Official club name: The Friendship Force of Southern Oregon
Club history: Our club was established in 1997.
Current membership: 28
Closest major airport: Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford
It is a 1 hour flight from Portland Int’l Airport and a 1 hour 20 minute flight from San Francisco Int’l Airport.
Our location: The Rogue Valley lies in between the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountain ranges, about 125 miles from the Oregon coast and 14 miles from the California border.
Our climate: Hot, dry summers and moderately wet winters with about 17” of rain a year.
Best time to visit: May, June, September and October
Maximum number of ambassadors our club can host: 12
Southern Oregon has lots to offer: friendly people, beautiful scenery, history, great local wines, and outdoor adventure. It is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland and the Britt Music Festival in Jacksonville.
A Typical Journey to Southern Oregon
On a typical journey we try to highlight the many outstanding things in our area:
- Crater Lake National Park – Crater Lake is renowned for its unique beauty, clarity and deep blue color.
- Redwoods National Park – The majestic Redwoods are among the tallest and oldest trees in the world.
- The Oregon Coast – Take a walk on the beach and admire the dramatic coastline
- The Oregon Shakespeare Festival – Founded in 1935, OSF is among one of the oldest and largest professional non-profit theatre companies in the nation. Performances run February through early November. You will enjoy a backstage tour. Tickets to plays can be pre-arranged by our club.
- Historic Jacksonville – This well-preserved gold rush town was established in the 1850s. Explore this small town on foot and with a trolley tour. Segway tours are also available.
- Ashland – Home to gorgeous Lithia Park, art galleries, unique shops, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
- Wine Tasting – Our area is an up and coming wine region. Visit one of our 80 local wineries.
- We will celebrate your arrival with a Welcome Potluck and say goodbye to our new friends with a lovely Farewell Dinner.
- A “free day” to go out and explore the many fun activities in our area: hike the Pacific Crest Trail, rent a Segway, go zip-lining or whitewater rafting, ride a jet boat, visit one of our local breweries, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.