Rafting and fishing on the numerous fast-flowing, clear-water rivers of southern Oregon are two of the most popular sports in this region, and Medford makes a good base for doing a bit of either, or both. Arrowhead River Adventures (tel. 800/227-7741 or 541/830-3388), River Trips Unlimited (tel. 800/460-3865 or 541/779-3798), and Rogue Excursions (tel. 800/797-4293 or 541/549-8005) all offer both rafting and fishing trips. A day of rafting will cost $85 to $120, and fishing trips cost about $150 per person per day (with a minimum of two people).

If you're here in the spring, you can catch the colorful wildflower displays at Table Rocks. These mesas are just a few miles northeast of Medford, and because of their great age and unique structure, they create a variety of habitats that allow the area to support an unusual diversity of plants. For more information, contact the Bureau of Land Management, Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd., Medford, OR 97504 (tel. 541/618-2200).

Information on hiking and backpacking is available from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, 333 W. Eighth St. (P.O. Box 520), Medford, OR 97501 (tel. 541/858-2200).