NASA is testing spacesuits designed for a return to the moon at a number of rugged locations around Bend, John Day and Crater Lake.
Apollo astronauts trained and tested their spacesuits in Oregon during the 1960s because the natural volcanic landscape closely resembles the moon.
Researchers and engineers are planning for the space agency’s next trip to the moon. They returned to Oregon in the fall of 2021, testing new spacesuit technology.
‘The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human existence to the Moon and beyond prior to the first flight with crew on Artemis II.”
Big Obsidian Flow is the youngest lava flow in Oregon
Oregon Space Exploration Test Sites
The crew of about 10 people came to Oregon to test the new suits at some of those same sites, which includes Lava Butte, the Big Obsidian Lava Flow, Fort Rock and Hole in the Ground along the Outback Scenic Byway and the Yapoah Lava Flow at McKenzie Pass.
They also visited a number of new sites including Pumice Slope at Crater Lake National Park, the Painted Hills at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument along the Journey through Time Scenic Byway, the Skylight Cave and Little Nash Crater.
The reason Starlight Cave was chosen as a test site is because, for the first time ever, NASA is testing spacesuits designed specifically for caves exploration.
The suits are being designed to display GPS maps, show heart rates, respond to voice commands and assist with detailed image sampling. Exactly what you’d expect from a 21st century spacesuit.
Oregon has 29 designated Scenic Byways!
So, get in the car, take some pics, and reignite your soul. Quick note: please check for travel alerts, as well as the road and weather conditions. This free guide to Oregon scenic byways might come in really handy too.
Train for a space mission? Tread the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, where astronauts have trained to walk on the moon! This byway has more than 500-miles of volcanic highlights and, of course, many waterfalls.
- Travel the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway to Wilson Ranches Retreat and the abundant activities that await
Outdoor Activities
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a treasure of Earth’s history that covers the past 55 million years of time since the Dinosaurs died out and mammals took over the world.
Visit the Painted Hills: distinguished by varied stripes of red, tan, orange, and black, this area preserves a sequence of past climate change.
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.
