Medford is a city in Jackson County, Oregon. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 85,824 and a metropolitan area population of 223,259. Medford was founded in 1883 by David Loring, a civil engineer who came to the area to build a railroad. He named the city after his hometown of Medford, Massachusetts.
The first post office opened in 1885. In 1893, Medford was incorporated as a city. The city's economy was initially based on agriculture and livestock but soon transitioned to timber and tourism as the primary industries. The 20th century brought further growth and development to Medford. In 1911, the Crater Lake Highway was completed, making Medford more accessible to tourists. In 1927, the Medford Airport was built. And in 1962, Interstate 5 was completed through the city.
The first settlers in Medford were Alonzo Alden and his family from Missouri. They arrived in 1846, seeking to take advantage of the free land offered by the government to incentivize settlers to move west. The Aldens built a log cabin and farmstead near Bear Creek Park. In 1847, a group of Methodist missionaries settled in the area and founded a mission station called "The Wesleyan Mission." Others soon joined these early settlers, including families from Oregon Trail wagon trains passing through the area.
Medford boasts more than 200 days of sunshine a year as well as a wealth of vineyards and wineries to explore. There also are several golf courses scattered throughout the city, each providing incredible views. Adventurous types can raft or kayak on the Rogue River. For those who are traveling with children, the Children's Museum of Southern Oregon features exhibits suited for kids ages 1 through 10. Medford is the home of Harry & David, the famous gift basket company, and you can browse its flagship store.
Campgrounds Near Medford, Oregon
You should stay at Schroeder Park if you're looking for a campground on the Rogue River. It is just a few miles from Grants Pass, 40 minutes northwest of Medford, and has 22 campsites with picnic tables and a fishing platform. Among the amenities this campground provides include an ADA-accessible site, a tennis court and basketball facilities.
Jack's Landing RV Resort is in Grants Pass, 35 minutes northwest of Medford. There are 54 full-hookup sites that are both back-in and pull-through. Wi-Fi and cable TV are available as are restrooms and showers and laundry facilities. It's slightly north of downtown and next door to an In-N-Out Burger, plus it's also close to Interstate 5.
River Park RV Resort is located on the Rogue River on the other side of Tom Pearce Park, about a half-hour northwest of Medford. The park features 47 paved, full-hookup sites that come with Wi-Fi. There also are bath, shower and laundry rooms available. Seven-hundred feet of the park sits beside the Rogue River, in which you can swim and fish.
State Parks Near Medford, Oregon
Castle Crags State Park is in California, an hour and 45 minutes southeast of Medford. The park is set among the Sierra Nevada Mountains and features granite cliffs, many of which are over 200 feet high. Several trails are in the park, including a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. With its towering mountains and scenic views, Castle Crags State Park is a great place to explore the outdoors. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your fitness level. And if you're looking for a challenge, you can try rock climbing. Castle Crags is also home to several waterfalls, so bring your camera to capture their beauty.
Valley of the Rogue State Park is just 25 minutes northwest of Medford. The park is in the Rogue Valley between Medford and Grants Pass. It is situated on the banks of the Rogue River, which flows through the valley. The park offers various activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing and picnicking. Several trails wind through the park, providing scenic views of the river and valley.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, located in Northern California, two hours and five minutes southwest of Medford, is one of the most popular state parks in the area. The park spans over 24 square miles and is home to some of the tallest redwoods in the world. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing and picnicking in the park. The park also has a visitor center with exhibits on the history and ecology of the redwoods.
National Sites Near Medford, Oregon
Lava Beds National Monument is in northeastern California, near the Oregon border, approximately two hours and 10 minutes southeast of Medford. The monument lies on the southeast side of the Medicine Lake Volcano and has more than 150 lava tube caves, formed when lava flowing from a volcano cools and hardens on the outside but stays molten on the inside. The caves range in size from small tubes that are only a few feet long to large ones that are more than a mile long. The monument also comprises various other geological features, such as cinder cones, shield volcanoes and lava flows. There are also several hot springs in the area. Lava Beds National Monument is open all year round and offers a variety of visitor activities, including hiking, camping, picnicking cave tours and ranger-led programs.
Tule Lake National Monument is also located in northeastern California, two hours and five minutes southeast of Medford. The monument commemorates the site of the Tule Lake War Relocation Center site, one of the largest and most controversial of the 10 wartime camps where Japanese Americans were forcibly interned during World War II. The monument is situated on the shore of Tule Lake, a large freshwater lake fed by the Tule River. The lake and its surrounding wetlands are home to various wildlife, including waterfowl, fish and mammals.
Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is located in the southern Oregon Coast Range near Cave Junction, Oregon. The monument was established in 1909 to protect the Marble Halls of Oregon, a network of marble caves. The monument's centerpiece is the 4,377-foot-long Oregon Cave, one of the longest caves in North America. You can choose from several cave tours, including one conducted by candlelight. There are also six hiking trails at the monument that range from 0.7 to 9.2 miles.
National Forests Near Medford, Oregon
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is located in the Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon and northeastern California. The forest, which is three hours and 35 minutes southwest of Medford, borders the Cascade Range to the east and the Coast Range to the west and covers approximately 1.8 million acres. It is divided into two distinct sections with the Rogue River section comprising about 60% of the total area. The Rogue River runs through the heart of the forest and is known for its excellent fishing. The Siskiyou Mountains offer stunning views and opportunities for hiking, camping and backpacking. There are also many recreation sites scattered throughout the forest that provide opportunities for picnicking, swimming, boating and more.
Umpqua National Forest is spread along the western Cascade Mountains, two hours and 55 minutes northeast of Medford. There are many hiking trails, rivers and waterfalls to discover. The forest is also home to many kinds of animals, including elk, deer and bears. You can also hike on more than 530 miles of trails; fish in the rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds; and camp under the stars at one of the 40 campgrounds in the forest.
Klamath National Forest is a large, beautiful forest located in Northern California, 50 minutes south of Medford. It is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. The forest covers over 1.6 million acres, making it one of the largest national forests in the United States. Many different activities can be enjoyed in the Klamath National Forest, including hiking, camping, fishing and bird-watching. The forest is also home to a variety of different plant and animal species, some of which are unique to the area.
