Don’t Pass Snow Plows on the Right. Makes sense, right? ODOT didn’t appreciate the humor and took the added sign down.
Winter is settling in almost everywhere in Oregon, from the Coast Range to the top of Mt Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak and well east into the Wallowas.
And to top that Winter Storm Warnings are being issued across the state. Watch for wind advisories is in the Portlands Hills and in the Columbia River Gorge. Combined with freezing temperatures, these winds can create a wind-chill effect that will produce subzero-like temperatures. Icy winds are expected to cause power outages, property damage and hazardous driving conditions.
Snow plows are clearing the roads, pushing, or blowing, the snow off to the road shoulder and beyond. Putting down de-icer. Get the picture? A couple years back someone tacked this added message below the warning sign that really states the obvious. Be prepared when exploring Oregon during the winter months. Watch for snow plows and other maintenance equipment. And don’t always rely on that GPS. Many forest roads, while beautiful alternatives from the main highways and freeways during the snow free months, are not maintained during the winter.
Travelers should be aware that even a few inches of snow can obscure icy roads and soft shoulders where vehicles can become stuck. Winter storms can trigger unexpected rock slides, and falling limbs and trees; they can quickly change driving conditions on forest roads from passable to impassable in a matter of minutes.
Keys to safe winter driving: Plan for the unexpected. Keep in mind that cell phones may not work in remote areas. Check the latest road and weather conditions at TripCheck.com or dial 511 before heading out. Always tell someone where you’re going and stick to that plan. Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. Travelers should be prepared to spend long periods of time in the car. Blankets or sleeping bags, warm clothes, a snow shovel, water, food and other necessities are recommended as part of a complete vehicle emergency kit. Always fuel up at the beginning of the trip.
Weather can change quickly, particularly in higher elevations. Good snow tires, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and chains are advised or often required, when driving in winter conditions. As a general rule, always adjust your speed to current conditions and drive at speeds that allow you to stop in half of the visible road distance ahead of you.
ODOT and our County Maintenance Crews do an amazing job keeping our Highways and Interstates passable. They plow, they de-ice and sand but it is our job to use common sense, stay on roads maintained during the winter months, and drive cautiously to make sure we reach our destination safely.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Gift certificates are no longer available for purchase through our organization. We encourage you to contact our member inns directly to purchase gift certificates.
If You Currently Hold an OAII or OBBG Gift Certificate:
- Your gift certificate does not expire
- Certificates may be redeemed at participating Oregon Association of Independent Inns properties.
Thank you for supporting Oregon’s Independent Inns and lodging properties over the years. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared the gift of lodging through the OAII Lodging Gift Voucher Program.
As of June 1, 2026, the Oregon Association of Independent (formerly the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild – OBBG) discontinued the program, and gift certificates are no longer available for sale. However, existing gift certificates remain valid and may still be redeemed.
The Oregon Association offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or dude ranch. If you need assistance locating a participating property or have difficulty redeeming your certificate, please contact us—we’re happy to help.
Important Notes:
- All OAII properties accept association gift certificates. Click here to view participating properties.
- Gift certificates are treated as cash and cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed.
- Certificates may only be redeemed at active OAII properties
- Individual property policies apply, including restrictions on availability, packages, or special offers.
Questions or Assistance:
If you have questions about redeeming a gift certificate or need help planning your stay, please contact E-mail info@obbg.org or call OAII at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
