The Oregon coast is a pretty fantastic stretch of coastline, complete with a ton of off-bike adventures and amenities to make the whole thing enjoyable. Late September/Early October would be a nice time–after the summer rush, but before the weather really starts to get inhospitable to long days of pedaling. I’ll say right off I…
If on I-5, stay in Ashland at the Ashland Creek Inn. Tu Tu Tun in Gold Beach is close to California on the map but a long drive on rural roads.
We Pamper Campers mentioned the Fireside in Yachats. That hotel is adjacent to the Overleaf Lodge, which is also quite nice. The Adobe has its own restaurant, which always nice if you don’t want to drive around. Be advised, though, that all three Yachats hotels overlook a rocky shelf — beautiful but no long walks…
Our region is indeed home to a largely overlooked pocket of redwoods. They are on the extreme south coast near Brookings, just north of the border. This is a very remote area of the state, with no “urban” area anywhere close. You could, however, visit the Rogue Valley by driving east for about two hours…
Glad to hear you’re focusing some of your visit on Crater Lake. It’s perhaps Oregon’s most unique feature and an attraction I always recommend. July in Southern Oregon is quite warm, upper 80s to 90-some degrees, occasionally peaking in the 100s. But Crater Lake is more than 6,000 feet above sea level, so it’s relatively…
June is the very best time to visit the Zumualt Preserve, the vast prairielands owned by The Nature Conservancy in northeastern Oregon. Along with native wildflower species, you’ll see raptors of all kinds and it is sanctuary for elk and wolves, too. June is also when the Grande Ronde River is really flowing, offering a…
Highway 101 runs along the entire Oregon coast, from Washington State to California. There are state parks worth visiting along the entire stretch. Especially scenic are the stretches between Cannon Beach and Manzanita on the North Coast, and near Coos Bay on the South Coast (especially Shore Acres State Park). If you’re also interested in…
One great trip is to fly into Portland, and drive through Oregon wine country (look around Yamhill County, and Hwy. 18), do a few tastings and maybe stay one night on the way. Try this site. Then, arrive at the coast and head south, to Newport, which is home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Here’s…
Hiking is my most favorite outdoor activity so you have come to the right place. My favorite place to go hiking to see wildflowers, is Mary’s Peak. It is located in the Willamette Valley and I have included this website so you can further read about the area. You can read even more here and, for…
Yes, there are a few rafting guides on the North Umpqua River. Check out North Umpqua Outfitters, Orange Torpedo Trips, and Oregon Ridge & River Excursions.
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
