Located in Southwestern Oregon, Josephine County is bordered on the south by California and the Pacific coast  is just two hours away. Josephine County was created by the Territorial Legislature on January 22, 1856, from the western half of Jackson County. And was named for Josephine Rollins, the first white woman to settle in southern Oregon. Learn more about the history of Josephine County here.

Josephine County is mountainous, but also has two major valleys and three rivers; the Rogue, the Applegate and the Illinois. These scenic rivers are world renowned for whitewater rafting and fishing. Many Josephine County Parks are situated on the Rogue River; these parks offer camping and great activities such as disc golf, hiking, volleyball, softball and fishing.
 
One point of interest in Josephine County is the Grave Creek Covered Bridge; this is one of the few functional covered bridges that remain in southern Oregon. This historic bridge is the only covered bridge visible from the Oregon I-5 freeway.

Other attractions include the Applegate Trail Interpretive Center, Hellgate Canyon-Rogue River, Kalmiopsis Wilderness, Kerbyville Museum, Oregon Caves National Monument, Rogue Community College, Lake Selmac, WildLife Images and the Wolf Creek Inn, a State Historic Park.

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