Sights and Warm Outdoor Fun Near Oregon’s Vortex, Gold Hill, Grants Pass

If, like me, you relish the unexplained, then set your sights on the delightful city of Gold Hill, Grants Pass, and the mysterious Oregon Vortex. This circle of puzzling phenomena has been welcoming its tourists for more than 80 years. The area dates back to the time of the Native Americans who referred to it as “the forbidden ground” and whose horses refused to enter.

It is an attraction where the improbable is a fact of life, and the laws of physics are rewritten. It’s a place where brooms stand on end and tennis balls defy gravity.

If you find yourself in the area, here are a few sights and outdoor activities to check out near the Oregon Vortex, Gold Hill, and Grants Pass.

Oregon Vortex: sign for the House of Mystery with trees in background

The Oregon Vortex is a fantastic attraction where the improbable is a fact of life, and the laws of physics are rewritten. Photo: James Wellington via Flickr

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House of Mystery

A visit to the House of Mystery is a great way to begin. Circa 1904 and open to the public since 1930, the building was formerly an assay office. Now, with oddly slanted walls and floors, it continues to baffle tourists. The Vortex, with its apparent ability to cause dramatic height changes, also enables you to stand at strange acute angles without falling over—a somewhat unnerving and unusual experience.

There have been many theories as to what causes the unusual phenomenon, ranging from the site’s position on a convergence of ley lines to gravitational anomalies. So naturally, skeptics have written the Oregon Vortex off as a purely optical illusion, gravity hill, or even a case of forced perspective.

Whether the Oregon Vortex is considered fact or fantasy, the area has been attracting tourists since 1930. It’s only 165 feet in diameter, but it packs a lot of mystery into this small area. As the tour guides state, you don’t just stumble across this famous roadside attraction. You know it’s there already. So why not come and join the curious crowd and see what it’s like to defy gravity and lean uphill? The Vortex is open seven days a week, from March to the end of October.

Read More: Snowshoeing Spectacular: Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park in Winter

cattle on field with mountain in background

In addition to the Oregon Vortex, check out the beautiful cities of Gold Hill Grants Pass (and the cattle that roam there). Photo: Finetooth via Wikimedia Commons

Gold Hill

Close to the Oregon Vortex is Gold Hill, on the Rogue River. It’s a city of unique character and experiences of its own. Just north is the Del Rio Vineyards. It’s one of the largest vineyards in southern Oregon, with over 200,000 vines. A family-run business since 1997, they offer a superb variety of wines for all tastes.

Keen cyclists will enjoy Gold Hill’s bike trails, while fishing enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice. In addition, the city has several parks and recreation areas ideal for families. But for those looking for a view, take the easy trail to Ti’lomihk Falls.

Read More: Views Worth Hiking for in Central Oregon

river surrounded by trees and mountains in background

The Rogue River is not only beautiful but offers fun outdoor adventures! Photo: Finetooth via Wikimedia Commons

Grants Pass

The city of Grants Pass is the place to visit if blazing trails and whitewater thrills are more to your taste. A trip down the Rogue River with Hellgate Jetboat Excursions is a guaranteed adrenalin rush, and the canyon will set your pulse racing. Eat at the exclusive OK Corral, accessible by jetboat only. The whole experience is unforgettable.

For a land adventure, hiking around the Rogue River always provides stunning views and gorgeous scenery. The over 100-year-old challenging Rogue River Trail is over 40 miles long and can be hiked in its entirety or sections. Most of the trail is well constructed with moderate grades, but there are sections of cliffs and rocky outcrops. The whole hike can be completed in 4-5 days and offers three National Historic Sites along its path. From Grants Pass, one end of the trail lies 30 miles west.

Regarding in-town activities, the Downtown Historic District of Grants Pass is a shopper’s paradise. You can also take a historical walking tour of the area. Finally, dining out in Grants Pass guarantees you’ll be well fed. From coffee shops to high-class restaurants and cafés, the food is first-class, and the service excellent.

On Memorial Day weekend, Grants Pass hosts the annual Boatnik Festival at the end of May. Held over four days, the event’s highlights include fireworks and hydroplane boat races. Riverside Park and Downtown is the venue for all family festivities, and all funds raised from the event support local youth and community programs. It’s a world-famous event and is supported by thousands!

Explore the Oregon Vortex

The next time you’re in southwest Oregon, you won’t want to miss the Oregon Vortex and a stop in Gold Hill and Grants Pass. You’ll find some mystery and outdoor adventure along the way!

This article was first published on July 1, 2014, and most recently updated on August 29, 2022.

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1 Comment

  • This is an excellent article, written by someone who is passionate about writing. The quality and character of this piece, pull you in with its descriptions of places to visit here in southern oregon. Bravo!

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