Located northwest of Medford, Oregon on Interstate 5; Grants Pass is the county seat of Josephine County. The theme "It's the climate" refers to the wonderful climate and variable seasons we enjoy.
Grants Pass is also known as the home of the caveman due to its proximity to the Oregon Caves.
The area was discovered in the late 1840's by settlers following the Applegate Trail on the way to the Willamette Valley. The community's name was selected to honor General Ulysses S. Grant's success at Vicksburg. Historically the city's economy has been based on timber and mining, however, manufacturing, construction, vineyards and healthcare industries are the rapidly growing sectors.
North of Grants Pass are the communities of:
Merlin Known as the "Gateway to the Wild and Scenic Rogue River". Merlin is the homebase of many outfitters and fishing guides. In addition to water sports, hikers can enjoy the Rogue River Wild and Scenic Trail or Rainie Falls Trail. Close by is Indian Mary Park on the site of the smallest Indian reservation ever created.
Hugo Established in 1883 as a flag station for the railroad.
Sunny Valley Fourteen miles north of Grants Pass this area is surrounded by forested mountains. Nearby Grave Creek was given its name after Martha Leland Crowley, 16, a member of the first emigrant train in 1846, died of typhoid fever and was buried there. The Grave Creek covered bridge in Sunny Valley is one of the few covered bridges that remain in southern Oregon.
Wolf Creek One of the oldest continuously operated hotels in the Pacific Northwest, the Historic Wolf Creek Inn is central to this tiny community.
Galice A popular location for rafters, Galice offter recreational support service, food, gas and kayak rentals.
To the South of Grants Pass, in the Applegate Valley Region you can find the towns:
Murphy Developed in the 1850's as a major stopping place for mules and their drivers on the trail from Crescent City to the Oregon gold mines.
Williams High in the mountains above the Applegate Valley; Williams is known for its artists, musicians, peace and quiet.
In the Illinois Valley to the Southwest you can find:
Cave Junction The second largest town in Josphine County as well as being the home of the Oregon Caves.
Kerby Established around 1850 as a mining community; Kerby was once the Josephine County seat. Gold, quicksilver, iron, cobalt and limonite were mined here.
O'Brien Located at the southern end of the Illinois Valley as a crossroads with the old stage road up to the west fork of the Illinois River.
Selma The gateway to the Wild and Scenic Illinois River and to the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. Lake Selmac is nearby and is the location for the annual Iron Horse Rodeo.
Wilderville Local legend tells of Wilderville being a town where ghosts walk the streets at night. A current population of approximately 85 people and an unknown number of ghosts.
Wonder At the turn of the last century a store was established and named Wonder after neighbors wondered where the customers would come from.
Three scenic rivers flow through the timbered mountains of Josephine County; the Rogue River, Applegate River and the Illinois River. Both the Applegate and Illinois flow into the Rogue River as it makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. All three rivers are renowned for their whitewater rafting and fishing.
Information gathered from Grants Pass Josephine County 2008 Relocation Guide