I have to tout Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake, which is located in my region. It’s beautiful in all seasons but most accessible in summer. If you’re flying into Portland, you probably will want to take into account four to five hours of driving time to the southern part of the state.
The best summer month to visit most of Oregon is August. However, Southern Oregon is much warmer than other parts of the state with a dry climate and temperatures usually in the 90s, peaking in the 100s, but that makes Crater Lake with its elevation a great place to cool off (although lots of mosquitoes come out at night there).
Southern Oregon also boasts great whitewater rafting on the Rogue River, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, outdoor Britt Festivals concerts in historic Jacksonville, hiking, biking, fishing, wine tasting, and world-famous artisan foods. Enjoy your stay.
I can’t speak highly enough of Oregon Caves. A recent article in the Mail Tribune newspaper highlighted that the monument, along with Crater Lake, are among visitors’ favorites.
I gather that if you’re driving inland to the caves, you’ll be taking Interstate 5 north. If that’s the case, consider a 10-minute detour south from Grants Pass to stay at Valley of the Rogue State park, one of Oregon’s premiere campgrounds. It’s right on the banks of the Rogue River and has extensive and very well maintained facilities.
If you were visiting in summer, I would suggest continuing on to Crater Lake, Oregon’s only national park, but snow can make the park difficult to access this time of year. If you’re up for a snow day, though, the park rangers offer free snowshoe hikes on the weekends and provide the snowshoes.
If you decide to travel that way, take Highway 97 to central Oregon then Highway 26 through the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and Mount Hood National Forest to Portland.
Some end of March in Portland ideas: Portland Timbers matches, Trillium Fest, Portland Farmer’s Market, OMSI science pub.
There are many nature places with great views around here! Some of my favorites are covered in snow at the moment – Tumalo Mountain is one. But Pilot Butte State Park is right in Bend and offers great 360 degree views of the city, mountains, desert and surounds. Up north a bit, Smith Rock State Park is a superbly beautiful natural area with incredible views, also of the mountains and desert as well as the Crooked River. Let me know if you have any other questions or want more info! Have a great time!
A lot of people get married at the Pelican Pub & Brewery in Pacific City, because the pub has a special room that opens into their own “beach” adjacent to Cape Kiwanda State Park. It’s not secluded, but it does have great food and an easy place to duck into, in case the weather is terrible. And very good beer.
Outside of that, I would suggest:
- Oceanside — a small village, with a nice restaurant called Roseanna’s nearby. A few small hotels and vacation rentals nearby. There is a small oceanview community clubhouse there.
- Short Beach — This is a small, secluded beach with a lot of stairs, but it’s very scenic. My story about it here , and here’s the website by the man who created the groovy stairs.
- Tierra del Mar — This spot just north of Pacific City is not tightly protected, but it is in the lee of Cape Kiwanda, so it can be less windy (sometimes). What it does have is easy access. Unlike Short Beach, with lots of stairs, at Tierra del Mar you can drive right onto the beach, and even if you park on the highway it’s an easy, low beach access.
Officially, you are supposed to have a permit. If you want one, contact the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation at 800-551-6949 or 541-265-8179 for permits.
Good luck!
In Portland proper you should definitely check out ENSO Winery. Also, Liner & Elsen Wines does some excellent tastings on the weekends in NW Portland. Safe travels and happy tasting!
Favorites: J.K. Carriere Wines, Trisaetum, Seven of Hearts Wine, Anderson Family, Ghost Hill and Vidon. I also recommend the Carlton Winemakers Studio, several small production labels: Brittan and Retour and, for a handy (albeit not to scale) map of everything, have her check this site.
I’d start in Baker City and move west! Good start for historical landmarks: Flickr group.
Hmm, not sure how that any are particularly spicy, but they make darn good biscuits and gravy at these places, and you can always top them with hot sauce: Industrial Cafe, Screendoor, Arleta Library Cafe, Gravy, Podnah’s, Besaw’s, of course Pine State Biscuits!
A couple years ago the Oregonian came up with some favorites: here
You’re in luck! Even though Oregon is definitely famous for Pinot Noir, that is not to say that Cabernet is left out. Turn your attention to Southern Oregon Wine for a bounty of bold reds including Cab, Merlot, Tempranillo, Syrah, Zinfandel, and others. I really enjoy those by Troon Vineyard and Cliff Creek Cellars. Soléna Estate and Zenas Wines have some great options too using fruit sourced from southern Oregon. While the former two are based in Southern Oregon, all four have tasting rooms in Carlton, OR if you’re in the Willamette Valley. Hope this helps get you started!
