Tag Archives: central cascades

The videos of Travel Oregon’s Oregon, Only Slightly Exaggerated reveal whimsical scenes of enchanting forests, vineyards, rivers, mountains and more, and share with you that magical feeling of being in Oregon.

The captivating artwork has come to the real world, proudly hand-painted on walls in Oregon where the illustrations represent the destinations.  Let the Oregon Mural Trail inspire you to get outside and experience the wonders of each community.  Take photos of the murals and use the hashtag #OregonIsMagic in social posts to share the love.  And while you’re there, visit the landmarks and businesses that make these towns just so magical.

You’ll be charmed by nature and outdoor adventure in Oakridge, Oregon.  Nestled in a thickly forested Willamette Valley wonderland at the western foot of the Cascades and dubbed the “Mountain Bike Capital of the Northwest,” Oakridge has hundreds of miles of singletrack trails, many of which start and end in the city. There are also trails for hiking and horseback riding, plus excellent trout fishing for anglers. East of town, a short hike leads to Salt Creek Falls, Oregon’s second highest single-drop waterfall.  The bright red Office Covered Bridge is an iconic landmark.

A few weeks back we set out on a road trip, seeking waterfalls, geocaches, covered bridges and this mural, all along Hwy 58 outside of Eugene.  There are 20 covered bridges in Lane County, a county that has the distinction of possessing more covered bridges than any other county west of the Mississippi.  Only got to roadside waterfalls and geocaches but did find the 6 covered bridges on our way to Oakridge, including the Office Covered Bridge mentioned.  You could easily explore this area from C’est La Vie Bed and Breakfast in Eugene as your home base. Take a couple of days to discover all this lush part of Oregon has to offer.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share Oregon, its environment, culture, and heritage with you.  Get to know our State like a local. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a world class city experience, or a new spin on business travel,  you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance when staying at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Silver Falls State Park

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I asked our innkeepers to reveal a favorite hike near them.  The innkeepers at Bella Collina Bed and Breakfast shared their’s which just so happens to be a favorite, must see, Oregon State Park to many.  Not just a trail: miles and miles of trails.

Silver Falls State Park, an lovely day trip from Bella Collina and the Willamette Valley, is the second largest state park in Oregon and only 20 miles southeast of Salem, our state capital with 9,000+ acres that includes more than 24 miles of walking trails, 14 miles of horse trails, and a 4-mile bike path. The 8.7-mile Trail of Ten Falls runs along the banks of Silver Creek and has 4 walk behind falls.

North Falls is the third tallest waterfall within Silver Falls State Park. North Silver Creek is channeled through a narrow crack in the basaltic bedrock, from which it thunders 136 feet to the bottom of the canyon.

The Trail of Ten Falls is a 8.7-mile loop that passes behind four of Silver Falls State Park’s waterfalls, but the massive recess behind North Falls is especially unique.  The undercut cliff extends back from the falls for at least 100 feet, and the ceiling runs anywhere from 20 to perhaps as much as 75 feet above the trail as it passes behind the falls.

You can Chase Waterfalls with us by subscribing to this blog, follow us on Pinterest, and on our Facebook Page.  According to Wiki there are at least 238 waterfalls in Oregon!  I’m guessing even more than that.  Wouldn’t it be grand to witness the beauty of every one of them?  We’ve set out to find them all.  And when we do we’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Prospect Hotel

Easter Sunday Brunch and Dinner ~ Prospect Hotel and Dinner House

Do you have plans for your Easter Sunday Brunch or Dinner?  Why not join the innkeepers at the Prospect Hotel and Dinner House for a day full of good food and good fun?

Innkeepers will be serving up their traditional huge Brunch Buffet and the Dinner menu will include all your favorites.  There will be an Adult Easter Egg Hunt.  Come see what the Easter Bunny left for you!  Year after year this has become a favorite event and you might win a Dinner for Two in the Prospect Hotel Dinner House.

Reservations are required so please call 541-560-3664

The Prospect Historic Hotel/Motel and Dinner house was built in 1888 as a stagecoach stop halfway between the Rogue Valley and Crater lake.  This Nationally Registered Historic Hotel has been restored for full comfort while maintaining its charm.  Being the closest Bed and Breakfast to Crater Lake, only 28 miles away, the inn is a perfect home base while exploring Southern Oregon’s National Forests, Wilderness areas and BLM land, and the majestic Lake, of course.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share Oregon, its environment, culture, and heritage with you.  Get to know our State like a local. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a world class city experience, or a new spin on business travel,  you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance when staying at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Prospect Historic Hotel

Prospect Historic Hotel/Motel and Dinner House

The Prospect Historic Hotel/Motel and Dinner house was built in 1888 as a stagecoach stop halfway between the Rogue Valley and Crater lake.  This Nationally Registered Historic Hotel has been restored for full comfort while maintaining its charm.  Being the closest Bed and Breakfast to Crater Lake along the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway,  the inn is a perfect home base while exploring Southern Oregon’s National Forests, Wilderness areas and BLM land, and the majestic Lake, of course.

From the inn you can take a stroll to the Rogue River and three lovely waterfalls and to the Avenue of the Boulders, huge boulders thrown when Mt Mazama blew up 7000 years ago.  From the Prospect Hotel head out for the day to hike, bike, raft, fish, Cross Country Ski or snowshoe.  You get the picture: plenty to do from the Prospect Hotel.

Prospect Historic Hotel Bed and Breakfast Inn provides lodging in its 10 room, each with period furnishings and decorations, private baths and beautiful quilts on every bed.  Hearty belly filling breakfasts.  Stay where Teddy Roosevelt, Jack London, Zane Grey, John Muir, William Jennings Bryan, Gifford Pinchot and Hubert Humphrey slept. Relax in the sitting parlors, warming your toes at the fireplace and catch up on some local history from our collection of books.  Unwind on the wrap around Veranda with a glass of wine or a microbrew and a good book.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

McKenzie River Koosah Falls

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Koosah Falls on the McKenzie River

Koosah Falls is the second of the three major waterfalls of the McKenzie River and is just one mile downstream from Sahalie Falls. The word Koosah is a Chinook word meaning “sky”.  These falls were formed 3,000 years ago when lava flows formed the McKenzie River. The volume of the river greatly changes the appearance of the falls. During modest summer river flows, the falls appear as one or two segments, but during the peak of snowmelt, the river spreads across the whole ledge, becoming a 70 foot wide wall of ear-splitting roar.

You can Chase Waterfalls with us by subscribing to this blog, follow us on Pinterest, and on our Facebook Page.  According to Wiki there are at least 238 waterfalls in Oregon!  I’m guessing even more than that. Wouldn’t it be grand to witness the beauty of every one of them?  With 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge alone, we’ve set out to find them all plus those in the nearby Mt Hood National Forest, Washington and beyond. And when we do we’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

The McKenzie River Round House is an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn that can serve as your home base while chasing the waterfalls along the McKenzie River.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share Oregon, its environment, culture, and heritage with you.  Get to know our State like a local. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a world class city experience, or a new spin on business travel,  you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance when staying at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

McKenzie River Koosah Falls

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These Scenic rides/drives can be taking in your car or on your bike. Either way there is an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn where you can rest your tired bones at either end.  Plan either your two or 4-wheeled vacation in Oregon on one of Oregon’s Scenic Drives in the Central Cascades.

Oregon is the only state in the nation with a Scenic Bikeways program.  These routes were created, inspected, ridden and officially approved by Ride Oregon Ride and those cyclists who have made Oregon a bike friendly state at the head of the pack.

Fall foliage is amazing on these routes though Oregon Central Cascades and you’ll want to hit them before the first snows fall.  I’ve included links for both the McKenzie River Scenic Bikeway and the McKenzie Pass/Santiam Pass Scenic Byway.  Both allow you to start your journey in Sisters, Oregon, at the Long Hollow Ranch before heading over the McKenzie Pass to McKenzie River Round House.  Finish the 82 mile ride by taking the McKenzie Pass/Santiam Pass Scenic Byway back to Sisters.  Lava fields, snowcapped peaks and rushing rivers mark this 82-mile loop around two of Central Oregon’s Cascade Mountain passes.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Crater Lake Lodging

There’s still a month or so left to Hike Oregon.  Once the snow starts falling, bring out the XX Skis and snowshoes!  We invite you to Take a Hike near Crater Lake ~ one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders

Wizard Island:  To begin, check the park tour boat schedule and buy a ticket.  Hike down the rim on the trail to Cleetwood Cove then ride the boat to Wizard Island.  Hike to the 6,940-foot top of the island, which got its name for its resemblance to a wizard’s hat. Then ride the boat back to Cleetwood Cove and hike the steepest part of the outing back to your car.

Mount Scott:  The high point inside the park, is Oregon’s 10th highest mountain at 8,929 feet. It’s a relatively easy five-mile round trip hike, July to early October.

Godfrey Glen: An easy 1 mile loop through old growth hemlock and fir

Discovery Point: A meandering rim trail

Garfield Peak: This hike might leave you a bit breathless, the summit elevation being 8,054′. There are ample places to stop along the way, to rest and take in the view.

Annie Creek Canyon Trail: along the rim and into the surrounding forest and a unique geological feature

Boundary Spring: In the northwest part of the park, hike the short trail to see the headwaters of the Rogue River gush out of the ground.

The Prospect Historic Hotel-Motel and Dinner House is a Nationally Registered Historic Hotel that has restored for full comfort while maintaining its charm.  Being the Closest Bed and Breakfast to Crater Lake, only 28 miles away, the inn is a perfect home base while Hiking Near Crater Lake.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share Oregon, its Culinary Tourism and Geotourism, its environment, culture, and heritage with you.  Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our nearly 100 hosts in any one of our six regions.  Experience romantic getaways, historic treasures, and tucked away rustic retreats.  Whether your trip is for a quiet escape to a quaint rural or coastal town, taking in Oregon Geotourism, for a World Class City experience, or for a new spin on business travel, you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance by staying at an unique inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

West Cascades Scenic Byway

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The West Cascades Scenic Byway

‘The 220 mile West Cascades Scenic Byway runs north to south, skirting the northern half of Oregon’s Cascade Range and follows four great rivers through timeless forests, where you’ll discover adventure and renewal along the way.’

Time to start planning that Oregon Fall Road Trip. Oregon has more designated scenic byways and tour routes than any other state.  The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is the only State B&B Association of B&Bs and a welcoming inn awaits you as you travel the backroads.  I am presenting a series of blogs to assist you in creating create amazing getaways and tours in Oregon.  Thanks Travel Oregon for sharing this information.

‘A Scenic Alternative to the Freeway. Contrary to popular belief, cruise control on Interstate 5 is not the only way to travel between the Portland and Eugene areas. If you’re in no hurry, this journey through the colorful western Cascades makes getting there all the fun. Especially because, in addition to the open road, there are miles of rivers and trails to explore.’

Consider making this a two, or three, day trip.  Take your time and enjoy the fall colors, lush forests, and spectacular views of snow capped mountains.  Begin your journey after a hearty Northwest Breakfast at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild in the Portland area, travel south toward Sisters then finish up in Vida, Oregon, at the McKenzie River Round House.  Sections of this Scenic Byway are closed during the winter months so plan your trip before the snow falls.

You’ll travel past the beautiful blue waters of the Upper McKenzie as it tumbles over waterfalls and through lava flows. From the junction of US-20 to the junction with OR-126/242, it shares the route with the McKenzie Pass/Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

On the birding trail again.  This time on the Three Sisters Loop of the Oregon Cascade Birding Trail.  This loop is a bit south of the Mt. Jefferson Loop so you could spend a few days, using an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Inn as your home base to observe the region’s birds and spectacular scenery that is the Central Oregon Cascades.

At the heart of the Oregon Cascades lies the Three Sisters Wilderness, named for three 10,000-foot volcanic peaks.  The Three Sisters Loop traverses some of Oregon most stunning scenery with nearly 50 prime birding sites.  Eleven species of Woodpeckers nest the between Santiam and McKenzie Passes.  Hidden lakes and marshes are home to many species, including the yellow headed blackbird and the Western Meadowlark, Oregon’s state bird.

May we recommend Long Hollow Ranch, just minutes from downtown Sisters?  This working cattle ranch offers at home atmosphere with quiet and comfortable guest rooms.  Guests of Long Hollow Ranch can schedule a trail ride, with a horse suitable to their size and riding skills.  What better way to explore the mixed conifer forests, high desert rim rocks and diverse birding habitats?

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Oregon Birding

It’s that Time of Year again:  Time to follow the Spring Bird Migration

With the Spring Bird Migration about to begin it’s time to book your room, pack your binoculars and set out on your bird watching adventure to 7 superb Oregon Birding locations.  The state’s diverse and spectacular landscape provide varied habitats ranging from sandy beaches to verdant forests, from desert playas to alpine meadows. More than 500 species of birds call Oregon home year round or migrate through, sometimes stopping to nest.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has over 50 quality assured inns scattered throughout the state, each near a unique birding opportunity. Our innkeepers know the most favorable viewing areas and after providing a comfy bed, hearty breakfast and useful information, will send you off on an extraordinary birding adventure.  The Guild recognizes this popular activity and has dedicated a page to Birdwatching that includes inns where innkeepers can share the best observation sites and what you might expect to see.

1. Watch surfbirds and black oystercatchers scramble over rocky headlands along the Oregon Coast.

2. Explore the alpine meadows, picturesque lakes, mountain streams, and dense conifer forests of the Cascades in search of Lewis’s woodpecker and Clark’s nutcracker.  Listen to the song of hermit warblers among majestic pines framing the snowy volcanic peaks. Mt. Jefferson, Oregon’s second highest peak.

3/4. The murmur of thousands of snow geese will mesmerize as they settle to rest in the tule marshes of the Klamath Basin and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

5. Salem, is a leader in urban forestry, with tree-lined streets and 40 city parks and is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River so no wonder there are many birding sites in its backyard.

6. Supporting one of the highest concentrations of breeding hawks and eagles in North America, the Zumwalt Prairie in Eastern Oregon, is also home to falcons making this a haven for birds of prey and 17 species of grassland songbirds. The nearby Wallowa Lake has a wide variation in habitat and terrain drawing a large number of species.

7. The Mt. Hood Loop of the OCBT rises from the Columbia River to Mt. Hood and combines some of the best of the region’s birding with legendary Oregon scenery.  This loop traverses the Columbia River National Scenic Area and the Mt. Hood National Forest and visits 19 birding sites.

When your journey ends, your bags are unpacked, and you’re scrolling through your vacation photos you will reminisce on memories of great accommodations, food, conversation and of course birding in Oregon.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.