Summer Activities
In this article, Tessa will share some ideas of what to do once school is over.
Summer Activities
By Tessa Hager
School is almost over, which means summer is almost here! Without the stress of assignments, tests, essays, and due dates, we can be left feeling bored with nothing to do. Take advantage of the freedom instead of sitting around doing nothing. Here are some summertime activities to get you inspired this summer.
Swimming
While it is probably the most basic of summer activities, it is also one of the most popular. During the summer months, the Caveman Pool is open and available for swimming. If you don’t enjoy swimming with strangers and their small children, the Rogue River is a popular place to swim. Many different spots along the river are perfect for swimming, including White Rock swimming hole, Lathrop Landing boat launch, Whitehorse Park swimming area, Rainbow Recreation Site, and Finley Bend swimming hole. The rapids can be extreme along the Rogue River, so make sure to be vigilant and not let your guard down.
Canoeing, Kayaking, and Rafting
Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting, all popular summer activities, can be fun ways to enjoy the river without completely being drenched. A lot of people are unsure of the difference between canoeing and kayaking. According to South West Lakes, a water preservation organization, “One of the main differences between kayaking and canoeing is the paddle used. Typically, in canoeing, the paddler uses a single-bladed paddle, whereas kayak paddlers usually use a double-bladed paddle.” With canoes, single-bladed paddles are used and are great for exploring a lake. Kayaking involves double-bladed paddles, which are great for learning how to use the paddles. Rafting is similar to canoeing except it involves the rapids and a small, round, inflatable boat. Usually, rafting consists of a group of people with single-bladed paddles and a river guide traveling down the river. A great place to go rafting in Grants Pass is the Rogue River. In Merlin, Orange Torpedo Trips offers rafts, kayaks, and canoes to rent.
Hiking
Oregon has a lot of beautiful hiking trails. Along most of Oregon’s hiking trails, you can expect to find a waterfall, a stream, or even a lake. Since they are in the forest, bringing a camera can be a fun way to capture pictures of wildlife. From steep, long hiking trips for the more advanced hikers to shorter, more level trails for beginners, there is something for everyone. Just make sure to pack some trail mix. In Grants Pass, Skycrest Trail, Limpy Creek, Cathedral Hills, Savage Creek, and the Cell Tower Trail are all popular places to hike.
Camping
Whether you feel like traveling far away or staying in Josephine County, there is a place to camp. Some of the most popular campsites are near the beach or a river so that people can camp and go swimming. According to REI, an outdoor activity co-op, “Part of the joy of camping is needing very little gear to exist outdoors. But it’s also nice to have a comfortable, convenient, and homey campsite.” If you are thinking about going camping, REI also has a checklist of everything you would need to have a wonderful camping experience. In Oregon, some of the highest-rated camps are Sam Brown Horse Camp, Bolan Lake Campground, and Valley of the Rogue State Park.
Road Trip
One of the most signature summer activities, road-tripping can be a great way to spend time with your family while also visiting new places you have never seen before. The U.S. has a lot of national parks to visit, but the west coast alone is a classic place to drive along. The Oregon and California coast has a ton of lookout points and different parks. Not too far south of us on the California coast is Crescent City, which is home to the Redwood National Park. Taking a walk through the Redwood National Park is a great way to give your legs a stretch after being in a car for hours on end. They also offer a gondola ride which allows you to see the Redwood trees from up above.
While school ending is an exciting time, summer can sometimes be boring and less enjoyable than we may expect. Taking trips, camping, swimming, and other activities can cure summertime boredom. Make sure to stay caught up on grades until then, and happy summer!
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