Day trips from Ashland, Oregon
 

We 2 adults and a 14-year old) will be in Ashland in August for the Shakespear Festival. We have a 2 day break between the plays we'll be seeing and would like recommendations for 2 different day trips outside of Ashland. I tried to get reservations at Crater Lake Lodge but they're booked. Is the drive to Crater Lake make sense if we can't spend the night? If so, what are the best day hikes? Any music festivals in the area between August 17-23?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Christy

Christy - You could do Crater Lake & back in a day, but I don't think it would be a great experience. I've camped in or near the park when visiting becuase it just take so much time to get there from the Valley. For the same amount of driving, maybe less, connectover to the California coast at Cresent City, some great Redwood Groves along the way. Or, do the Jacksonville, OR and Applegate Trail area around Jacksonville, Grants PAss, etc. JAcksonville also has a summer music festival, don't know dates, but I think it's called the "Bret Festival.

I think Crater Lake would be doable in a day from Ashland. I would recommend doing that - it is worth it. Going this weekend so I might have some hikes to recommend when I get back. The lodge is wonderful and you don't have to be a guest to sit on the porch and admire the view. Be sure to go inside and look around, they did a fantastic job restoring it and they have some history displays on the lodge. We are staying at Diamond Lake which is fairly close, might be another option for you if you really want to stay. Probably hard to get reservations but they might have something. <BR><BR>Another idea is to take a rafting trip on the Rogue. There are several options from a few hours to a full day (or multiple day). It will be hot (at least for this mid-valley Oregonian) so the water might feel good. <BR><BR>Jacksonville is a town just north of Ashland, it has been restored and is kinda fun to see. <BR><BR>The Redwoods/Crescent city sounds like a good recommendation, I haven't been so can't give a personal opinion.<BR><BR>Have a great time!

ALl of the above suggestions are good ones. Crater Lake is extremely do-able in a single day. I think that Sara's Rogue River idea would be fun, too, especially for the 14-year-old. <BR><BR>Just to clarify, it's the Britt Festival (http://www.brittfest.org/) and it runs throughout most of the summer.<BR><BR>Enjoy Oregon!