19 MEDFORD ASHLAND MT MCLOUGHLIN PHOTOS

This Gallery is Rogue River Country. If you were to follow the wild and scenic Rogue River (formed by collapsed Lava Tubes rather than erosion)  from it's origin near Crater Lake to its last land point at Gold Beach, you would enjoy the booming sound at the Rogue River Gorge,  the eerie fog of the Peyton Bridge over Lost Creek Lake , the sight of  Kayaks heading downstream over white water, or the sense of isolation on the winding roads of the Rogue Valley Wilderness from Agness to Galice.  Perhaps a digression up the dramatic ascent to the entry of the Oregon Caves would be a must. But to see the Rogue's influence, you must  examine the cultural and economic hub its tributaries spawned...the Rogue River Valley...Grants Pass, Medford and Ashland.
     A friendly climate is formed as the Cascades, Siskiyous  and Coast Range wrap around this area...making it great for farming, timber, and tourists who step across the California border to enjoy Mt. Ashland's Snow or Emigrant Lake's Reservoir for year round fishing and boating.  NEXT PAGE takes you for a walk through the Rogue River Valley's Vineyards and Wineries, a  product of an exceptional climate and LITTLE TOWNS cameos the atmosphere of living in this area.
     Ashland's Lithia Park Bridge leads to 93ac Lithia Park - named for the high concentration of  health giving Lithium in the springs that feed it.  Judging by Lithia Park Cattails and the abundance of ducks in the Duck Pond at Lithia Park, there is health to be gained from the park's ambience, whether it comes from Lithium or not.
    The entire area is dappled with Madrona Trees and Mistletoe as well as an individualistic spirit characterized by groups like the Caveman Club...boosters for the towns in this region.  Well cared for covered bridges and parks are found in close by towns of Eagle Point,    Applegate   and  Ruch. The people are proud of the pace of their valley...modern and cutting edge...but with a touch of the past.