Discovering Southern Oregon – April 2025
SPRINGTIME in Southern Oregon is a season of rebirth and renewal. The orchards, which lie dormant under the winter snow, burst into bloom as the days grow longer and warmer. The sight of pear and peach trees in full bloom is nothing short of magical. These trees, laden with delicate blossoms, are a testament to the region’s agricultural heritage and the perfect embodiment of nature’s splendor. Among the most enchanting sights of Southern Oregon in spring are the white and pink blooms that adorn the pear and peach trees, creating a breathtaking spectacle of color and life.
Pear Trees in Bloom—Among the first to bloom in Southern Oregon are the pear trees, typically gracing the orchards with their pristine white flowers in early spring. The blossoms, clustered in delicate bouquets, emit a sweet and subtle fragrance that fills the air. As the petals unfurl, they reveal a carpet of white that stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a serene and almost ethereal landscape.
Southern Oregon is one of the largest pear-producing regions in the United States, with Harry and David’s Bear Creek Orchards alone boasting over 700,000 trees. The contrast of pear blossoms against clear blue skies and snow-capped mountains is an iconic image of spring in Southern Oregon.
A Scenic Drive Through the Blossoms—One of the best ways to experience the beauty of spring blossoms is by taking a scenic drive. My personal favorite route winds through the southern section of the West Siskiyou foothills, beginning in Jacksonville and heading toward Ashland. After crossing the freeway, the drive continues along the east Cascade foothills towards Medford, passing acres of pear blossoms belonging primarily to Naumes Orchards and Harry & David’s Bear Creek Orchards.
The first blooms you’ll see are on the left side of South Stage Road, but the greatest concentration of blossoms can be found along Carpenter Hill Road, Coleman Creek, Suncrest and Royal Crest Road. A perfect stop along the way is Naumes’s Suncrest Winery, which sits in the heart of pear orchards and offers stunning views of the blossoms framed by rolling green foothills and distant, snow-capped peaks. The best time to take this drive varies each year, but peak bloom typically occurs in April.
A Scenic Drive Through Fall Colors—This route is just as breathtaking in the fall when the orchards transform into a tapestry of red, orange, yellow and brown. One of my fondest memories is taking my 90-year-old mother and her three friends on this scenic drive. We stopped along Royal Crest Road, where my adventurous mom decided to pick a few leftover pears from the harvest. As she carried her loot back to the car, we spotted a rather intimidating sign: “Trespassers will be prosecuted.” For a moment, we considered returning the pears, but then we burst into laughter, wondering would they really arrest a group of 90-year-old women for pear-napping?
The Route
- Turn right on Griffin Creek Road
- Turn left on Pioneer Road
- Turn left when you hit Dark Hollow Road
- Continue straight onto Carpenter Hill Road
- Continue past Voorhies Road where the road bends to the right and changes to Colman Creek Road
- At the four-way intersection, turn left onto Pioneer Road
- Turn right onto Colver Road
- Turn right into North Pacific Highway and drive about .2 miles
- Turn left onto West Valley View Road and cross the freeway
- Turn left into Suncrest Road (Stop at Naumes’s Suncrest Winery)
- Continue on Suncrest Road then turn right into Royal Crest Road
- Turn left on Huges
- Turn right onto Payne Road
- Turn left on Fern Valley Road
- Turn right on Grove Road
- Turn left on N Phoenix Road
Conclusion—Springtime in Southern Oregon, with its breathtaking pear and peach blossoms, is a season of unparalleled beauty. The vibrant colors, delicate fragrances, and peaceful orchards create a mesmerizing landscape that truly captures the magic of the season. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive or simply admiring the blossoms from afar, experiencing spring in Southern Oregon is an unforgettable delight.
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