Spring is a beautiful time in the Rogue Valley, when cool breezes and sunny days are the perfect companions to an outdoor adventure in and around Phoenix.
If you’re looking for a fun, new way to spend your weekend, we recommend a food, wine and outdoor excursion that lets you experience the best of Phoenix and Southern Oregon.
Lunch in Paradise
Before embarking on a thrilling hike, a fabulous lunch is a must, and Grass Shack Cafe brings the food of the Hawaiian Islands to you. They are open from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and serve food representative of the Hawaiian-style “Plate Lunch”. They have island favorites like Loco Moco, Chicken Long Rice (Hawaii’s version of chicken noodle soup), and traditional island-style burgers and sandwiches like the Kalua Pork or Chicken Breast with Ono or Teriyaki sauce. You’ll feel like you’re on a tropical vacation with every bite!
A Beautiful Hike
After a hearty lunch, it’s time to hit the trails! Wagner Butte is a favorite trail among the locals, as it’s one of the more challenging and rewarding hikes in the area.
Reaching 7,140 feet, it’s only 200 feet lower than Mount Ashland, the Siskiyou Mountains’ highest peak! The trail is open from mid-June to November, and is 10 miles round trip with 2,700 feet of climb. It ascends through meadows and forest to an old lookout base with views of Mount Ashland, Mount McLoughlin, Soda Mountain, the Marble Mountains, Ashland and Medford. So bring your camera, because there are photo ops galore!
Directions to the trail:
On I-5, take exit 21. Turn right onto West Valley Road/Siskiyou View, cross over OR-99, and continue to downtown Talent. Turn left onto Talent Avenue and then right onto East Wagner Street. Stay on Wagner Street through town, heading south as it becomes Wagner Creek Road.
After 6.9 miles, go left onto gravel FR 22. Follow the gravel for two miles, past the cattle guard at Wagner Gap, to the trailhead. Look for a large parking area on the right and a trailhead sign on the left.
Wine in the Afternoon
After a full afternoon of hiking, it’s time to kick back and relax. Nothing completes a day of adventuring like sipping wine and enjoying the beautiful views of the Rogue Valley. Luckily, Phoenix has a new tasting room in town!
Catalyst Wine Collective is a brand new addition to Phoenix, and the home of Ryan Rose Wines, Goldback Wines and Sound & Vision Wine Co. These winemakers offer three distinct styles, so a flight of their wines is a unique experience.
Whether you’re looking for a focused white wine, something reminiscent of the Rhône Valley, or a modern twist on the classics, you will find it at Catalyst Wine Collective.
They are located in the Phoenix Industrial Studios and open from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.
Discover the Beauty of Spring
Phoenix and the Rogue Valley have so much to offer — an exquisite food and wine scene, and breathtaking natural scenery to explore. Don’t settle for the same drab weekend plans. This weekend, go on a spectacular Phoenix adventure!
Photo Credit: Catalyst Wine Collective Facebook page