A Dog Lover's Weekend Travel Itinerary for Medford, Oregon

Take your dog on vacation to picturesque Medford, Oregon. Located in Jackson County, the area is home to a dog park, dog-friendly establishments, lakes and just the sort of surrounding a dog and its human companion can enjoy together.

Check into the Red Lion Hotel

The Red Lion Hotel features 185 rooms, all of which are non-smoking. Expect to find room rates starting at $100. Budget an additional $20 pet fee for your dog -- or go ahead and join the Red Lion R&R Club; doing so entitles your pet to a free stay. What makes this Red Lion Hotel a good choice -- in addition to its pet-friendly attitude -- is its proximity to sights like Crater Lake and amenities, such as downtown eateries.

Eat at Restaurants offering Outdoor Seating

Because of strict health codes, pets are not permitted inside an enclosed restaurant. This rule generally does not apply to service animals. A well-mannered, leashed dog is usually welcome by eateries that offer outdoor seating. Since the Red Lion Hotel is virtually in the heart of downtown Medford, finding a variety of these restaurants is easy.

Visit Crater Lake National Park

Drive about 77 miles out of Medford to visit the park. Although dogs are not allowed on the hiking trails of Crater Lake National Park, they are welcome at the campgrounds, picnic areas, on all paved roads and parking areas. Please be sure to keep the leash length to six feet only. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy the scents, sights and sounds of this beautiful area. There is a good chance that you still see some snow, if you come early enough in the summer. Purchase a seven-day access pass at the park for only $10.

Play at Bear Creek Dog Park

Part and parcel of the Bear Creek Amphitheater complex, the dog park features an off-leash area for your four-legged travel companion. Encompassing two acres of fenced-in land, there are natural tracks, picnic tables and water features. You may park your car in the lots off Siskiyou Boulevard or Alba Drive for convenient access. Since there are no lights in the park, plan on coming in the morning or during the day. Remember to put the dog back on the leash before leaving the enclosed area.

Fish at Agate Lake

Although dogs are not permitted in county parks, the fact that cars can drive up right to the picnic and fishing areas makes it easy to bring the pet along. Fish for bluegill, crappie and stocked trout; there is no fee to park. Since this lake is very close to Medford, it is a favorite of the locals.

Establishment Information

Red Lion Hotel

200 North Riverside Avenue
Medford, OR 97501

(541) 779-5811

Crater Lake National Park

Route 62 north to the west entrance

Park is open year-round, access is weather-permitting

(541) 594-3000

Bear Creek Amphitheater

Corner of Highland Drive and Barnett Road

6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

(541) 774-2400

Agate Lake Park

14 miles outside of Medford via Highway 140
Dawn to dusk

(541) 774-8183