From the vibrant Painted Hills to the cool Oregon Coast, from the high desert of Central Oregon to the lush forests of Mt. Hood, cozy fall getaways are yours for the taking. If you’re seeking solitude or the chance to reconnect with friends and family, reserve your spot at one of these relaxing locales.
Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge
Perched on a bluff 60 feet above the convergence of the Sandy and Salmon rivers, the Sandy Salmon Bed & Breakfast Lodge is an adults-only retreat for true respite in the woods. Local artwork fills the rustic great room, with sofas around the stone hearth. Guest rooms feature bed frames crafted from twisted aspen and juniper wood, handmade quilts and other historic accents. Some rooms overlook the lawns and English garden; others have views of the river, where former President George Bush Sr., an avid fisherman, was known to get away for a weekend.
Sitting at the foot of Mount Hood on 72 acres, Hood River’s Sakura Ridge offers breathtaking views of the peak and surrounding orchards and forests. Guests enjoy fresh eggs, honey, fruit and vegetables from the farm. Explore the Hood River County Fruit Loop and the local wineries and cideries, all bursting with fall bounty. The lodge’s theme is “ichi-go ichi-e,” which loosely means “treasure this moment” in Japanese — and you will.
Portland Region
For a little elegance and luxury, Portland’s White House — located in the Irvington neighborhood of Northeast Portland and looking remarkably like the national landmark — makes for an unforgettable getaway. The Greek revival mansion boasts marble columns, a sweeping staircase, formal dining room, grand ballroom and unique suites decorated with antique furnishing, oil paintings and porcelain artwork. Enjoy a locally sourced vegetarian breakfast in the morning and head out for neighborhood shopping, brewpubs, biking, hiking and other fall urban adventures.
Central Oregon
If relaxing lakeside with a whiskey drink and vinyl records is your thing, the The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse in Sisters may be the perfect escape. Here in the Deschutes National Forest, just outside of Bend, you can reconnect with the natural world with a brisk trail hike or just take it easy with board games, books and movies (the lobby has an extensive collection of all three, available for use during your stay). The lodge offers an annual Thanksgiving feast at the Boathouse restaurant, and Christmas eve brings A Very Merry Suttle with a special guest chef. Check the website for details and updates about these special events and the New Year’s Eve bash.
Southern Oregon
Maybe you want to soak away your stress. Try the curative underground mineral waters at Lithia Springs Resort. Three miles from downtown Ashland, this romantic retreat in a tranquil valley of Southern Oregon includes a jacuzzi, koi pond, tea room, library and lobby with fireplace. The healing waters are piped into the rooms, bungalows and suites as well as a private soaking tub at Waterstone Spa, where you can also book a massage or facial. Stroll through a lush, four-acre sanctuary of gardens, trees and ponds.
Eastern Oregon
Take a step back in time in Baker City, where the 1889 Geiser Grand Hotel offers a special retreat featuring historic furnishings, an iconic stained glass ceiling and an impressive breakfast buffet. It’s also walking distance from culinary hot spots like Barley Brown’s, Copper Belt Winery and Sweet Wife Baking. Pair the trip with a Fall Colors Train ride aboard the Sumpter Valley Railroad, less than 30 miles from Baker City, for the ultimate autumn celebration.
Willamette Valley
If you’re looking to explore the Willamette Valley wine country, Newberg’s Le Puy Wine Valley Inn is just minutes away from the Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill-Carlton and Chehalem Mountain AVAs. Eight luxury guest rooms provide solitude, while the great room, club room and courtyard offer the opportunity to relax with other guests. Take in views of vineyards aflame with fall color, and choose from more than a dozen destination restaurants in the area.
Oregon Coast
Take in autumn on the Coast from the Channel House in Depoe Bay. Enjoy a soak on your deck-side hot tub overlooking the ocean, then curl up by the fire and watch the dramatic storms roll by. Bring the binoculars to spot migrating whales out your window or visit the downtown Whale Watching Center, where volunteers will offer expert tips. Warm up with a bowl of chowder and hot drink at one of the many excellent restaurants in town.
