Discover Medford
15 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
1500 North Riverside Avenue
Riverside stretch along the Rogue River offering reflective waters, riverbank trees and nearby bridges — good for waterscapes, seasonal foliage and low-contrast urban-nature compositions. Best visited at sunrise or golden hour for low light reflections and calmer water; spring and fall offer peak color. Easy roadside access on Riverside Ave with on-street parking and public greenway pathways; no special entry fees. Weekdays are quieter; watch for riverwalk cyclists and variable river flows after
Bear Creek Park
Small urban park along Bear Creek with meandering river, ponds, footbridges, wetlands and mature trees. Excellent for river reflections, close-up wildlife (ducks, herons), seasonal color (spring wildflowers, fall foliage) and intimate landscapes. Free entry, roadside and lot parking off Siskiyou Blvd; paved and unpaved trails are mostly accessible. Best light at golden hour (sunrise or sunset along the creek), weekdays for fewer people, and after rain for richer reflections.
Ruhl Park
Small urban park with a pond, mature trees, walking paths and picnic areas — good for intimate landscape and waterscape shots, seasonal foliage and wildlife (ducks). Easy access with street and lot parking, free entry. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and reflections; late afternoon in summer for shade. Weekday mornings and off-season reduce crowds. Wheelchair-accessible paths along main loops.
Pear Blossom Park
Small urban park famed for spring pear blossoms, ponds, picnic areas and festival activities—ideal for floral close-ups, reflective water shots and intimate landscape frames. Best in March–April for peak bloom; golden hour and overcast days give soft light. Easy access from downtown Medford with nearby street parking and a small lot; paved paths are wheelchair-friendly. Visit weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds; the annual Pear Blossom Festival adds event photo opportunities.
Lewis Park
Small riverside park on Bear Creek with mature trees, a pedestrian bridge and winding paths—good for intimate landscape and waterscape shots, seasonal color and reflections. Easy street parking and flat, wheelchair-accessible paths; no entry fee. Visit at golden hour or early weekday mornings for soft light and minimal crowds. Spring brings blossoms and higher water flow; fall offers warm foliage.
Vogel Plaza
Vogel Plaza is a compact downtown gathering space with a fountain, public art and surrounding historic storefronts—ideal for urban compositions, candid street scenes, and event coverage. No entry fee; easily walkable from nearby street parking and garages. Best at golden hour for warm light on brick facades, after sunset for illuminated fountains and event lighting, or during weekend markets and concerts for lively portraits and action shots. Accessible pathways and central location make quick,零
Alba Park
Small downtown green with mature trees, a reflective pond and winding paths — good for intimate landscape and urban-nature frames. Visit golden hour or early morning for soft light and glassy reflections; spring and fall bring strongest color. Easily accessible from Main St with street parking and no entry fee; compact size makes it quick to scout. Weekdays are quieter; the park often hosts community events that add candid opportunities.
Liberty Park
Small riverside park on Bear Creek with walking paths, bridges, mature trees and year-round water features — good for reflections, seasonal foliage, and casual wildlife. No entry fee; on-street and small lot parking on Bartlett. Best at golden hour or early morning for soft light and fewer visitors; accessible paved paths and benches make gear transport easy.
Donahue Frohnmayer Park
Small community park along a creek with mature oaks, walking paths, a footbridge and lawned picnic areas—good for intimate landscape and waterscape shots, seasonal color and environmental portraits. Best light is golden hour at sunrise or sunset when the creek reflects warm tones; spring brings wildflowers and higher water, fall offers foliage. Easily accessible from Spring St with free street parking and a small lot; paths are mostly flat and partially ADA-friendly. No entry fee; expect locals,
The Children's Museum of Southern Oregon
Compact, colorful indoor museum with hands-on exhibits, murals and play structures — great for capturing vivid details, textures and candid child interactions. Visit weekday mornings to avoid crowds; lighting is mixed artificial so expect uneven color temperature. Downtown Medford location has street parking and nearby public lots; facility is wheelchair accessible and charges admission. Always request permission before photographing minors or staff; avoid intrusive flash during play.
Wes Howard Memorial Sports Park
Wes Howard Memorial Sports Park features open sports fields, playgrounds, picnic shelters and tree-lined paths set against the Rogue Valley backdrop. Good for action sports, environmental portraits, and wide park landscapes. Best light: golden hour and blue hour for warm tones and stadium-lighted evening games. Easily accessible by car with on-site parking and no entry fee; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Seasonal foliage and community events add variety—check local game schedules
Holmes Park
Small neighborhood park with mature trees, open lawns, playgrounds and walking paths — good for environmental portraits, candid family shots, seasonal foliage and simple landscape compositions. Easy street parking and free public access; open year-round. Best at golden hour for warm light through trees, early mornings on weekdays to avoid families, and late fall/spring for richer colors. Flat, accessible paths make gear transport easy.
Hawthorne Park Playground
Small community park with playground equipment, mature trees and open lawns — good for candid family scenes, colorful playground details and intimate urban-nature compositions. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; weekdays or early mornings reduce crowds. Public, free entry with nearby street parking; be mindful of families and ask before photographing people.
Get Air Trampoline Park
Indoor trampoline park offering dynamic action shots of jumpers, flips and group events. Best visited on weekday mornings for practice sessions or evenings/party times for energy — request permission for photography. Expect mixed artificial lighting; parking in the Medford Center lot. Suitable for environmental action and candid event coverage.
Raven Maps & Images
Raven Maps & Images is a small downtown Medford printshop and gallery selling local maps, satellite prints and framed art—great for detail shots of paper texture, color palettes and storefront compositions. Visit during business hours (weekdays mid-morning–late afternoon) for steady natural window light; ask staff before photographing inside. Street parking and public lots nearby; wheelchair accessible entrance. A good stop to document regional cartography and artisan print processes.