From Crater Lake to the Coast

Join us for an online road tour down the Mystic Corridor, between Crater Lake National Park and the Pacific Coast, with its world-class recreation sites and scenic attractions.  This tour crosses the northern part of the Klamath-Siskiyou region on highways 62, 234, 99, and 199.

For each stop on this virtual tour, you will find:

• a 2 to 3 minute video about the site and what you can do there    
• driving directions and a map    
• links to more information and resources

Agnes Pilgrim at the Takelma Pit House

Take a tour with native Takelma elder, Agnes Baker Pilgrim, to the Kerbyville Museum and History Center, which features a replica of the traditional “pit houses” that sheltered Grandma Aggie’s ancestors.  The pit house replica is located right behind the Museum at 24195 Highway 199 in Kerby.  See a map and photos on Facebook.

Open daily from April 1st through October 31st, the Museum has exhibits on Native Americans, mining, logging and pioneers.  The historic Naucke House, built in the 1880s, is on the National Register of Historic Places.  For details, call 541-592-5252.

Grandma Aggie and others worked with the Museum to secure a grant and build the pit house replica in 2000. 

To learn more about Agnes Baker Pilgrim and her Takelma ancestors, visit: www.agnesbakerpilgrim.org

Stout Grove’s Amazing Redwoods

Learn about Del Norte County’s majestic redwoods with Rene’ Shanle-Hutzell, as she guides us down Howland Hill Road into Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This scenic drive is just 3 miles off of Highway 199 near Hiouchi. The road is well-maintained, but unpaved, so motorhomes and trailers are not advised.

Join Rene’ for a hike on the family-friendly Stout Grove Loop Trail (.6 miles).  Restrooms are available at the parking lot.

All along Howland Hill Road, numerous pull-outs and trailheads welcome explorers of all ages.

Directions: From Highway 199 in California, between the towns of Gasquet and Hiouchi, watch for the sign to Howland Hill Road and turn south on Country Road 427. Cross the Smith River twice and turn right onto Douglas Park Drive, which leads to Howland Hill Road. From the entrance sign to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (where the pavement ends), drive one more mile and turn right at the sign to Stout Grove.  Click here for map.

From Stout Grove you can return the way you came to Highway 199, or continue driving west through the redwoods to Highway 101 on the Pacific Coast just south of Crescent City (7 miles, a 30-minute drive).

For more information, contact:

Crescent City/Del Norte County Visitors Bureau  (800) 343-8300

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park  (707) 458-3018

The Gold of Gold Hill

Take a tour with acclaimed local historian and author, Dennis Powers, and learn how the discovery of gold in the late 1800’s built the town of Gold Hill. Visit the Gold Hill Historical Society Museum and see the twenty-foot tall stamp mill out back, once used to crush and purify raw ore into powder for smelting.Dennis retells famous stories, illustrated by rare Museum photos printed in his new book, “Images of America: Gold Hill” (available at the Gold Hill Historical Society Museum, Amazon.com, and local book outlets).

Museum hours: 12 to 4 pm, Thurs. through Sat. Call 541-855-1182.

Directions: Drive to downtown Gold Hill on either Highway 234 or 99. Turn south on Estremado Street and drive one block to 1st Avenue.

Nature Trails and Visitor Center at McGregor Park

McGregor Park is a free, day-use park on 17 acres next to the Rogue River, just downstream of Lost Creek Dam.  The nature trails, picnic areas, and playground are all wheelchair accessible.

The Visitor Center is open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends from 10 am to 5 pm, with information about the local ecology and cultural history.  

Join naturalist Leah Schrodt for a walk in the park!

Directions: On Highway 62, drive 8.8 miles northeast of Shady Cove. Turn left on Takelma Drive, also the turnoff to the Cole River Fish Hatchery. Drive 1/4 mile to McGregor Park on the right.

For more details: visit the BLM website.

Flyfishing on the Rogue River at Takelma Park

Takelma Park is a Jackson County day-use area south of Shady Cove with forty acres of parkland, one-third mile of river frontage, and a boatramp.

It’s a favorite place for salmon and steelhead anglers like local resident Mike Beagle, who gives a flyfishing lesson (and catches one!) in the video below.

Directions: From Medford, drive 19 miles northeast on Highway 62. Turn left on Highway 234. Cross the Rogue River at Dodge Bridge and turn right onto Rogue River Drive. Go 3 miles north to Takelma Park.

For more details: see the Jackson County website.

Art Along the Rogue

Art Along the Rogue is an annual Grants Pass event held the first weekend in October.  This free outdoor festival features dozens of local and national chalk artists of all ages, who create amazing street art during the two-day event.  The family affair also includes live music, a doggie parade, and prizes.

For more information, watch the video below and visit the website for Art Along the Rogue.