Outdoors and recreation

Whether you’re a nature novice or an experienced nature buff, our librarians have put together resources for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors.

Among the stars

Get ready for the October 14 annular eclipse! Explore resources to learn all about eclipses, outer space, and other observable phenomena in the sky.

NASA Eclipses

NASA studies solar eclipses on the ground, in our atmosphere, and in space, influencing solar and Earth science.

Grants Pass Astronomers Club

The Grants Pass Astronomers Club is part of the official NASA Night Sky Network.

Southern Oregon stargazing

Travel Southern Oregon provides us with a guide to some of the best places to view the night sky from.

Local wildlife

Condors return to the Redwoods
In March 2022, the first five California condors returned to the Redwoods! Learn about these birds and watch the live Condor cam.
Wildlife Images
Wildlife Images is a center for local animal ambassadors and rehabilitation center.
Wildlife in Southern Oregon
Visit zoos, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers, and more things to do all across Southern Oregon.

Illinois Valley recreation

Rusk Ranch Nature Center
Visit Rusk Ranch to explore a butterfly pavilion, hummingbird garden, and learn about nature.
Siskiyou Field Institute
Attend nature programs for the youth, field courses, mushroom foraging classes, and more.

Explore southern Oregon

waterfall

Waterfalls

View a collection of kid-friendly waterfall adventures in Southern Oregon and the best times to visit.

hot springs

Hot springs

View maps of all Oregon's hot springs and guides on hot spring safety.

high desert

High desert

Explore Oregon's High Desert, its trails, and learn how you can help keep Oregon's desert preserved.

Coastline

Coastline

View maps and descriptions of parks, museums, caves, tours, and hikes along Oregon's coast.

hikes

Oregon Hikers

Find popular trails, hidden hikes, reviews by locals in Oregon and southwest Washington, and more.

rivers

Rivers and lakes

Check out Southern Oregon's rivers and lakes. Learn more about boating, rafting, and fishing.

Library of Things

The library brings you far more than just books these days. Check out a Josephine County Parks day-use pass, a telescope, a bike repair kit, and other recreational equipment for up to 10 days.

Explore Library of Things

AllTrails: Trail guides & maps

Search thousands of trails with trail info, maps, reviews, and photos curated by millions of hikers, campers, and nature lovers.

Visit AllTrails

Parks and camping

Disc Golf Guide
Learn all about disc golf in Grants Pass. Explore nature while staying active and having fun!
Josephine County Parks and Campgrounds
Find information about local parks and campgrounds and even view them with an interactive map.
Travel Grants Pass
Check out local areas for camping of all types.

Fishing

Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Purchase a license and stay up-to-date on fishing and hunting for the state of Oregon.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Explore fish and wildlife resources. Learn about habitats, fishing tools, and fishing safety.
Oregon Fishing Map
Find major fishing waters and travel routes to reach them.

Climate change and land use resources

Dig in to trusted multimedia coverage of environmental issues and policies from all perspectives, for all ages.