6 Amazing Weekend Getaways from medford Oregon

Planning a weekend getaway in Oregon? Here are the best spots to visit.

The Pacific Northwest has endless places to explore, and we love how everything is in close proximity to the waterfalls, mountains, wine country, beaches, and more.

If you only have a day, you can check out 15 best day trips from Portland Oregon. You can make any of these into weekend trips as well, but we added destinations with slightly longer drives to this post.

Everyone has 52 weekends a year, so we hope that you’ll take full advantage of them and go explore!

Florence, Oregon

290 US-101, Florence, OR 97439, map

Distance from Medford: 191 mi / 3 hrs 20 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Sand Master Park, Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, Sea Lion Caves
What to Eat: Waterfront Deport Restaurant, Mari’s Kitchen, The Hukilau
Where to Stay: Florence Hotel Deals

Located along the central Oregon coast, the landscape in Florence looks completely different than Astoria and the Northern Coast. The beach has massive 200-foot dunes. If you’re up for some adventure, try sandboarding the dunes! It’s where sandboarding was invented and you can meet the person who invented it!

Local Tip: Nearby, you can check out the sea lion caves, go horseback riding along the beach or Thor’s Well in Cape Perpetua just 30 minutes north.

Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon →

32651 OR-19, Kimberly, OR 97848, map

Distance from Medford: 259 mi / 4 hrs 52 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Painted Hills, Clarno Unit, Sheep Rock Unit
What to Eat: Little Pine Cafe, Sidewalk Cafe, Dayville Cafe
Where to Stay: Search Hotels Near Painted Hills

Painted Hills is one of the best weekend trips from Medford, Oregon. It’s one of Oregon’s seven wonders, and a weekend getaway at John Day Fossil Beds feels like exploring another planet. You will see bluish clay, unique formations, and volcanic ash in shades of red, yellow, purple, and green, and don’t forget fossils from creatures that used to inhabit the area. Read our Complete Painted Hills Guide, Photo Diary, and the Ultimate John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Guide.

North Umpqua River, Oregon

43.3043738,-123.2308284, map

Distance from Medford: 122 mi / 2 hrs 5 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Toketee Falls, Umpqua Hot Springs, Fly Fishing
What to Eat: True Kitchen + Bar, Brix Grill, Nelli’s Deli & Tap House
Where to Stay: Look for Hotels in North Umpqua River

The waters of the North Umpqua River are beautifully turquoise and green. It’s also known for its fly-fishing. There is a 31-mile stretch that is set aside exclusively for the fishers, meaning no kayaks or rafts. If you’re not much of a fisher, there are a ton of waterfalls in the area, big leaf maples (amazing during the Fall), and plenty of trails to explore.

Local Tip: Check out the popular Toketee Falls and the Umpqua Hot Springs! The 108-degree pool is perched at the cliff’s edge to give you an amazing view.

 Craker Lake National Park, Oregon →

Rim Dr, Crater Lake, OR 97604, map

Distance: 96.3 mi / 2 hrs 24 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Rim Drive, Boat Tours, Hiking
What to Eat: Beckie’s Cafe, Prospect Cafe, Diamond Lake Junction Cafe
Where to Stay: Search for Rentals and Hotels Near Crater Lake

If you love national parks, this will be one of the best weekend trips from Medford, Oregon. This is Oregon’s only National Park. It is the U.S.’ deepest lake at 1,943 feet and ranks as the ninth deepest lake in the world. It was created when a volcano collapsed into a giant caldera. You can hike around the rim to enjoy the views of the lake or hop in for a cool dip.

During the winter, they have fun snow activities, but it can be hard to access, so check their site for current conditions. The park can get quite crowded in the summer, so book accommodations early. Fall is one of the best times to visit since the snow will be gone and the crowds will have tapered out.

Local Tip: If you love National Parks, save yourself time and money and pick up an annual park pass before you head there!

Oregon Caves National Monument, Oregon

19000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523, map

Distance: 76.5 mi / 1 hrs 36 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Cave Tour, Hiking Trails, Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Area
What to Eat: Taylor’s Sausage Country Store, Rosie’sInferno Wood Fired Pizza
Where to Stay: Search for Lodges and Hotels Near Oregon Caves

Although the caves are the highlight, don’t miss the hiking trails, the Historic District, the scenic drive, and grab a milkshake at the Chateau. You can even hunt wild game.

Local Tip: Winter storms can block the park highway, so if you visit then, be sure to check the conditions. Otherwise, it is usually mild.

 Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor →

U.S. 101, Brookings, OR 97415, map

Distance: 129 mi / 2 hrs 31 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Arch Rock, Thunder Rock Cover, Natural Bridges
What to Eat: Pacific Sushi & Grill, Superfly Martini Bar and Grill, Black Trumpet Bistro
Where to Stay: Hotels near Samuel H Boardman

Head to the southwest corner of Oregon to enjoy this unique state park. It runs 12 miles along the coast and is lined with thick forest and a few small beaches. Hike along the steep cliff lines and awe at the off-shore rock formations. The few beaches they have feel secluded and on slower days, it makes you feel like you’ve found a secret spot all to yourself. Check out a guide to the park here, brought to you by Local Adventurer.

Enjoy!! Let us know how your weekend adventures went. We’d love to hear! Brought to you by Local Adventurer, a travel blog.

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