Where to cool off this summer in Southern Oregon and Northern California

Where to cool off this summer in Southern Oregon and Northern California

A child wearing a yellow life jacket paddleboards on a calm lake with forested mountains rising behind her under a clear blue sky. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2bf78b3/2147483647/strip/false/crop/3264x2448+0+0/resize/704x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1c%2Fa3%2F80a2b8a344d8b13dc5aa5032e640%2Fimg-3682.jpeg]Nicole Larsen's daughter, Stellar Summer Larsen, paddleboards on Lake Siskiyou near Mount Shasta. Larsen recommends the lake for its calm water, mountain views and family-friendly activities. ( Photo courtesy of Nicole Larsen.) There are plenty of ways to cool off across Southern Oregon and Northern California. The harder question is deciding where to go. For Nicole Larsen, the answer is usually a lake. River guide Alyssa Winkelman gravitates toward moving water. Richard "Richie G" Gabriel prefers the Pacific, where cold water and heavy surf keep even experienced surfers humble. Together, they shared some of their favorite places to escape the heat—and the advice they think every newcomer should know. WHERE TO SPEND A DAY AT THE LAKE Larsen doesn't hesitate when asked what kind of water she prefers. "I'm more of a lake girl," she said. "I'm not a strong swimmer, to be completely honest." Her first recommendation is Lake Siskiyou [https://www.visitcalifornia.com/experience/lake-siskiyou/], near Mount Shasta. "It's a definite gem," Larsen said. "It's stunningly beautiful, it's very clean. The view of the mountain is incredible." The lake offers something for almost everyone. Families can spend time at the Splash Zone [https://lakesiskiyouresort.com/amenities/] inflatable water park, while paddlers can launch from quieter sections of shoreline for kayaking or paddleboarding. There are picnic areas, easy lake access and plenty of room to spread out. Larsen also recommends Lost Creek Lake [https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Rogue-River/], 30 miles northeast of Medford; Lake of the Woods [https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/fremont-winema/recreation/lake-woods-resort], 40 miles northeast of Ashland; Whiskeytown Lake [https://www.nps.gov/whis/index.htm], outside of Redding, and Applegate Lake southwest of Medford. Each has its own personality. Lake of the Woods combines swimming with boat and paddleboard rentals and a historic lakeside lodge. Whiskeytown's remarkably clear water and surrounding mountains make it one of Northern California's most scenic lakes. Lost Creek Lake offers a broad sandy beach at Joseph H. Stewart S Recreation Area that's especially popular with families. "If you can't supply your own boating vessels, you can rent these at these locations," Larsen said. "Give it a try and see how much you love it." Alyssa Winkelman sits in a blue raft on a calm stretch of river surrounded by steep canyon walls. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/465cb02/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1200x900+0+0/resize/704x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F13%2Fba%2F8ef78f544c4588b2084deebfe6b0%2Ff08f96c8-cbb8-4c54-afdc-1b33700c4fe3.JPG] River guide Alyssa Winkelman poses during a day on the river. Winkelman says Southern Oregon and Northern California offer rafting opportunities ranging from gentle floats to Class IV whitewater (Lorenzo Alvarez-Roo) WHERE TO COOL OFF ALONG THE RIVER For a river day close to the Rogue Valley, Larsen points people toward Griffin Park, just west of Grants Pass. "It's a great spot to start," she said. The park's sandy beach and gentle shoreline make it a favorite place to wade or cool off, but both Larsen and Winkelman say appearances can be deceiving. "You can look at a calm, big pool and think there's not a current," Winkelman said. "But there definitely still is." That's why they recommend staying close to shore, keeping children within arm's reach and remembering that rivers continue moving beneath the surface, even when they appear calm. Winkelman also encourages people to continue up the Rogue toward Union Creek, about an hour from Medford on the road to Crater Lake National Park. "I was blown away," she said after visiting for the first time recently. "It's pretty spectacular." The draw isn't one specific swimming hole. It's the chance to wander forest trails, stumble across waterfalls and discover small pools of icy water fed by the upper Rogue. WHY PADDLEBOARDING IS BOOMING Paddleboards have become a familiar sight across Southern Oregon lakes, and Larsen thinks there's a simple reason. "It's very relaxing," she said. Inflatable boards have made the sport more affordable and easier to transport, while calm lakesgive beginners plenty of room to learn without worrying about waves or river currents. Gabriel sees paddleboarding as surfing's more forgiving cousin. "It's more floaty, and it's user-friendly," he said. "The learning curve, unlike surfing, is very quick." Larsen says that's part of the appeal. People can stand, kneel or simply sit on the board. Some bring a picnic. Others bring a dog. She's even seen people doing yoga on them. A rafting guide and passengers navigate a whitewater rapid. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f5e40b4/2147483647/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/792x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F93%2F54%2F4e93399148cf948d64f4c412c293%2Fimg-7811.JPG] Alyssa Winkelman guides a rafting trip through whitewater on the Rogue River. Winkelman recommends guided rafting trips for first-time visitors, saying they provide safety instruction, equipment and local knowledge ( Rudi Bega) WHY A GUIDED RAFTING TRIP IS WORTH IT Winkelman has spent years guiding rivers across the West. For newcomers, she recommends hiring a guide. "I think that if you are interested in it, that's a great place to start," she said. Outfitters on the Rogue and Klamath rivers offer everything from half-day floats to multi-day wilderness trips, providing safety instruction, equipment and local knowledge along the way. For Winkelman, some of the best memories have nothing to do with rapids. "I love seeing bears on the Rogue," she said, recalling one evening when a bear sow and her cubs played in the river near camp. "It was pretty special." Larsen points to another highlight. "The lunch," she said, laughing. She's only partly joking. Guided rafting trips have developed a reputation for surprisingly elaborate riverside meals, from fresh salads to Dutch oven desserts, served on quiet beaches that most visitors never reach by road. HOW TO GET STARTED SURFING Gabriel has spent decades surfing the Southern Oregon and Northern California coast. He says newcomers should understand that surfing here bears little resemblance to postcard images from Southern California. "The coast is rugged," he said. "There's lots of small tuck-in areas. It's very dangerous. There's lots of rips." His advice starts before anyone picks up a surfboard. "You've got to be a swimmer," he said. Cold water changes everything. A quality wetsuit isn't optional. "If you're going to go out here in our territory—Oregon, Washington, Northern California—you have to have a wetsuit," Gabriel said. "That is your personal flotation device." For beginners, he recommends taking lessons at Local Boys [https://www.localboyssurfshop.com/rentals] in Crescent City, California. He said you can rent everything you need there. He said the nearby South Beach offers a sandy-bottom beach and gentler conditions than many of the region's rocky surf breaks, making it a common place for first lessons. Even then, Gabriel says surfers should spend time getting comfortable with the ocean before chasing bigger waves. Richard "Richie G" Gabriel rides a wave on a yellow surfboard while wearing a black wetsuit in the Pacific Ocean. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ae8c97f/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1888x1151+0+0/resize/792x483!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdd%2Fb6%2F895b0c9b434d8756293668731e42%2Fe99f28f7-cdb3-401c-957a-338a75712e81.jpeg]Richard "Richie G" Gabriel has spent decades riding cold-water waves. Gabriel recommends South Beach in Crescent City as a beginner-friendly place to learn. Photo courtesy of Richard Gabriel. (Judith Gabriel) BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT Whether they preferred lakes, rivers or the ocean, all three came back to the same themes: prepare for the conditions, respect the water and don't rush the experience. Bring more water and snacks than you think you'll need. Pack a hat, lightweight sun protection and water shoes. Keep children close around moving water, and remember that mountain rivers and lakes stay cold even during the hottest weeks of summer. But don't forget to enjoy it. "It's a recharge of your battery," Gabriel said. "You forget about all your in-the-moment transactions ... it's a meditation."

Meet the “Rogue Rockhound” shaping Oregon stones into art

Andrew Parmalee, a.k.a. the Rogue Rock [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/515ace2/2147483647/strip/false/crop/4000x3000+0+0/resize/704x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffa%2F0c%2F84deeece413a9691480c47ec2c37%2Fantigorite-aka-applegate-jade.jpg] Andrew Parmalee, a.k.a. the "Rogue Rockhound" transforms his collection of rocks into spherical works of art. The featured antigorite is also known as "Applegate Jade."(Andrew Parmalee ) Thousands of YouYube subscribers know Andrew Parmalee as "The Rogue Rockhound [https://www.youtube.com/@TheRogueRockhound].," a Rogue Valley native who transforms raw Pacific Northwest stones into polished spheres. He describes a rockhound as someone who enjoys nature and searching for rocks. To find material, Parmalee often looks to ground disturbed by cattle or burrowing squirrels, scanning churned soil for stones exposed at the surface. He said recent wildfires in the Pacific Northwest have made some surface rocks more brittle, pushing him to dig about 12 to 18 inches down to reach more protected soil. Whether he is working in burned landscapes or in remote areas in southeast Oregon, Parmalee said the appeal is the hunt. “You just want to fill your pockets," he said. "Before you know it, you need to wear suspenders to keep your pockets up." Back in his workshop, Parmalee describes his approach as “balling on a budget,” building much of his own equipment to keep costs down. Commercial sphere machines can cost more than $3,600, so he constructed his own drill rigs and polishing machines. He said he finds a certain satisfaction in turning rough, jagged stones into smooth, glossy spheres. Parmalee also shares his process online, including mistakes. He said showing failures helps others learn how to troubleshoot problems with similar equipment and offers a more realistic view of the work. He said the hobby can expand as far as someone wants, from casual collecting to studying geology or pursuing mining as a career. GUEST * Andrew Parmalee, aka "Rogue Rockhound" Note: This story originally aired on March 25, 2026.

Western ridged mussel decline in Oregon signals deeper trouble in rivers

The Western Ridgeback Mussel fills an essential filter cleaning role within rivers located in western states. While their presence is critical for clean water and eliminating pollutants, their population has been dramatically reduced by more than 40%. In California rivers, they have nearly disappeared altogether. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3013c0d/2147483647/strip/false/crop/975x983+0+0/resize/524x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F75%2F7a%2F22b7e08b483bb817f5acc763c299%2Fusfws-western-ridged-mussel-2-large.jpg]The Western Ridgeback Mussel fills an essential filter cleaning role within rivers located in western states. While their presence is critical for clean water and eliminating pollutants, their population has been dramatically reduced by more than 40%. In California rivers, they have nearly disappeared altogether. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ) Update: This story originally aired on March 19, 2026. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit on June 9 [https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/lawsuit-seeks-endangered-species-protection-for-western-ridged-mussels-2026-06-09/]. Environmental advocates are threatening to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over delays in deciding whether the western ridged mussel should receive protection under the Endangered Species Act. The freshwater species, found in rivers across parts of the Pacific Northwest and West, helps filter pollutants from waterways. Advocates say its decline could signal broader problems for river ecosystems. Though easy to overlook, the western ridged mussel plays an important role in keeping rivers clean. The mussels sit in riverbeds and filter water, removing particulate matter, bacteria such as E. coli and other pollutants. Meg Townsend, a freshwater attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, said one mussel bed can filter about 4.5 pounds of particulate matter from a river each year. “They’re pretty much the unsung heroes of clean water,” Townsend said. “While they may be small and look like rocks and be half submerged in riverbeds, their impact is just absolutely huge.” Townsend said mussels are an important indicator of ecosystem health. When they disappear, she said, rivers lose part of their natural ability to stay clean, affecting the entire ecosystem. Western ridged mussels once ranged from San Diego County into Canada, including parts of Idaho and Nevada, Townsend said. But Townsend said their range has shrunk by 43%, and they have disappeared entirely from the southern part of their California range. Recent die-offs in Oregon and Washington are especially concerning, Townsend said. In some cases, thousands of mussels can die in a single summer. ADVOCATES PUSH FEDERAL PROTECTIONS FOR WESTERN RIDGED MUSSEL The species faces several threats, including dams, pollution and runoff from agriculture and urban areas. Dams can fragment fish populations, alter water temperature and disrupt sediment flow, all of which can damage mussel habitat. That is especially problematic because mussels depend on healthy fish populations to reproduce. Townsend said the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned in 2020 to have the western ridged mussel listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Fish and Wildlife Service found the petition presented enough scientific information to warrant a full review, she said, but missed its August 2021 deadline to make a required decision. Now, the group has issued a 60-day notice of intent to sue the agency. Townsend said the legal action is intended to force the agency to decide whether the species should be listed as threatened or endangered. GUEST * Meg Townsend, freshwater attorney, Center for Biological Diversity Meg Townsend, freshwater attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1394066/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1080x1080+0+0/resize/528x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd9%2F71%2F9492626c4083873560d1e6664b11%2Fmeg-face-photo-credit-meg-townsend.jpg]Meg Townsend, freshwater attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. (Meg Townsend )

How fun community events are helping Klamath County kids cope with childhood trauma

Four women pose in front of a colorful neon-style “Pool Party” sign at Ella Redkey Pool in Klamath Falls during a youth prevention event hosted by Klamath Basin Behavioral Health. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0c833cb/2147483647/strip/false/crop/2048x1152+0+0/resize/792x446!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffd%2Fd1%2F1fc6c2194865a6b7b77bd574eb27%2Fkbbh-pool-party.JPG]Staff and volunteers pose during “Neon Night,” a youth prevention event at Ella Redkey Pool in Klamath Falls in August 2025. The free event, hosted by Klamath Basin Behavioral Health, brought local high school students together for substance-free activities and access to community resources and positive adult mentors.( Klamath Basin Behavioral Health Facebook page) Research over the past several decades has found that traumatic childhood experiences can have lasting impacts on mental and physical health. Now, Klamath Basin Behavioral Health is using free community events to help build resilience among young people in Klamath County. The organization’s prevention program focuses on increasing what experts call “protective childhood experiences,” or positive relationships and environments that can help counteract adversity. Events include roller skating nights, swim events and other substance-free activities for children and teens. Mackenzie Folsom, prevention and outreach coordinator with Klamath Basin Behavioral Health, said adverse childhood experiences, often called ACEs, can include violence, neglect, unstable housing, substance use in the home and family separation. Research has linked those experiences to higher risks of mental illness, substance use and chronic disease later in life. “These adverse childhood experiences have these really long-term effects, not just on substance use later on in life, but also things like mental health diagnoses and even impacting your physical health later in life,” Folsom said. Folsom said protective experiences can include supportive adults, friendships, healthy activities and a sense of belonging. “The cool thing about protective childhood experiences is that those events, even though those little things, can make resilience,” she said. The events are open to all young people, though organizers aim to reach children who may already face challenges at home or school. Folsom said the program is especially important in rural communities, where transportation, cost and limited access to activities can create barriers for families. GUEST * MacKenzie Folsom, prevention and outreach coordinator, Klamath Basin Behavioral Health [https://kbbh-website-csdkh8hwh6ghdcgm.westus-01.azurewebsites.net/] EVENTS * July 24 — Ella Redkey High School Neon Swim for grades 9-12, 6:30 to 9 p.m. * Aug. 21 — Ella Redkey Middle School Neon Swim for grades 6-8, 6:30 to 9 p.m. * Nov. 7 — High school ice skating for grades 9-12, 2:15 to 4:15 p.m. * Dec. 5 — Elementary ice skating for grades K-6, 2:15 to 4:15 p.m. This story originally aired on May 14, 2026.

New plan would link Rogue Valley bike path to wine country

The Bear Creek Greenway is a 20-mile bike route connecting the cities of Central Point, Medford, Phoenix, Talent and Ashland. The "Wine Country Biking Route" project, when completed, will connect the existing Greenway to nearby farms, wineries and cultural sites in Talent and Phoenix. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/80d1b04/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1024x680+0+0/resize/792x526!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F44%2Fee%2Fe210111d4ec28b2dc50626d8a396%2Fbear-creek-greenway-bike-route.jpg]The Bear Creek Greenway is a 20-mile bike route connecting the cities of Central Point, Medford, Phoenix, Talent and Ashland. The "Wine Country Biking Route" project, when completed, will connect the existing Greenway to nearby farms, wineries and cultural sites in Talent and Phoenix.(https://www.travelmedford.org/mountain-biking-the-rogue:-your-complete-guide ) More than five years after the 2020 Almeda Fire, Talent and Phoenix are pursuing economic recovery through outdoor recreation. The Wine Country Biking Routes project is one of eight initiatives selected statewide for Travel Oregon’s Recreation Ready Program. This project aims to turn the Rogue Valley into a destination for cyclists by linking the 20-mile Bear Creek Greenway to nearby orchards and cultural sites. Organizers envision a network of routes ranging from five to 50 miles, designed for riders of all skill levels. Bob Hackett, executive director of Travel Southern Oregon, said the goal is to build on what already exists. “I see people on their bikes doing these routes every day anyway,” Hackett said. “Let’s formalize it.” The current nine-month planning phase focuses on accessibility, including ADA-compliant design and infrastructure for adaptive bicycles. Planners are also considering e-bike charging stations near local businesses to encourage visitors to stop and spend money while recharging. Darby Ayers-Flood, executive director of the Talent Business Alliance, describes the project as a catalyst for growth. "This program will help us transform our vision for Wine Country Biking Routes into a reality, one that supports economic recovery," she said in a news release. Ayers-Flood described bicycling as "one of the legs of the stool" for broader economic revitalization. The project is in an initial planning phase. If selected for the next phase, it could receive an additional $100,000 for implementation. GUESTS * Darby Ayers-Flood, mayor of Talent and executive director of Talent Business Alliance * Bob Hackett, executive director, Travel Southern Oregon This story originally aired on March 19, 2026 View of the studio through the looking glass from the engineering room. Darby Ayers-Flood, Executive Director of the Talent Business Alliance (left) and Bob Hackett, Executive Director of Travel Southern Oregon discuss their new "Wine Country Biking Routes" project with Jefferson Exchange Host Mike Green on March 19, 2026. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/881d771/2147483647/strip/false/crop/4096x1676+0+0/resize/792x324!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F62%2Ff7%2Fac701f2149d283db4432274dd216%2Fdarby-ayers-flood-mike-green-bob-hackett-2.jpg]View of the studio through the looking glass from the engineering room. Darby Ayers-Flood, Executive Director of the Talent Business Alliance (left) and Bob Hackett, Executive Director of Travel Southern Oregon discuss their new "Wine Country Biking Routes" project with Jefferson Exchange Host Mike Green on March 19, 2026. (JPR Senior Producer Natalie Golay)