Spooky Roadside Stops: Oregon Vortex

Which Way Is Up? Exploring Oregon's Most Mysterious Roadside Attraction

Spooky Season has arrived!

The wind is chilled, the leaves are changing, and through this period of transition, we find a reinvigorated sense of adventure. Happy Campers RV Rentals is here to inspire and encourage your new found Fall feelings!

Let's dig into the spirit of the season together, as we take you on a journey to some of the best Spooky Roadside Stops on the West Coast. It's time to pack up your costumes, consolidate your candy, and hit the open road on a Halloween destination vacation in one of our comfortable RV rentals.

The first stop on our tour of Spooky Roadside Stops is none other than the fabled Oregon Vortex.

"The Oregon Vortex is a glimpse of a strange world where the improbable is the commonplace and everyday physical facts are reversed. It is an area of naturally occurring visual and perceptual phenomena, which can be captured on film. No matter your education or profession you will find a challenge to all your accepted theories."

Table of Contents

A Brief History of the Oregon Vortex

The Oregon Vortex is a spherical field of force, half above and half below the ground. The word "vortex" means a whirlpool of force, like a whirling mass of water.

Especially one in which a force of suction operates, such as a whirlpool or a whirling mass of air, or one in the form of a visible column or spiral such as a tornado.

Understanding the Vortex Phenomenon

A vortex, essentially a spiral of energy, is the primary form of our universe. From our galaxy, whose vortex form we see as the countless suns of the Milky Way, through the gravitational vortex of our solar system, down to the vortex of an atom, the vortex form recurs throughout our world structure.

The Phenomena that give The Oregon Vortex its name are evident throughout the entire area. Nowhere in the circle do you usually stand erect.

Inevitably the visitor assumes a posture that inclines toward the magnetic north. The corona of The Vortex and the minor vortices discovered during the continuous study of The Vortex are among the unique phenomena to be observed here.

Planning Your RV Trip to the Oregon Vortex

Located in Southern Oregon near Gold Hill, the Oregon Vortex makes an excellent stop on your Oregon road trip adventure. The site is easily accessible for RV travelers, with nearby parking and facilities.

Consider renting a compact Class C motorhome for easier navigation through Southern Oregon's winding roads, or opt for a spacious Class A if you're planning an extended West Coast tour.

Oregon Vortex Quick Facts

1. Tread Softly: The Forbidden Ground

Before any construction of the area, local legend had it that Native Americans referred to the site as a "forbidden" land. Travelers passing through would often find their horses refusing to go through the area.

This mysterious reputation made the location both feared and fascinating to early settlers exploring the region.

2. The Mystery House

A gold assay office was built in the area in 1904 by the Old Grey Eagle Mining Company, which slid from its foundation, coming to rest at an odd angle.

In 1914 the outpost and assay house were rediscovered by a prospector named William McCollugh. McCollugh convinced his friend, geologist and engineer John Litster, to come to the US from Scotland.

Litster says he researched the paranormal phenomena of the so-called 165-foot magnet radius.

3. The Founder: John Litster

John Litster was a geologist, mining engineer, and physicist. He developed the area in the early 1920's and opened it to the public in 1930.

He conducted thousands of experiments within the Vortex until his death in 1959. He was born in Alva, Scotland on April 30, 1886, son of a British Foreign Diplomat.

Litster's scientific approach to studying the vortex phenomena helped establish the site as a legitimate attraction for curious visitors and researchers alike.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you visit the Oregon Vortex, prepare for an experience that challenges your perception of reality. The attraction offers guided tours that demonstrate the unusual phenomena occurring within the vortex field.

Common Vortex Experiences Include:

• Height changes: People appear to grow or shrink depending on where they stand
• Balance difficulties: Visitors naturally lean toward magnetic north
• Optical illusions: Objects appear to roll uphill and defy gravity
• The tilted house: The famous Mystery House sits at an impossible angle
• Photographic anomalies: Cameras capture the strange effects for proof

The site is open seasonally, typically from March through October. Check the official Oregon Vortex website for current hours and admission prices before planning your visit.

RV Parking and Accessibility

While the Oregon Vortex itself has limited RV parking, nearby campgrounds and RV parks in the Rogue Valley offer excellent base camps for your exploration. The town of Gold Hill is just minutes away, with additional amenities in nearby Medford.

For questions about the best RV for your Oregon adventure, contact our Happy Campers team for personalized recommendations based on your travel plans.

Making the Most of Your Spooky Season RV Adventure

The Oregon Vortex is just the beginning of your West Coast spooky roadside adventure. Southern Oregon offers numerous attractions perfect for fall RV travel, from historic ghost towns to scenic byways ablaze with autumn color.

Nearby Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary:

• Crater Lake National Park: Oregon's stunning volcanic lake, less than two hours away
• Jacksonville: Historic gold rush town with Victorian architecture and ghost stories
• Rogue River: Scenic drives and outdoor recreation opportunities
• Oregon Caves National Monument: Another mysterious natural wonder worth exploring

Whether you choose a family-friendly motorhome or a nimble camper van, Happy Campers has the perfect vehicle to make your spooky season road trip unforgettable.

Ready to experience the unexplainable? Browse our RV rental fleet and start planning your Oregon Vortex adventure today. The mysteries of the West Coast are waiting to be explored!