Ashland is a city in Jackson County, in the State of Oregon. It lies along Interstate 5 approximately 16 mi (26 km) north of the California border and near the south end of the Bear Creek Valley, an arm of the Rogue Valley. As of July 1, 2013, the city's population was estimated to be 20,713. The city is the home of Southern Oregon University (SOU) and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF). These are important to Ashland's economy, which also depends on restaurants, galleries, and retail stores that cater to tourists. Lithia Park along Ashland Creek, historic buildings, and a paved intercity bike trail provide additional visitor attractions. Ashland, originally called Ashland Mills, was named after Ashland County, Ohio, the original home of founder Abel Helman, and secondarily for Ashland, Kentucky, where other founders had family connections. Ashland has a mayor-council government assisted by citizen committees. Historically, its liberal politics have differed, often sharply, with much of the rest of southwest Oregon.

Ashland is known for two things, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Southern Oregon University. The city is a popular tourist destination in Oregon. Outdoor activities like picnics, wildlife watching take place at the North Mountain Park, the Ashland Creek and the Lithia Park. There is an institution in Ashland called the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory that is dedicated to solving crimes against wild animals. One of the attractions in Ashland is the Shakespeare Festival. Hundreds flock to the city to watch the plays and reminisce about the poets by the celebrated writer. Visit the Crater and Emigrant Lakes. Try rafting on the Upper Klamath River. Mount Ashland is often used for skiing and hiking. Travel to Ashland for a vacation that is away from the crowds but does not bore you even for a moment.