Medford is a historic city 27 miles north of the California border. Its population is around 78,500, and the metro area is approximately 208,500, making it the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Oregon.

Medford is surrounded by ancient volcanic flows, best identified by the Upper and Lower Table Rock basaltic formations and the nearby Crater Lake.

Crater Lake is what remained from Mount Mazama, destroyed by a massive eruption around 5677 BC. That cataclysm reduced Mazama's 12,000-foot height by almost half. Crater Lake National Park is a popular tourist destination that is easily accessible from Medford.

Despite its elevation of 1,382 feet above sea level, the city enjoys a comfortable Mediterranean climate. The rain shadow between the Cascade Range and the Siskiyou Mountains ensures fewer rainfalls than the Willamette Valley.

The city enjoys four defined seasons throughout the year, with summers similar to those of Eastern Oregon and winters identical to those of the Oregon Coast.

Economy

The economy of contemporary Medford is predominantly driven by the healthcare sector, with Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center and Providence Medford Medical Center being among the biggest employers in the area.

The city is also a major transportation junction responsible for over 200 miles of roads in its territory, including Interstate 5 and Oregon Routes 99, 238, and 62.

Additionally, the city is home to the Rogue Valley International—Medford Airport (IATA code: MFR), Oregon's third busiest airport after Portland International and Eugene.

Medford exists thanks to railroad construction. The Oregon and California Railroad bypassed the then-county seat, Jacksonville, establishing a new settlement around the railroad depot in the Rogue Valley.

The settlement was named after Medford, Massachusetts, in 1883. David Loring, one of the engineers involved in the railroad construction, suggested the name. The idea came from the town of Medford near his hometown of Concord.

Once the railroad reached the town, the government established a post office. On February 24, 1885, the governor incorporated Medford. In 1927, the city became the county seat, replacing Jacksonville in this role.

The construction of Interstate 5 was completed in 1967. The freeway passed through Medford, unexpectedly deteriorating the city's downtown.

Studies conducted in 1999 showed that residents living in the north and south of the city commuted to the south and north using I-5, thus completely bypassing downtown. That partially contributed to the decline of downtown and small businesses there.

Medford dedicated significant public and private resources to revitalizing the downtown area, restoring several underutilized properties, realigning streets, and installing new sidewalks, traffic signals, and bicycle lanes.

Medford Top Attractions - Things to Do

Medford is a city of captivating history, rich culture, and beautiful southern Oregon nature. There are plenty of adventures to have for everyone! Here, you can climb Table Rocks in the morning, visit the Railroad Museum in the afternoon, and stop by a local winery in the evening, all in one day!

Medford Railroad Park

The Medford Railroad Park is a seven-acre outdoor train museum that showcases the railroad's intertwined history with the city's. The park boasts open-air model railroad tracks with full-size locomotives, cabooses, and miniature train rides that take visitors around. The park holds annual shows, and you can even book the pavilion for an event.

799 Berrydale Ave, Medford, OR 97501
Phone: 541-774-2400

Table Rocks

Table Rocks are the two most distinguished Rogue River Valley volcanic formations on the north bank of the Rogue River, just a short drive from Medford.

The unique vertical walls are created by heavy basalt collapsing under its own weight. This is one of THE BEST places in southern Oregon for hiking and nature viewing.

Table Rocks - Two Volcanic Towers You Can Climb!

Applegate River

Applegate River is a tributary of the Rogue River, originating in northern California's Siskiyou Mountains. The river collects spring water and snow melt in the mountains and flows northward, crossing the Oregon border.

The river has numerous swimming holes, including well-developed and small secluded spots. It warms up nicely during summer, making swimming comfortable.

Applegate River Swimming & Other Water Activities

Applegate Lake

Applegate Lake is a scenic place with plenty of outdoor adventures in beautiful southern Oregon nature. The lake is fantastic for swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and other water activities.

At the same time, the surrounding area is a paradise for camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and just getting away from your daily routine.

Applegate Lake - Artificial Lake With Rich History And Excellent Fishing!

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a museum of a city and "a snapshot from southern Oregon's past." The city is a U.S. National Historic Landmark, with numerous yearly events to commemorate the city's history and culture.

It sits in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains in the Pacific Northwest's so-called "banana belt," known for its moderate climate and distinctive seasons.

Jacksonville – City-Sized Time-Machine in Southern Oregon