Oregon may only have one national park: the famous Crater Lake National Park. And did you know Crater Lake topped the list of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., complied by travel blog Travel Lens, ‘which scoured Google Reviews looking for the words “beautiful,” “stunning,” “breathtaking” and “gorgeous.”
Crater Lake – The Deepest Lake in the USA
With a depth of more than 1,900 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. Its setting, in a massive caldera atop the Cascades, and beauty makes the lake itself the major attraction. Surrounding the lake are thick evergreen forests and high alpine meadows filled with wildlife and unique fauna.
While visitors typically drive the 33 mile loop road around the lake, take the opportunity to park the car and hop on one of the three historic-looking trio passenger trolleys from The Crater Lake Trolly. Reservations are now open for the park ranger guided tours. Trollies will run July 1st through September, weather permitting.
There are 5 national park sites: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon Cave National Monument, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and the McLoughlin House, which is part off the for Vancouver National Historic Site.
Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon and only 20 miles southeast of Salem in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The 9,000+ acre park offers more than 35 miles of backcountry trails for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding.
suggested lodging: Willamette Valley bed and breakfasts
Erratic Rock State Natural Site
This 90-ton rock was deposited during an Ice Age flood. It floated over 500 miles in an iceberg 12,000 to 17,000 years ago, by way of the Columbia River. Follow the paved path to the Erratic Rock State Natural Site where you can visit a 90-ton rock that was deposited during an Ice Age flood. Bring your camera! There’s a commanding view of Yamhill County.
suggested lodging: Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Discover lush forests, wildlife and wildflowers in Tryon Creek State Natural Area, your oasis in Portland. Here you can explore 658 acres of second-growth forests, walk along the meandering Tryon Creek, and connect with the flora and fauna that call this special place home.
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Take a trip 40 million years into the past at the John Day Fossil Beds! These colorful rock formations are world-class record-keepers of Oregon’s prehistoric past
suggested lodging: Wilson Ranches Retreat
Landmark legislation enacted in 1967, known as the Oregon Beach Bill, established free and public access to all 363 miles of the Oregon coastline. This uniquely makes Oregon one of the few states to protect the public’s recreational use of coastal land. It’s why we call this special place “The People’s Coast“, one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon. So many State Parks, Beaches and State Recreations Sites.
suggested lodging: Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfasts
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.
Order Oregon Association of Independent Inns Gift Certificates Now. They are available in $50 increments and can be redeemed at any one of our member inns. With more than 20 member inns to choose from and an 18-month expiration period, recipients have ample time to redeem their stay at the inn that best suits their travel style.
Three Ways to Order Gift Certificates:
Order online. Don’t include your credit card information on that form. We will call you for payment information
E-mail info@obbg.org or call OBBG at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers. We’ll get back to you for the details: who will be the recipient of your thoughtful gift, acquire your payment method and shipping information. We’ll send them by mail, to either you or the recipient, with delivery confirmation. The recipient will have a great time getting away to a high-quality destination of their choice.
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.
