By Kari O'Brien
Oregon is proud to be celebrating 150 years of Statehood in 2009. There is a fierce sense of independence and a true love of outdoor adventure that thrives in Oregon. The Oregon state motto is "She Flies with Her Own Wings". Oregonians are proud of their natural history and the many scenic wonders that can be visited anywhere in Oregon. The Oregon Trail entered in the Northern corner of the state, but eventually a new trail was blazed into Southern Oregon and the Rogue Valley. The Applegate Trail led the pioneers into a lush, green, and fertile valley full of opportunity and abundance.
The original settlers of the Rogue Valley were the Takilma Indians. They made their homes among the tall evergreen trees and near the fresh water of the Rogue River. Salmon and blackberries were staples in the diet of the Southern Oregon Tribe. Other natural resources were the abundant wildlife, roots, tubers, and berries that grew easily in the perfect climate. Then came other settlers, hunters, trappers, miners and farmers. Once again, the new comers were drawn to the Valley of the Rogue River.
Now in the modern day, along with the continued wealth of native food sources, Southern Oregon showcases unbelievable sites and opportunities to gather family and friends together in the great outdoors. Many trails of the Rogue National Forest lead to secret water holes at the bottom of a cascading mist, or they follow along feeder creeks of the Rogue River through old growth forests. Trails might even circle around the largest Ponderosa Pine Tree in the world! There are rumors and evidence of the Mother Lode along every trail. If the gold fever has struck your family, head out on a hike along the Rogue River waterways and bring your gold pan along for some fun. Outfitters love to show you their favorite spots for striking it rich!
Fishing on the Rogue River has always been a world class affair. Salmon, trout, steelhead, and even deep water sturgeon can be found and caught along the Rogue River. There are many reputable guides in Southern Oregon that offer fishing trips for a small group or family. Along with baiting the hook, your guide will spin many tales and tell a few stories that may have been handed down the trail 150 years ago! Reputable outfitters take pride in pointing out both historical and geographical features that make Southern Oregon so unique.
If your thrill is in adventure, then rest assured you no longer have to cross a river in a covered wagon on a wooden, platform ferry! Oregon has come a long way in 150 years and the whitewater rafting and inflatable kayaking is superb. There are remnants of mining operations, stories from trappers, rustic wilderness lodges, Summer Camps that echo the long ago Native American songs, and old ferry lines no longer used, but still visible to the trained professional. Choose an experienced river rafting outfitter for both a safe and adventurous whitewater trip and you will drift through the timeless canyons that speak to the oldest stories, that can truly paint a picture in your mind of an all but forgotten time.
Oregon has many reasons to celebrate the 150 years of Statehood. The profound beauty, pleasing climate, promise of striking it rich or perhaps catching the big one, and perfectly planned whitewater rafting trips will provide ample opportunity to sample the best of Southern Oregon. Make plans for a Southern Oregon vacation in the Rogue Valley in 2009, and discover why the pioneers chose to settle here. Don't forget to wish Oregon a Happy Birthday while you're at it!
Kari is the owner of O'Brien's Rogue River Rafting. For information on guided Oregon whitewater rafting trips, family raft camps or summer teen raft camps click the following link: Oregon River Rafting. Kari is also the author of the Rogue River Rafting Blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kari_O'Brien
No comments:
Post a Comment