The 10 Best Day Trips from Medford, Oregon

The city of Medford is known for its laid-back lifestyle, outdoor adventures, the warmest weather in Oregon, and irresistible day trips a short drive away.

^{Last updated: October 23, 2024}

The Best Day Trips from Medford, Oregon

Set in the heart of the Rogue Valley, Medford allures with breathtaking natural scenery. From hiking up the Upper and Lower Table Rocks trails to boating and kayaking on the Rogue River, the city and its surrounding area nurture your inner adventurer. Downtown Medford speaks to the hearts of those who look for boutique shopping, local restaurants, and all things indoors. 

Drive just an hour away, and an array of stunning destinations promises some of the most unforgettable day trips when you need an escape from Medford. The area is an expert of all kinds of excursions. Whether you ache for natural wonders of Southern Oregon or need a city break, these day trips from Medford will keep you coming for more.

The place is a gateway to parks, valleys, rivers, and some of the state’s prettiest cities, including Eugene, one of the largest cities in Oregon. Even California is just a stone’s throw away. That said, let us explore the stunning surroundings of Medford and enjoy many irresistible day trips they offer. 

10 UNFORGETTABLE DAY TRIPS FROM MEDFORD YOU OUGHT TO GO ON

1. Jacksonville

12 minutes away from Medford

Situated mere five miles away from Medford, the small city of Jacksonville doesn’t ask for the preplanned and detailed day trips. On the contrary, the place looks like a nice detour destination that you would head to to see some highlights of the area. Certainly, such a convenient location has earned Jacksonville its fame as the closest and most relaxing day trips from Medford. And I must agree with it.

Everything in Jacksonville speaks about unwinding and enjoying the visit. From pleasant hiking with incredible views of Southern Oregon’s landscapes to wine tasting and vineyard tours, the city offers some of the most laid-back day trips from Medford when you need to change the scenery. Interestingly enough, with over 100 wineries that grow all kinds of grapes, Jacksonville rightfully owns the title of the heart of the Southern Oregon wine region. 

Food is another reason to add the city to the list of the best day trips from Medford. Whether you crave some local delicacies or yearn for German cuisine, Jacksonville’s restaurants and coffee shops comply with all your needs. As locals would say, your taste buds will smell the feast miles away. 

When it comes to good coffee, family-owned Good Bean Coffee Company serves some of the finest drinks and baked goodies in the Pacific Northwest. Although the shop was established not that long ago, in 1990, the building it occupies is old.

In fact, Jacksonville’s Table Rock Billiard & Saloon is a national historic building and one of the oldest attractions in Oregon. This alone offers more than enough reasons to plan a few day trips from Medford to sip on the best coffee in the oldest structure in Jacksonville. 

2. Crater Lake 

1 hour 55 minutes from Medford

Crater Lake, Oregon’s crown jewel, is one of the most unprecedented day trips from Medford. Nestled within Crater Lake National Park in south central Oregon, the place astounds with its natural beauty and some of the world’s clearest water. 

Crater Lake formed nearly 7,700 years ago, when a major eruption triggered the collapse of Mt. Mazama and creation of an almost 2,000-foot deep crater. The deepest lake in the U.S. and the  seventh deepest lake in the world, Crater Lake is filled by snowfall and rainfall, allowing for the water’s clarity as deep as 120 feet. 

On the other hand, lack of circulation of the water from one source to another results in usually very cold water. Thus, swimming is probably not the most enticing activity during the day trips from Medford. Nevertheless, the 33-mile (53-kilometer) scenic Rim Drive, encircling the entire lake, substitute for this shortcoming in full. Additionally, boat tours allow you to get a closer look at the cinder cone of Wizard Island, a famous volcano within a volcano. 

Hiking at Crater Lake is another great activity for the epic day trips from Medford. With approximately 90 miles (145 kilometers) of trails around the lake, the place is an unsized treasure box full of natural wonders that unveil themself at a steady pace of a hiker.  

3. Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

1 hour 45 minutes from Medford

Have you ever thought about a few day trips to the most unusual “halls” to spend some time away from Medford? The Marble Halls of Oregon is what you should expect to see at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. Set within the Siskiyou Mountains, the place arouses interest with its twisting passages, created by eons of acidic water seeping into marble rock. 

The marble cave was first discovered in 1874 and instantly impressed with its unusual shape. It didn’t take long until the visitors from all over the country streamed to Oregon to see the remarkable natural halls. Today you can discover the 15,000-foot long (6,600 meter) passages of Oregon Caves National Monument via guided tours. 

4. Redwood National and State Parks, California

2 hours from Medford

Thanks to its desirable location, Medford promises unforgettable day trips to the neighboring state of California. While the Golden State overwhelms with a myriad of its striking attractions, Redwood National and State Parks raise the bar as home to the tallest trees on Earth. 

The vast area encompasses four parks: Redwood National Park, California Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. Together they protect almost half of the remaining coast redwood old-growth forests. Some of the indigenous plants and animals along with 37 miles of pristine coastline also fall under their care. 

Considering the important mission of the parks, driving is only limited to frontcountry campsites. The rest of Redwood National and State Parks is available via hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. 

There are almost 200 miles (320 kilometers) of hiking trails that allow you to relish your day trips from Medford while enjoying the company of California’s tallest natives. Mountain biking and horseback riding are, however, restricted to certain trails. On the other hand, the vast coastal area of the parks along with their rivers and streams ensure a perfect day escape for Medford’s kayakers and canoeists. 

5. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

2 hours 30 minutes from Medford

Set on the outskirts of the small town of Brookings, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is one of the most picturesque day trips from Medford. The 12-mile park was named in honor of the first Oregon superintendent, Samuel H. Boardman. The place allures with its breathtaking pristine beauty that includes hidden beaches, natural bridges, and elevated viewpoints. 

Favorable weather almost all year round also plays a big role in Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor’s reputation as a popular day trip from Medford. If it wasn’t good enough already, the area is home to approximately 27 miles of the Oregon Coast Trail. This route is especially popular with long-distance hikers. Locals as well as day adventurers from Medford also trip up a few cliffs that the trail runs through. 

6. Eugene

2 hours 40 minutes from Medford

Eugene, the third largest city in Oregon, is just a day trip away from Medford. The place is located on the Willamette River and is known for outdoor recreation, superb biking and hiking trails, and organic farming. 

Devotion to arts also belongs to the strengths of Eugene. Home to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, the city boasts some of the most profound Asian collections. The building of the museum that has no windows is quite an attraction itself. Often it serves as the first place to visit during a memorable day escape from Medford. 

Apart from the artistic treasures, Eugene entices with stunning Victorian architecture. The Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House alone is worth often a long and always an impactful day trip from Medford. Perched on the slopes of Skinner Butte, the mansion takes you on a history tour with immersion in interior décor, style, and customs of bygone days. 

During our 4-day Oregon road trip from Medford to Portland, we got a chance to appreciate the impressive Eugene food scene. The city suits all tastes and preferences. From local dishes to Asian delicacies at Izakaya Meiji and French dining traditions at Marché, Eugene is an unmatched master of culinary.

No wonder, more and more foodies from Medford choose it for their epic day trips full of delectable food and drinks. For me, though, healthy, fulfilling, and gentle on your budget Mexican dishes of Mucho Gusto Mexican Kitchen were the best treats in the city. 

7. Coos Bay

2 hours 55 minutes from Medford

Coos Bay is one of the most populous cities on the Oregon Coast. Locals along with visitors embarking on long day trips from Medford praise the city for its urban and natural beauty. So while architecture enthusiasts marvel at the Carnegie Library and Egyptian Theatre in downtown Coos Bay, outdoor adventurers look for solitude in nature. 

And there is more to see and explore here than a few day trips from Medford allow you to do. Whether it is wildlife photography at Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area or endless cliffs and trails of Cape Arago and Sunset Bay State Parks, the place is a true manifestation of a perfect trip to the ocean. The highlights of your day trips from Medford, though, are Golden Falls and Silver Falls, located in the valleys of the Oregon Coast Range. 

8. Applegate Lake 

45 minutes from Medford

Known for its stunning scenery, Applegate Lake is one of the best day trips less than an hour away from Medford. From forested slopes and towering peaks of the Siskiyou Mountains reflected in the clear waters of the lake, the place proves that you can find solitude and marvels of nature in your own backyard.  

Due to its large populations of trout and landlocked chinook salmon, Applegate Lake is especially popular as a day trip destination for Medford’s fishermen. Visitors who feel less enthusiastic about fish enjoy the stunning surroundings from the decks of the boats. Others, traverse 18 miles of hiking trails.

9. Umpqua Hot Springs

2 hours 10 minutes from Medford

Oregon wouldn’t be the state we know if not for its mineral hot springs hidden in the most dramatic places. Similarly, the list of the day trips from Medford wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of these natural wonders. 

With that said, Umpqua Hot Springs are some of the most Instagrammable escapes from the city of Medford. Nestled in the Central Oregon Cascades, the area entices outdoor enthusiasts all year round. Winter, however, comes with a small surprise. As the gate to Umpqua remains closed during the snowy season, visitors must hike an additional 1.5 miles before jumping in the warm pools. 

10. Day Trips from Medford to Closest Waterfalls

Seven day trips less than an hour away from Medford

Waterfalls are some of the most popular day trips from Medford. You can find all types of these Oregon natives less than an hour away from the city. Whether you ache for dramatic views paired with a tedious hike or a quick glance from your car, the waterfalls promise relaxing getaways to Southern Oregon’s backcountry. Here are some of the best day trips to waterfalls near Medford.

• Pearsony Falls – 59 minutes from Medford
• Barr Creek Falls – 59 minutes from Medford
• Mill Creek Falls – 58 minutes from Medford
• Crowfoot Falls – 47 minutes from Medford
• Butte Falls – 47 minutes from Medford
• Chocolate Falls – 45 minutes from Medford
• Dillon Falls – 22 minutes from Medford 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Waterfalls in Columbia River Gorge (Dramatic and Easy to Reach)