One of the best ways to experience the Wild and Scenic Rivers of the Wild Rivers Coast is by jet boat. Fun, exciting (but quite comfortable and safe), you'll experience zipping through the cool water on a toasty summer day with family or friends, and viewing incredible scenery and iconic wildlife. You're likely to see bears, deer and elk on shore, with eagles, hawks and ospreys soaring overhead or perching in trees by the river. You'll also learn about the history of those who've lived by the river, including the local Native people. The weather on the Wild Rivers Coast is variable,the mornings and evenings tend to be cool. It's a good idea to dress in layers when taking a jet boat tour. Also, be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses. • SOUTHERN OREGON COAST (GOLD BEACH): Jerry's Rogue Jets, out of Gold Beach, was founded in 1958 and was the first commercial jet boat tour company in the United States. Two of its most popular tours are the 64-mi. round trip between Gold Beach and Agness, and the 104-mi. round trip that includes an additional rocky, narrow, 20-mi. stretch of the Rogue River with whitewater rapids. WHERE: Jerry's Rogue Jets is located a short distance from the mouth of the Rogue River in Gold Beach, OR. 29985 Harbor Way, Gold Beach, OR 97444 MORE INFO: 800-451-3645, www.RogueJets.com • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA(KLAMATH): Klamath River Jet Boat Tours, operated by the Yurok Tribe near Klamath— will take you on a 45-mi. round trip tour on the second largest river in California (by volume of water). The Klamath is a beautiful, pristine river that flows into the Pacific Ocean in southern Del Norte County. You'll travel in comfort on a shallow-draft boat powered by twin jets, and have plenty of chances to photograph the spectacular scenery and wildlife. WHERE: 17635 Hwy 101 S., Klamath, CA. MORE INFO: 800-887-JETS (5387), 707-482-7775, www.JetBoatTours.com • ROGUE VALLEY (GRANTS PASS): Hellgate Jet Boat Excursions of Grants Pass. It's jetboat fun for everyone! Get on-board our 1-hour, 14-mile River Run Excursion! Take in the sights and sounds of nature as you glide inches above the water, and enjoy 360° spins on your way down to the mouth of the Applegate Confluence and back to Grants Pass. RUNS DAILY May - September WHERE: 966 SW 6th St., Grants Pass OR MORE INFO:541-479-7204 , www.hellgate.com • ROGUE JET BOAT ADVENTURE (CENTRAL POINT): Rogue Jet Boat Adventures of Central Point. Unplug, Reset, & Get Ready to Discover Your Rogue! A Discovery Jet Boat Tour is a complete Oregon experience, packed full of spectacular scenery, meaningful history, wildlife viewing, and thrilling jet boating with 360s on the Rogue River. During the summer, Discovery Park opens up its one-of-a-kind floating stage for Concert at the Rocks Summer Music Series. WHERE: Check in at Touvelle State Park 8601 Table Rock RD. Central Point, OR. MORE INFO:541-414-4182, www.roguejetadventures.com

Above ground, the Oregon Caves National Monument appears much like many other outdoor areas in Southern Oregon, with delightful scenery and enticing trails meandering through beautiful forestland. Below the earth's surface, however, lies the vast system of caverns and caves that gives the national monument its name, and attracts thousands of visitors every year. These beautiful marble passages and chambers mystify visitors. You can take a guided tour of the caves and learn about this diverse geological area from experienced ranger-naturalists. Kids can participate in the Junior Ranger program in the summer months and learn to share the responsibilities of preserving and protecting the Monument. Be aware that the cave tours are somewhat strenuous, and require stooping and twisting, and being in good physical condition. To ensure the safety of the entire group, all visitors are asked to demonstrate the physical ability to navigate the cave tour route by crouching down to a height of 45” and taking several steps. Also dress warmly, and wear closed-toe shoes with good traction. See the park website for more important information before you go. Tours of the caves are operated on a seasonal basis from late March through early November. However, the Oregon Caves National Monument is open year-round for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and snowshoeing. WHERE: Oregon Caves Visitor Center, 19000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction; Oregon Caves National Monument, 20 mi. east of Cave Junction on Hwy 46. MORE INFO: 541-592-2100, www.nps.gov/orca

Brookings Harbor

Just Over the Border

Brookings-Harbor, the southernmost community in Curry County, Oregon, is located 5 mi. north of the California border on Hwy 101. This is an area of abundant natural attractions with miles of coastline, wild scenic rivers, state and city parks, and an attractive port. The cities of Brookings and Harbor are nestled on either side of the Chetco River where it meets the sea. Brookings is an incorporated city, while Harbor is not. They are in an area often referred to as the “banana belt” of the Pacific Northwest, thanks to its sunny and temperate year-round climate. This makes Brookings a welcome reprieve for travelers in a region otherwise known for rain and fog. Highway 101 runs through Brookings' commercial core, which can fill virtually any need a traveler may have. Over 90 percent of America's Easter lilies are grown between Brookings-Harbor and Smith River to the south, and an early summer drive between Brookings-Harbor and Crescent City takes you through breathtaking views of fields of blooming lilies.