Summer in Grants Pass

Summer Is Right Around the Corner and Grants Pass, OR Activities Are Heating Up

Tucked along the banks of the wild and scenic Rogue River in southern Oregon, Grants Pass is a gem of a destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventure, community, and natural beauty. At the heart of it all is the Weasku Inn, a storied retreat dating back to 1924 that once welcomed the likes of Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Walt Disney. Today it remains one of the most charming places to stay in the Pacific Northwest. With summer just around the corner, there has never been a better time to plan your visit.

Key Takeaways:

• River Season kicks off in June, bringing world-class summer steelhead fishing, whitewater rafting on Class III and IV rapids, jet boat excursions through Hellgate Canyon, and gentle floats on the Rogue River perfect for families and first-timers.
• BearFest returns to downtown Grants Pass from Memorial Day through Labor Day, featuring over 50 uniquely painted, life-sized fiberglass bears created by local artists, making for a fun, free, photo-worthy scavenger hunt through the city streets.
• Concerts in the Park runs every Tuesday from June 16 through July 14 at Riverside Park, offering free live music under the trees along the Rogue River from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, with food trucks on-site and a welcoming mix of locals and visitors.
• Porchfest takes place on Saturday, June 20 from 11 am to 3 pm, filling the streets of a historic Grants Pass neighborhood with 30-plus live performers on front porches, plus artist booths, food vendors, and a family- and pet-friendly atmosphere benefiting local children and youth programs.

Save

Want to share this infographic?

River Season Activities

If you love the outdoors and the thrill of moving water, June marks the beginning of River Season on the Rogue, and it does not disappoint. Summer steelhead begin entering the river as early as June or July, and the Rogue hosts one of the most significant steelhead runs in the entire Pacific Northwest. These fish are legendary for their fighting spirit, and anglers travel from across the country to pursue them here. 

For those who prefer their adventure a little more splashy, there are lots of water activities along the Rogue River:

• Whitewater rafting on the Rogue is an experience unlike any other. The river cuts through stunning formations of lichen-covered rock, narrow canyons barely wider than a raft, and forests of oak, maple, and pine, with waterfalls tumbling into the current along the way. Wildlife sightings are common; Canada Geese, Great Blue Heron, eagles, ospreys, and even black bears have all been spotted from the water. Orange Torpedo offers a variety of rafting trips ranging from beginner trips in Hellgate Canyon to Class IV rapids at Nugget Falls. There’s even a sunset tour that focuses more on scenery than adrenaline. 
• If you would rather go at your own pace, Chinook Park is less than a mile from the Weasku Inn and it is a popular put-in for beginner-friendly day floats. White Water Cowboys can outfit you with gear and even shuttle your vehicle. 
• Hellgate Jetboat Excursions will glide you inches above the water with thrilling 360-degree spins from May through September. These popular tours are part scenery and part adventure. The knowledgeable guides will slow things down to point out wildlife and geological points of interest; but don’t get too comfortable, things will speed back up for an exciting ride. Be prepared to get wet!    

Note that permits are required from May 15 until October 15 for the wild section of the Rogue River. 

BearFest

When the day on the river is done, downtown Grants Pass has its own kind of magic waiting. BearFest, now in its second decade, transforms the city into an open-air gallery each summer. This year, more than 50 life-sized fiberglass bears will be on display from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Each bear has been uniquely painted by a local artist. Originally launched in 2003 with just 20 bears, the program has grown to include over 187 bears total, with half auctioned off over the years to raise more than $250,000 for local nonprofits. Pick up a map at Evergreen Federal Bank and turn the hunt into a friendly competition: look at them all and see if you can guess which one your travel companion picks as their favorite.

Concerts in the Park

Tuesday evenings in June and July belong to Concerts in the Park, a beloved tradition now celebrating its 40th year. Held at Riverside Park along the Rogue, the free outdoor concerts run from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, June 16 through July 14. This year’s lineup spans southern rock, a Linda Ronstadt tribute band, alternative rock, dance music, and a five-piece string band. Food trucks and vendors arrive by 5:30, so come early, spread out a blanket, and settle in. The concerts draw a wonderful mix of locals and out-of-towners, and because they wrap up at a reasonable hour, you will still be well-rested for whatever adventure the next morning brings.

Porchfest

One not-to-miss event rounding out the month is Porchfest on Saturday, June 20. From 11 am to 3 pm, more than 30 musicians take to the front porches of historic homes in a walkable neighborhood where the streets are closed to traffic and open to wanderers. The spirit of the event is pure community. It is a revival of the old tradition of porch music and neighborly gathering. Alongside the performances, guests will find artist and crafter booths, food vendors, nonprofit tables, and a raffle. Bring a folding chair, pack a picnic, and feel free to bring the dog. Porchfest is also a charitable event, with proceeds benefiting children and youth programs in Josephine County, so the good time comes with a good cause.

From the fishing hole behind the Weasku Inn to the painted bears on Main Street, Grants Pass in summer is alive with things to do, see, taste, and hear. Book your stay now. The season fills fast, and the Rogue River is calling.