In many ways, Ashland is the Woodstock of the West. Possessing that bohemian, artsy, nouveau hipster vibe, many visitors come to immerse themselves in the city’s quirky flavor. Located in the very southern part of Oregon, Ashland’s scenery is every bit of breathtaking. It is surrounded by mountain and rivers and is home to a wildlife sanctuary in which black bear, elk and cougars tend to roam. Perhaps the area’s most well-known attraction is the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Bringing in a multitude of visitors from all over, the winter festival stands as a truly unique Renaissance experience in a 21st century world.
With no shortage of wilderness adventure, Ashland is known for its hiking, white water rafting, and fishing. The Rogue River offers the avid angler a chance to catch some world-class trout, while providing rafters with plenty of great rapids.
Generally, the temperature in Ashland is fairly moderate. However, during the winter Shakespeare Festival the climate can be relatively rainy and cold, with snow located in some of the more mountainous areas.
In some ways its cuisine is as funky as its art scene. Just because it is a smaller city doesn’t mean that you can’t find amazing dining experiences in Ashland. From pizza and pasta to gourmet fare, Ashland offers a little taste of everything.
With art galleries galore, a number of dynamic festivals throughout the year, and even an organized Friday night Art Walk, you can experience firsthand the craftsmanship and artistry of jewelers, painters, pottery makers and so many more. Ashland is hugely vital part of Oregon’s artistic scene.
November through January is the rainy season and high temps only hit around 50 degrees. It is a slow season for tourism.
Spring is a time of steady warming and drying. Late spring can be a good time to visit for exploring outdoors, but be sure to plan around graduation weekend at Southern Oregon University, as lodging can book up.
Summer is the dry season, and like much of northern California, the summer season runs late. September is a beautiful and warm time to visit. July and August high temps can reach near 90 degrees.
Early fall is great, but late fall is cool and rainy. If visiting in early November, consider planning around the Ashland Culinary Festival.