This Oregon City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers

Though Oregon is a state known for its gorgeous green parks, rapid waters, and often rainy cities—not all cities are created equal. The titans like Salem, Eugene, and Portland offer much to enjoy and see but are also swamped with tourists and the buzzing, never-ending sounds of a noisy and thriving city, but what if there were a quiet option? An option that, although not as popular, offers quietude, reflection, and natural beauty instead? Medford,Oregon offers exactly this and, in the process, offers its very own rarities that are to be found nowhere else.

With a population of less than 100,000, Medford's uniqueness rests on its ability to make use of its natural surroundings; coupled with its low population, the rolling hills around this small city begin to look more inviting. One can expect to find those very same hills filled with local wineries, and not far off in the distance are those distinct Oregon forests of evergreens and maples—characteristic of the land surrounding Medford. The city itself offers many picturesque parks and spots that look right out of a postcard.

The Greenery

For one, Rogue Valley oversees many quiet spots and hiking trails that are perfect for a peaceful time in the hills and forests. One of these is a trail called Natural Bridge Loop, a two-mile hiking experience that runs along the Rogue River and leads to forest clearings and scenic spots among the river's rushing waters. Miniature waterfalls are a common sight along the rapids, and thanks to the nifty signs posted along the trail, scenic viewpoints from both high and low altitudes are posted for anyone wishing to get the full experience.

And for those not looking for a rigid and difficult hike, there is a close alternative: Upper and Lower Table Rock are two flat-topped hills that overlook a green basket valley, and while the view is plenty beautiful year-round, the real show is in the spring, when the two large hills come decorated in wildflowers nurtured by that necessary, cold Oregon rain. The trek is less steep, and when one makes it to the very top, it's as if the world rests below them—that has been the lesser-known and worthwhile appeal of the Upper and Lower Table Rock.

The Art of Wine and Tasting

No discussion of Medford can also be complete without taking into consideration one thing: the wineries. The nutrient-rich soil of Rogue Valley enables plenty of orchards and vineyards to flourish, and while each has its own spin, flavor, and take on what wines and fruits bring out and fit the land's character best, there are a handful of these wineries that have come to stand out on their own. One is DANCIN Vineyard, an ethical vineyard with a focus on quality and sustainability and a close eye on nature—their tasting rooms have views of the aforementioned Upper and Lower Table Rock, while the grounds of the vineyard are as green as can be, and even offer well-kept gardens near the center building. Renowned for its wine and private events, DANCIN has become a staple of the area. Along with Padigan (who boasts the creation of traditional, handcrafted wine), the art of wine rules as king in Medford.

By the Serene Waters

Rogue Valley, and by extension Medford, is home to some of the most isolated yet gorgeous lakes and rivers in the entire state, from the reflective waters of Diamond Lake to Agate Lake's 216 acres of woodland and crystal clear waters. Agate Lake, in particular, is a must-see and visit for lovers of fishing, as the lake bears fish all the way from bluegill to largemouth bass. Agate also has a special privilege and view of Mt. McLoughlin and its snow-capped top. But the bodies of water do not just stop there; in Medford's immediate vicinity, there are multiple lakes and reservoirs that are open for both the eager traveler and the local.

Downtown

It should come as no surprise that downtown Medford is not a blaring city where one never sleeps, but what it does offer is cozy entertainment and ease of access, as Medford is mostly walkable and looks as if it belongs to a very large suburban neighborhood more than to a city. On that matter, the city parks are quaint and charming, striking a balance between nature, man, and amphitheater, though many of the parks themselves are meant for children, like Fichtner-Mainwaring Park. But there are exceptions to the rule: Prescott Park is a large park that begins in the city and leads the hiker to a large hill that overlooks it—not far from downtown itself, it is cleaned, maintained, and stands there as a reminder that nature is both in and right outside of the city's doors.

The rarer and unique part of Medford belongs to places like Ghostlight Playhouse and Holly Theatre. It is a well-kept local secret that the area is dedicated to the performing arts, a rarity in a small city but common and infused with the local culture in Medford. Live music and frequent shows are put on daily, and with places like Rogue Valley Family Fun Center, there are plenty of family-friendly choices and experiences awaiting. Right before exiting downtown as well, the Rogue Valley Zipline Adventures has five zipline courses that venture into the larger parks, peaks, and hills. As mentioned earlier, the connection between this city and its nature runs quite deep, and one does not even need to travel outside the streets and small shops to understand that.

Why Underrated?

But despite all of this, why is Medford and its surrounding area still underrated? At least part of the answer belongs to its geographic location. The cities that attract the most tourists, the poster boys of the state no less, are all situated in the North. Portland resides at the very top of the state, nearly breaking into neighboring Washington. Salem, Eugene, and Newport all follow closely, but none ever break out of the central to northern zone. Medford, on the contrary, sits at the very bottom and at the south of the state—it is, in essence, out of the way of its much larger and more popular counterparts. But its distance from others is also what gives it its strength—because the rather large parks and forests around it (and even Fremont-Winema National Forest to the east) go to show and help build the city's cultural identity. This, along with its impressive array of attractions dedicated to the performing arts and proximity to nature's art, has allowed it to be a rarity and stand out among standouts. At a certain point, however, its uniqueness and best parts are overshadowed by its larger and more clustered brethren, while Medford stands almost alone between valleys, hills, and peaks.

Travel Tips

For the responsible traveler, car rentals may be ideal for a trip to Medford. Due to the majority of airports being in the north, one has to plan accordingly if they do not plan on flying to Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport directly.

• Prepare for hiking; water and small snacks are always recommended for trips into very large parks and forests. They may be breathtaking, but a hike can go sour real fast and even be dangerous for those that are unprepared. Exercise caution and enjoy the views and hikes, but do keep guard.

• Respect the locals and the parks. Travelers are guests visiting otherwise unknown places; it is best to act with prudence and normal good conduct. The last thing Medford needs is those travelers who give the location a bad name.

• Medford is lovely year-round, but at its most green and cool is when it is at its best. Spring may be the best time to explore and take in those rolling hills and flowers.

A Day In Medford

An excellent day in Medford could go as follows: first, begin with breakfast at one of Medford's B&Bs, such as Lady Geneva. Catch an early show at Holly Theater, listen to the sweetness of live music, then make a beeline to the zipline courses and see a different kind of city while quietly traversing outside of city limits in order to zip through the trees under clouds, cool winds, and the Oregon sun. Then, spend the evening away in peace, perhaps walking one of the many trails of Rogue Valley, stopping by Agate Lake to fish, or perhaps just taking it all in. And finally, end the day with a hand-crafted wine and meal at Padigan.

Medford can offer this and much more. While the city and Rogue Valley deserve more than a single day to enjoy them, a day would be enough to get the feel of the city's culture and nature.

Medford: A Tranquil Haven for Nature and Culture

For lovers of nature, or perhaps the lovers of the arts, Medford is a town in the middle of a green valley, filled with waterways, tall trees, large parks, and, most importantly, peaceful and scenic spots for reflection and to catch a moment's breath. If Oregon is on anyone's travel list, perhaps it's time to put aside the Portlands and the Eugenes and visit someplace truly quiet and magnificent, a place that is foreign to the traditional notion of a city, a place that respects its parks and nature on equal ground with its very own streets and shops. That is the Medford experience, an experience that offers beauty and serenity at very little cost.