Newberry National Volcanic Monument will not be accessible by car. The road isn’t usually plowed and open until May. As for Lava River Cave, it isn’t open at all. Not until May 3.
What a fun travel adventure! Salem has a lot of historic sites to explore. First I recommend ordering a free Travel Salem guide, which will have loads of helpful information. In the meantime, here are some web links you can use to start your planning. The Salem state capitol building: This is a must-visit, and…
In addition to Portland and Eugene, Medford (MFR) is also an option as an airport. The drive from Portland to Coos Bay is about 4.25 hours and if you have the time, it could offer the opportunity for more sightseeing. Your options would include traveling down the Oregon Coast, a stop at Silver Falls State…
Klamath Falls has two breweries, the venerable Mia and Pia’s and Klamath Basin Brewing. Both are worth a stop. This is a pretty remote part of Oregon, and I wish I could direct you to some places close by with more options, but there’s nothing for miles. You might also stop into the Portland Street…
Pretty much anything you would do any other time of year, you can do in the winter in Cannon Beach. You do need to be prepared for rain, but that doesn’t stop many people from enjoying the beaches, hiking trails, viewpoints or exploring the town. In fact, winter is a great time for all those…
There are a good number of classic and new fine eating establishments to choose from in the Hermiston area. Here are a few, of many, local favorites: Hermiston Brewing Company has some great beers on tap and classic pub fair like burgers and wings, to brick-oven fired pizzas and halibut fish and chips Delish Bistro…
Do you like hiking? If so, Spencer Butte is a short (1.7 mile loop) hike that is right on the edge of the city. It is short but it is steep — however if you don’t mind the walk you’ll find absolutely stunning panoramic views at the top. Hendricks Park is another gorgeous forested park…
At the end of January, you should absolutely be prepared for winter driving. At that time of year, the roads require chains or traction tires. If you are comfortable driving in the snow, you could get by with chains, but if you’ll find yourself white-knuckled on the wheel, I’d recommend 4-wheel drive and chains/traction tires…
For pure scenic traveling, it’s hard to beat the Oregon Coast where you will find one of the world’s greatest stretches of scenic byway (363 miles of Coast Highway/US 101) that leads to many great destinations. Although Highway 101 is primarily two lanes and winding in portions, it is probably the most popular byway for…
Thanks for your question. Both 230 (leading to 62) and 138 can be equally snowy in December, but also equally easy to traverse, given conditions. For that reason, I would go with 138, which is your more direct route, knowing that the first 25 miles or so from Crater Lake will be at the highest…
You’re correct that most of the trails in the Columbia River Gorge are closed as a result of the Eagle Creek Fire and the potential of landslides. However, some of the sights have recently opened back up, and we have several alternative options! The Old Columbia Highway is open from Troutdale to Bridal Veil Falls,…
Sounds like you have some fun plans for the holidays! The Painted Hills can be really quite spectacular in the winter with the colorful landscape often dusted in snow. Depending on weather conditions, your ability to access the heart of the area might change, but the area is open all year, although some building and…
You’re throwing me a little with the combination of rustic, upscale and secluded; and the range of within 10 or 20 miles of the coast that is 363 miles long, but I do have a suggestion. Consider WildSpring Guest Habitat in Port Orford. I think it definitely qualifies as rustic and upscale cabins. I’m assuming…
! If you’re coming up I-5 from California, you’re first Oregon stop should be Ashland, our favorite little theater town. Ashland has a full summer season of Shakespearean plays, but at any time of year, this town is hopping with dining options, cocktail bars, and wineries. If you like wine, I suggest hitting the Applegate…
There are a good number of classic and new fine eating establishments to choose from in the Hermiston area. Here are a few, of many, local favorites: Hermiston Brewing Company has some great beers on tap and classic pub fair like burgers and wings, to brick-oven fired pizzas and halibut fish and chips Delish Bistro…
Unfortunately, your options for hiking in the Gorge this winter are limited due to the recent Eagle Creek Fire. The fire devastated the Gorge, and all of the interstate exits and trails are still closed. They’ll remain closed for the winter since we now face a danger of landslides. That said, I’m happy to provide…
I have an easy answer to this question: yes! There are lots and lots of farm-to-table dining opportunities in the Willamette Valley. It’s one of the things we’re best at :). If you’re looking for an actual farm dinner–a delicious dinner prepared by a talented chef and actually hosted on a farm, brewery or winery–there…
Glad you are visiting Oregon! The route between Mill City and Bend is fairly remote and mountainous. There aren’t a whole lot of towns in between – but two spring to mind that you could check out. Sisters is just 30 minutes from Bend. It’s a charming western-themed town with some good shopping and restaurants….
You can find seashells along most sandy stretches of the Oregon Coast. I feel timing and technique are the more critical aspects to beachcombing for shells rather than a specific location. For best success, I would suggest choosing less busy beaches, beachcombing during the offseason and being there at the right time (as the tide…
Portland is super toddler friendly so you’ll have so much fun. We highly recommend the following: Sauvie Island pumpkin picking, hay rides, corn maze and so many great snacks OMSI science museum is a very hands-on place that is so great for kids and families at the same time Oregon Zoo has family events almost…
