The Bear Creek Greenway is the Rogue Valley’s arterial urban escape, hiding in plain sight. It’s a paved, multi-use path that takes bikers (and runners and walkers) along Bear Creek, entirely paralleling the Rogue River tributary from the Ashland Dog Park northwest to Dean Creek Road Trailhead, just south of its confluence with the Rogue. It’s a walk or ride that’ll engage the whole family, and certainly the drop-bar cycling crowd, to stretch their legs on two wheels. Locals also gravitate here for bird watching. There’s no wrong way to enjoy the path—riders can start at one of many different parking areas and ride in any direction, but a longer outing is possible by riding the path end to end, connecting the towns of Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford, and Central Point. Parking, bathrooms, playgrounds and picnic spots are available at numerous points along the path.
Ride Southern Oregon’s paved 20-mile bike path from Ashland through Medford.
Recommended Route
The greenway is more of a “choose your own adventure” type of trail. If you’re accessing it from Medford, right in the middle, you can ride an out-and-back in one or both directions. Or, make a full day out of riding the full 20 miles from Ashland to Central Point, stopping at various parks, coffee shops, breweries and restaurants along the way.
For a longer, more fitness-oriented excursion
Start at the Ashland Dog Park and ride the 40 miles, round-trip to the end of the trail at Central Point and back. There’s access to drinking water and shade roughly every three miles between Mile 4 and Mile 15.
If you’re cruising or have kids in tow
Go shorter and include as many playground stops as possible (there are four on the 5.6-mile section from Medford to Phoenix). Try starting from Bear Creek Park in Medford; it has a large playground, tennis courts, a BMX track, a skatepark, and an off-leash dog area. From there, ride the 1.2 miles north to the playground at Hawthorne Park and back, or 1.8 miles south to Community Park. The majority of the path tightly parallels the tree-lined creek and is quite pleasant, with easy riding and a nice atmosphere.
Getting There
There are a variety of access points for the greenway and you’ll be able to find a parking area every few miles. In Medford, there’s a convenient parking lot with easy trail access and caffeine amenities (see below) at Hawthorne Park. More info and map: jacksoncountyor.org
Refresh & Refuel
The greenway also provides the perfect backbone for a Rogue Valley food and beverage tour—trail access to great restaurants and coffee shops abounds. In Central Point, stop at the Rogue Creamery for a cheesy pick-me-up (the grilled cheese is a fan favorite and the creamery claims the world’s best blue cheese). Forage Coffee is adjacent to the parking lot at Hawthorne Park in Medford. In Ashland, tag on an additional 2 miles south of the trail terminus to finish at the beautiful Japanese Garden in Lithia Park.
All articles are for general informational purposes. Each individual’s needs, preferences, goals and abilities may vary. Be sure to obtain all appropriate training, expert supervision and/or medical advice before engaging in strenuous or potentially hazardous activity.
MORE STORIES
-
Don’t overlook Oregon’s most-visited state park.
-
Adventurer’s Guide to Mount McLoughlin
Camp, hike, or climb Southern Oregon’s highest volcano in this wilderness playground. -
Adventure Guide: Umpqua National Forest
Forged by volcanoes and shaped by glaciers, southern Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest offers some of the most otherw -
Castle Crags State Park Climbing Guide
Climb 1,000-foot walls, domes, and granite spires in this Northern California adventure wonderland. -
The Best Cross-Country Skiing Near Medford
Learn why southern Oregon is one of the best places in the country to Nordic ski. -
The Best Backcountry Skiing Near Medford
Southern Oregon is teeming with beginner-friendly powder stashes. Here’s how to find them. -
Best Trail Runs Near Medford: Britt Woods Loop
Tackle a forested, rolling 6-miler just 12 minutes from downtown Medford. -
The 6 Best PNW Routes To Start Mountaineering
With glaciated peaks galore, the Pacific Northwest is blessed with a number of less-technical routes that cater wel -
The Angler’s Guide to the Rogue
Fish Oregon’s iconic Rogue River at these three beginner-friendly spots. -
Medford’s Top 3 Trail Running Loops
Find a go-to loop of any distance within just 30 minutes of Medford, Oregon. -
Score Trout and Bass at Oregon’s Applegate Lake
Access some of the state’s best fishing just 40 minutes from Medford. -
Adventure Guide: Crater Lake National Park
Frolic this alpine wonderland in the crown of the Rocky Mountains. -
Climbing Oregon’s Honeycombs Crag
All the beta for easy-access sport climbing that’s just a stone’s throw from Medford. -
Biking Wagner Creek Trails
Tackle both wide, flowy trails and steep descents in southern Oregon’s backyard mountain biking haven. -
Climbing Medford’s Local Favorite
Your guide to climbing southern Oregon’s popular Rattlesnake crag. -
5 Amazing Snowshoeing Spots Near Medford
Reliable snowfall and endless trails make Medford, Oregon, a snowshoer’s paradise. -
Top 5 Sledding Hills Near Medford
Consider this the definitive list of the best sledding hills in southern Oregon. -
How To Explore the Mount Shasta Region
Experience the 7 best activity options of this Northern California hotspot for outdoor adventure. -
Adventure Guide to the Redwoods
Explore one of the world’s most unique ecosystems across four co-managed state and national parks. -
Southern Oregon’s Top Mountain Biking Areas
Explore the best singletrack near the emerging mountain-bike hotbed of Medford, Ore. -
That Best Spots for Easy Paddling Near Medford
Head to these Southern Oregon standbys if you’re learning to run rivers or looking for a simple section or serene l -
A Paddler’s Guide to the Rogue River
Explore one of the country’s premier Wild & Scenic rivers. -
The Best Trout Fishing Spots in Southwest Oregon
Take advantage of a region that’s rich in all forms of trout fishing by targeting a handful of high-yield destinati -
Hiking Lithia Park's Kaleidoscope of Fall Colors
The gardens and trees of Lithia Park are a feast for the senses, especially during the fall. That’s when the foliag -
Running Roxy Ann Peak
Lope the loop trail at Prescott Park for an attainable summit with 360-degree views of Southern Oregon’s renowned R -
Short Hikes, Big Waterfall Views
Less than an hour from Medford, a pair of hikes at Prospect Scenic Viewpoint deliver a fairyland of moss, mist and -
Don’t-Miss Hike: Upper and Lower Table Rocks
These two short day-hikes provide a nice dose of exercise, delivering splendid views of the Rogue River Valley and -
How To Experience Southern Oregon’s Native American History
These hikes, tours, destinations and events provide opportunities to gain a better understanding of and respect for -
Fish One of the West’s Best-Kept Secrets
If wide-open fishing, swimming, paddling, and hiking are on your adventure list, there’s no better destination than -
Hike Through Southern Oregon’s Siskiyou Mountains
Experience the best of the developing Jack-Ash Trail System on the scenic multi-use Sterling Mine Ditch Trail.