Ashland, Lodge Live Cam

"Science has written volumes about the eruption of Mt. Mazama and its dramatic impact on the Northwest landscape. What's just as fascinating to me is the impact Crater Lake has on people. One can only imagine how John Wesley Hillman reacted when he stumbled upon the vast caldera in 1853. But every time I watch people walk up to the rim and discover that deep blue expanse for themselves, their faces give me a pretty good idea."

Crater Lake is one of the world's absolute most must-see sights. The Rogue River Gorge near Union Creek is truly "gorgeous." Oregon Caves National Monument is an adventure in underground life. Colliding Rivers east of Roseburg is the only place in the world where two rivers meet head-on.

The Rogue and Umpqua rivers attract whitewater enthusiasts, as well as those seeking salmon and steelhead. The southern Cascades are covered with trails and campgrounds. Seven bird sanctuaries in the Klamath Basin host hundreds of feathered species.

This region offers everything from quiet riverside fishing lodges to friendly guest ranches. All major cities have public golf courses. A Robert Trent Jones course in Medford is one of four new ones in the area. Ashland is famous for its charming bed and breakfasts.

Medford, a rich agricultural area, is the home of Harry & David's Country Store, the Jackson & Perkins Rose Garden and the annual Pear Blossom Festival (April). Farmers' markets in Grants Pass are ripe with fruits, berries, vegetables and nuts. More than a dozen wineries around Roseburg, Ashland and Cave Junction are open for tastings.

Ashland explains the ecosystem at the Pacific Northwest Museum of Natural History and draws rave reviews at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (mid-February-October). Jacksonville stages the Britt Festivals (June-August) and shares its gold rush history all year. Grants Pass celebrates Heritage Days with a logging show and a rodeo (September 15-October 15). In Klamath Falls, the Favell Museum showcases Native American artifacts. Medford offers the Southern Oregon History Center and a Dixieland Jazz Festival (October).

Skiers enjoy uncrowded slopes and cross-country trails at Mt. Ashland. Diamond Lake Resort is alive with cross-country skiing, snowmobile tours, ice skating and snowcat skiing on Mt. Bailey. Cross-country skiing at Crater Lake is a breathtaking experience. Light festivals warm the holidays in Roseburg, Ashland and Klamath Falls, and eagles soar over Klamath Basin.

Hiking, horseback riding and llama trekking in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of the Wallowa Range is like being in the Swiss Alps. Rafting is a blast on the Snake, Owyhee and Grande Ronde rivers. Hang gliding is on the rise in Lakeview. Hart Mountain's National Antelope Refuge is where the deer and the antelope play.

The Baker City area is rich in gold mining and Oregon Trail history, showcased at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Oregon's Chinese history is explored at the Kam Wah Chung Museum in John Day. Ontario's new Four Rivers Cultural Center examines Indian, Hispanic, Basque, European and Japanese influences on the area (add this when it opens next year). The Pendleton Round-Up is America's Classic Rodeo (September). Chief Joseph Days (July) in the town of Joseph commemorate the Nez Perce leader.

Fluffy powder falls on four friendly and affordable ski areas: Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort near LaGrande and Baker City, Spout Springs north of Elgin, Ferguson Ridge in the Wallowas, and Warner Canyon near Lakeview. The Blue Mountain Nordic Ski Park near LaGrande offers 10K of groomed cross-country trails. Nordic skiing is also available on trails near the Catherine Creek Summit Sno-Park, a favorite staging area for snowmobilers. Wildlife viewing via horse-drawn sleigh is a real treat.