Ashland, Oregon: Unique Gem in Southern Oregon

Ashland, Oregon is located on Interstate 5 just 15 miles north of the Oregon California border.  Located roughly half way between Portland and San Francisco, it is a small town with its own unique flavor, with many activities to busy any visitor.  The Rogue River Valley that Ashland is at the south end of is a combination of recreation, agriculture, and enterprise.  The Siskiyou region to the south and west provide summer and winter fun.  And its only about a 21/2 hour drive from the coast region.  The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is considered one of the nation's premier theater events.  The hiking and biking, hunting and fishing, rafting and boating, all offer top-notch experiences within a short distance of the city.  

The Rogue River runs at the north end of the valley, and is well known for its river rafting and wildlife viewing chances.  If you remember the 1994 film "The River Wild"  you will recognize The Rogue River.  Crater Lake National Park, one of the most uniquely beautiful places you can find anywhere, is a short drive away.  Formed from the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama about 7000 years ago, the lake is very deep, and exceptionally clear.  To the south, west and east of Ashland are literally millions of acres of beautiful forest land with mile after mile of trails.  The Cascade mountains to the east give way to the high desert of central Oregon as you travel toward Klamath Falls. 

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is more than just a one act event.  There are several venues offering productions from the Bard as well as a wide variety of other writers.  It runs from March through the end of October, and always draws good crowds.  When I saw my first production there a few years ago, I was blown away by the quality of the play. It was "The Three Sisters" by Anton Chekov.  If you like theater at all, it is worth the trip itself.  There are package deals that combine lodging with the theater experience.