine Tasting

Rogue Valley wineries are popular spots during the summer, but did you know they are just as inviting during the colder months of the year? If you need to beat the winter chill, why not pour a little taste of the grape harvest into your glass and be transported to warmer climates — at least in spirit, anyway.

The wintertime season is a great opportunity to visit some of Southern Oregon’s best wineries because they aren’t as busy and you can take your time sampling the wines and experiment with some new varietals and vintages. It’s a great chance to sample some of the winery’s unique offerings and get a spectacular view of the valley covered in snow.

Visit Jacksonville, Oregon

After spending a day on the slopes or touring wine country in the snow-covered Rogue Valley, take a stroll down the streets of classic brick facades and inviting storefronts of Jacksonville, Oregon. This former mining town has become a popular spot for antiquing, sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

During the winter months, it becomes the idyllic hometown setting, the perfect place to stop for a warm meal or cup of coffee. That’s why visiting Jacksonville is one of the best things to do in the winter in Southern Oregon. 

Go Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a popular winter activity in Southern Oregon. Some of the best places to ice fish are Lake of the Woods and Fish Lake — both an easy drive from Medford. Bring your pole and an extra pair of warm gloves and reel in some rainbow trout, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and bullhead catfish.

Snowmobile at Diamond Lake

If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for things to do in Southern Oregon in the winter, Diamond Lake Resort has snowmobiles available for rent and plenty of perfectly groomed trails to explore. In the special use area of Umpqua National Forest, you can zip through towering pines and over banks of powdery snow for a fast-paced winter adventure. If you want to make a trip of it, you can even rent one of the resort’s rustic, cozy cabins and get the true Southern Oregon winter experience.

Go Whale Watching

If you want to make a trip out to the coast, winter is the ideal time to scan the ocean for whale sightings. Whales migrate south past the Southern Oregon coast in December and January for the winter, then head north again in late March. If you’re lucky and in the right place at the right, you might spot some of Oregon’s coastal whales. Find a good vantage point on the shore at the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint, or take a guided tour out onto the water for a better chance of spotting these amazing creatures.

Southern Oregon is full of exciting things to do year-round. If you’re looking for a charming community to build your dream home, consider Stage Pass. We can offer a peaceful and exclusive environment that’s close to everything fun to do in Southern Oregon. Reach out to our team to learn more.