Oregon Shakespeare Festival
One of the largest and best known repertory theater companies in the country, staging Shakespeare, new plays and musicals across three venues in Ashland for most of the year.
Oregon
Ashland & Crater Lake
Ashland is a small Southern Oregon city with a big cultural pull: it is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a leafy creekside park at the center of town and a walkable downtown of restaurants, bookshops and wine bars at the foot of the Siskiyou Mountains.
Around it lies a region that rewards a week of exploring. Rogue River rafting through Hellgate Canyon, the gold rush streets of Jacksonville, the Rogue Valley and Applegate wine country, the caves of the Siskiyou foothills and, about two hours to the northeast, Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. This guide covers the best of it, from play tickets and river trips to free trails and viewpoints, with hotels in town and nearby and practical guides on when to go, how to pair the theater with the outdoors and how to plan the Crater Lake day.
Don't miss
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
One of the largest and best known repertory theater companies in the country, staging Shakespeare, new plays and musicals across three venues in Ashland for most of the year.
Lithia Park
A long, shaded city park that follows Ashland Creek up from the downtown plaza, with ponds, gardens, trails and the famous mineral water fountain, free to enter every day.
Crater Lake National Park
The deepest lake in the United States, a startlingly blue lake in the collapsed cone of an ancient volcano. A self-guided drive from Ashland makes a full day.
Rogue River Hellgate Canyon Half-Day Rafting
A guided half-day raft trip on the Rogue River through Hellgate Canyon, a steep-walled stretch of the wild and scenic Rogue with rapids, wildlife and big scenery.
Things to do in Ashland & Crater Lake
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
FreeLithia Park
A long, shaded city park that follows Ashland Creek up from the downtown plaza, with ponds, gardens, trails and the famous mineral water fountain, free to enter every day.
1 to 3 hoursDetails →
Crater Lake National Park
The deepest lake in the United States, a startlingly blue lake in the collapsed cone of an ancient volcano. A self-guided drive from Ashland makes a full day.
Crater Lake Hikes and Viewpoints
Trails that lead to the best views of Crater Lake: Garfield Peak, Watchman Peak, Cleetwood Cove to the water and short rim walks for every energy level.
Rogue River Hellgate Canyon Half-Day Rafting
A guided half-day raft trip on the Rogue River through Hellgate Canyon, a steep-walled stretch of the wild and scenic Rogue with rapids, wildlife and big scenery.
Full-Day Rogue River Hellgate Canyon Raft Tour
A full day on the Rogue River with more time on the water, a lunch stop and a longer run through Hellgate Canyon for travelers who want the complete river experience.
Rogue River Golden Hour Evening Float Trip
A gentle evening float on the Rogue River as the light turns gold, with calm water, wildlife and sunset color on the canyon walls.
Kikaceki (Wards) Canyon Rafting Experience
A guided raft experience into Kikaceki, also known as Wards Canyon, for travelers who want a more adventurous and more personal Rogue River outing than the standard day trip.
Ashland Escape Games
Themed puzzle rooms in downtown Ashland where friends and families work together to solve clues against the clock, a great rainy-day or after-dark activity.
The Cultural Heart of Ashland Self-Guided Audio Tour
A self-guided audio walk through downtown Ashland that explains the theaters, the plaza, the park and the history behind the town at your own pace.
Jacksonville Historic Town
A beautifully preserved gold rush town about 30 minutes north of Ashland, with brick storefronts, museums, wine tasting rooms and the Britt Gardens.
Half a dayDetails →
Mount Ashland
A mountain above Ashland with a ski area in winter and wildflower trails, views and the Pacific Crest Trail in summer, reached by a scenic drive from town.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$Ashland Springs Hotel
Downtown Ashland
A historic downtown landmark a short walk from the plaza, the theaters and Lithia Park, with period character and a central address.
Check rates →Lithia Springs Resort
Edge of Ashland
A relaxed resort-style stay on the edge of Ashland with mineral water soaking, gardens and a quieter, spa-oriented feel.
Check rates →The Peerless Hotel
Railroad District
A small historic hotel in Ashland's railroad district with individually styled rooms, a boutique feel and a short walk to the plaza.
Check rates →Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites
Ashland Street corridor
A larger, full-service hotel on the edge of Ashland near the interstate, with a pool, on-site dining and easy parking for road trippers.
Check rates →Best Western Windsor Inn
Edge of Ashland
A dependable mid-range hotel on the main road into Ashland with comfortable rooms, a pool and a walkable distance to Southern Oregon University and the theaters.
Check rates →Cedarwood Inn of Ashland
Siskiyou Boulevard
A small, friendly inn near the university and downtown with simple rooms, free parking and a relaxed, local feel at a modest price.
Check rates →Stratford Inn
Near Lithia Park
A comfortable hotel close to the plaza and Lithia Park, with a short walk to the theaters and convenient parking.
Check rates →
$$$Winchester Inn
Downtown Ashland
A Victorian-era inn a block from the plaza with garden grounds, individually decorated rooms and a restaurant on site.
Check rates →Country Willows Inn and Estate
South Ashland
A peaceful farm-style estate on the southern edge of Ashland with garden grounds, a pool, mountain views and a bed-and-breakfast feel.
Check rates →Callahans Mountain Lodge
Siskiyou foothills
A mountain lodge south of Ashland on the old highway, with a well-known restaurant, views and easy access to Mount Ashland and the Siskiyou foothills.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Oregon Shakespeare FestivalStay
Best Western Windsor InnEdge of Ashland
Do
Lithia ParkStay
Ashland Springs HotelDowntown Ashland
Do
Crater Lake National ParkStay
Winchester InnDowntown Ashland
Ashland & Crater Lake guides
Ashland for First-Timers: What to See, Where to Stay and How the Town Works
A practical first-visit guide to Ashland, Oregon: how the theater, the park and the surrounding valley fit together, and how to plan your first trip.
Three Days in Ashland: An Itinerary for Theater, River and Valley
A balanced three-day plan for Ashland that mixes shows, Lithia Park, a Rogue River raft trip, Jacksonville and a taste of the valley.
Crater Lake from Ashland: How to Plan the Day Trip
How to visit Crater Lake as a day trip from Ashland: drive time, the best season, what to see, what to bring and how to use an audio-guided drive.
Eating and Drinking in Ashland: Wine, Cheese and Pre-Theater Dinners
A guide to eating and drinking in Ashland and the Rogue Valley: pre-theater dinners, wine bars, Rogue Valley wine, local cheese and sweet treats.
When to Visit Ashland: Seasons, Festival Timing and Weather
A season-by-season guide to visiting Ashland, Oregon: festival timing, weather, Crater Lake access, rafting season and how to save on lodging.
Day Trips from Ashland: River, Gold Rush Town, Caves and Wine
The best day trips from Ashland: Rogue River rafting, Jacksonville, Rogue Creamery, wine country, Oregon Caves and Mount Ashland.
