This is the Great Runs guide to running in the Ashland/Medford area in southern Oregon, near the California border. It’s a popular visitor destination for the summertime Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the area’s scenic mountains, orchards, and vineyards. Note that the area is quite hilly. And it can be hot in summer!
The best place to run in Ashland is in & around Lithia Park. Run in the park, adjacent streets, or as part of our Ashland Tour that also includes North Mountain Park, Southern Oregon University, and the Central Bike Path. The 20-mile Bear Creek Greenway, which connects Ashland to Central Point, is a good anchor and the best opportunity for a longer off-road run. South of Ashland, there are tremendous trail running options in the foothills of the Siskiyou and Cascade ranges.
In Medford, a good off-road run is to combine a section of the Bear Greek Greenway with the Larson Creek Path. Northwest of town, the Rogue River Greenway is a paved multi-use trail along the Rogue River. We’ve also provided recommendations for some of the quieter, scenic roads passing the area’s orchards and vineyards.
