Tag Archives: central cascades

McKenzie River Koosah Falls

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Koosah Falls on the McKenzie River

Koosah FallsKoosah Falls (#47 on the Oregon Trail of Waterfalls map) 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.

Our Chasing Waterfalls and Oregon Waterfall Wednesdays series continues. According to Northwest Waterfall Survey there are well over 1000 waterfalls in Oregon! We’ve set out to witness the beauty of as many as we can. We’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

You can Chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following our Pinterest and Facebook pages. And in the Willamette Valley you can spend your entire day doing nothing. Relax on a comfortable front porch at one of 14 bed and breakfasts or in their gardens. Or head out on a day trip to explore the lush McKenzie River, located among old growth forest, waterfalls, mosses, ferns and brilliant blue pools of water.

Oregon B&Bs Draw Doodle Map of Must-See State Waterfalls for Socially-Distant Adventures

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is excited to announce the new Oregon waterfalls map, a beautiful, limited edition, double-sided map. The huge piece of art measuring 24-inches across and 18-inch down will be carefully folded and mailed free-of-charge to travelers upon request, while supplies last.

Where to Stay. What to Do. Where to Eat. Where to Play

We’ve included where to stay, things to do in Oregon, where to eat, even where to play the famed Oregon Trail game. The best part – you can get your map FREE! Here’s how: Submit your mailing address and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild will put your free map in the mail today. In a rush (or live outside of the U.S. or Canada)? View a digital, clickable, version here right now

The map also highlights various bits of information, like the many Oregon food trails and pods, Instagram-worthy drives, popular in-state movie spots, and scenic bikeways.

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.

Hospitality Update: With guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon will again require masks in some outdoor public spaces and all indoor public spaces, that includes the inns of the Oregon B&B Guild. This measure is intended to slow the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant and went into effect Friday, Aug. 13. 

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of the CDC. Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Benham Falls Oregon

Tumalo Falls outside of Bend, Oregon
Tumalo Falls (#53 on the Oregon Trail of Waterfalls map)  is both the tallest, 89 feet, and most impressive waterfall along Tumalo Creek – as well as one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the vicinity of Bend.

Chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following the Pinterest and Facebook pages of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Oregon B&Bs Draw Doodle Map of Must-See State Waterfalls for Socially-Distant Adventures

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has created an Oregon waterfalls map, a beautiful, limited edition, double-sided map. The huge piece of art measuring 24-inches across and 18-inch down will be carefully folded and mailed free-of-charge to travelers upon request, while supplies last.

Where to Stay. What to Do. Where to Eat. Where to Play

We’ve included where to stay, things to do in Oregon, where to eat, even where to play the famed Oregon Trail game. The best part – you can get your map FREE! Here’s how: Submit your mailing address and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild will put your free map in the mail today. In a rush (or live outside of the U.S. or Canada)? View a digital, clickable, version here right now

The map also highlights various bits of information, like the many Oregon food trails and pods, Instagram-worthy drives, popular in-state movie spots, and scenic bikeways.

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.

Hospitality Update: With guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon will again require masks in all indoor public spaces, that includes the inns of the Oregon B&B Guild. This measure is intended to slow the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant and went into effect Friday, Aug. 13. 

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of the CDC. Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

7 Wonderful Hikes near Crater Lake

7 Wonderful Hikes near Crater Lake ~ one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders

The snow is melting, the weather is warming, and the wildflowers are on their to the higher elevations meadows. Summer in the Oregon Mountains is right around the corner!  We invite you to Take a Hike near Crater Lake ~ one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders

7 Wonderful HikesPlaikni Falls Trail is a 2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Crater Lake, Oregon that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October.

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

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.

Barr Creek Falls Viewpoint and Mill Creek Falls Trail is a 1.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Prospect, Oregon.

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.

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.

Hospitality Update: Things are looking up. As of this morning Oregon is 71,522 people away from 70% vaccinated. The CDC has lifted the mask mandate and each Oregon county, depending on its vaccination and case numbers, will adjust their regulations accordingly. Oregonians and our guests who are fully vaccinated may no longer need to wear masks or social distance in most public spaces. 

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of our individual counties and businesses. While it’s almost safe enough to climb aboard that travel train it’s still a little scary but we’re ready when you are! Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Silver Falls State Park

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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.

silver-falls-state-park-in-the-central-cascadesThe Trail of Ten Falls is a 7.2-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.

According to Northwest Waterfall Survey there are well over 1000 waterfalls in Oregon! We’ve set out to witness the beauty of as many as we can. We’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

Chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following the Pinterest and Facebook pages of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

In the Willamette Valley you can spend your entire day doing nothing. Relax on a comfortable front porch at one of 14 bed and breakfasts or in their gardens. Or head out on a day trip Silver Falls State Park, the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system.

Oregon B&Bs Draw Doodle Map of Must-See State Waterfalls for Socially-Distant Adventures

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is putting pen to paper to draw a doodle map and encourage you to fill your tanks, hit the road, and seize the summer – one waterfall at a time.

The Oregon Trail of Waterfalls, as it will be called, will be a beautiful, limited edition, double-sided map. The huge piece of art measuring 24-inches across and 18-inch down will be carefully folded and mailed free-of-charge to travelers upon request, while supplies last.

The map will also highlight various bits of information, like the many Oregon food trails and pods, Instagram-worthy drives, popular in-state movie spots, and scenic bikeways.

Watch this space for the map release is coming soon. Or if you’d like to request one hot off the press email us at info@obbg.org to get on our mailing list.

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.

Hospitality Update: Things are looking up. The CDC has lifted the mask mandate and Oregon will be following this guidance, which applies to fully vaccinated individuals. That means Oregonians and our guests who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or social distance in most public spaces.

Let’s all be respectful and safe. While it’s safe enough to climb aboard that travel train it’s still a little scary but we’re ready when you are! Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

McKenzie River Valley

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Sahalie Falls, is the first and tallest of three waterfalls on the roaring McKenzie River.

‘The falls plunge a sheer 73 feet over an overhanging exposure of basalt into a huge basin which captures the mist ejected from the falls and turns it into a hurricane directed straight at the viewpoints for the falls just downstream’. Sahalie is a Chinook jargon word meaning “high”.

Sahalie Falls

Our Chasing Waterfalls and Oregon Waterfall Wednesdays series continues. According to Northwest Waterfall Survey there are well over 1000 waterfalls in Oregon! We’ve set out to witness the beauty of as many as we can. We’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

You can Chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following our Pinterest and Facebook pages.

In the Willamette Valley you can spend your entire day doing nothing. Relax on a comfortable front porch at one of 14 bed and breakfasts or in their gardens. Or head out on a day trip to explore the lush McKenzie River, located among old growth forest, waterfalls, mosses, ferns and brilliant blue pools of water.

Oregon B&Bs Draw Doodle Map of Must-See State Waterfalls for Socially-Distant Adventures

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is putting pen to paper to draw a doodle map and encourage you to fill your tanks, hit the road, and seize the summer – one waterfall at a time.

The Oregon Trail of Waterfalls, as it will be called, will be a beautiful, limited edition, double-sided map. The huge piece of art measuring 24-inches across and 18-inch down will be carefully folded and mailed free-of-charge to travelers upon request, while supplies last.

The map will also highlight various bits of information, like the many Oregon food trails and pods, Instagram-worthy drives, popular in-state movie spots, and scenic bikeways.

Watch this space for the map release is coming soon. Or if you’d like to request one hot off the press email us at info@obbg.org to get on our mailing list.

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.

Hospitality Update: Things are looking up. The CDC has lifted the mask mandate and Oregon will be following this guidance, which applies to fully vaccinated individuals. That means Oregonians and our guests who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or social distance in most public spaces.

Let’s all be respectful and safe. While it’s almost safe enough to climb aboard that travel train it’s still a little scary but we’re ready when you are! Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Wilson Ranches Retreat

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Welcome, Partner, to Wilson Ranches Retreat

Wilson Ranches RetreatAt Wilson Ranches Retreat, your hosts, the Wilson Family, are fifth generation Oregonians, whose families homesteaded in Wheeler and Gilliam Counties over 100 years ago. A 9,000 acre working cattle and dude ranch takes you off the beaten track to a rustic hideout, located in the beautiful Butte Creek Valley three miles West of Fossil, Oregon off Highway 19.

Although the ranch has been running for over 100 years the Wilson’s opened the farmhouse to B&B guests 15 years ago. Breakfast with the Wilson’s is about much more than just good food and nourishment, it is truly a unique dining experience. Phil Wilson, his daughter Kara, and his extended family sit down with the guests and share about ranch life, local history, and the funny and serious sides of rural living. Whatever the topic at the breakfast table, expect the conversation to be intelligent, informed and often humorous. You are likely to have a large helping of fun and laughter with Phil’s stories

Let your inner Cowboy or Cowgirl out!

Visit Wilson Ranches Retreat for an authentic Ranch experience.  Not the riding type?  Not a problem.  Sit under the cottonwoods, sipping lemonade while the rest of your party is out ‘working’! But you might want to join in. There may be an inner cowhand you’ve never even met!

This incredible, secluded scenic Oregon Lodging Ranch with spectacular sunsets and brilliant star-studded nights will captivate you. Enjoy horseback riding in a geologically and historically rich area with a magnificent view of the Cascade Mountain Range or a quiet hike to view the wildlife and diverse flora and fauna on Wilson Ranches Dude Ranch. Wheeler County is home of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and has the richest find of prehistoric fossils in the world.

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.

Hospitality Update: Things are looking up. The CDC has lifted the mask mandate and Oregon will be following this guidance, which applies to fully vaccinated individuals. That means Oregonians and our guests who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or social distance in most public spaces.

Let’s all be respectful and safe. While it’s almost safe enough to climb aboard that travel train it’s still a little scary but we’re ready when you are! Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

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.

So Peaceful. The Prospect Hotel, while truly being the ideal base for day tripping Crater Lake, is also a wonderful experience all in itself.’ a TripAdvisor contributor

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.

Hospitality Update: We all may be a little rusty, and a little leery, on planning trips just yet. And while it’s almost safe enough to climb aboard that travel train, we’re ready when you are! Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe and welcome you back. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway ~ Take Two

We explored the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway in two trips. First one, after attending a conference in Ashland, Oregon, we choose to head home via the Rogue River section of the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway. Due to a very snowy winter we were unable to explore as much as we’d like. Another trip we explored the Umpqua River leg of this incredibly scenic byway through the Oregon Cascades. Read about that in a previous post.

From Ashland: We caught Hwy 62 at Medford, Oregon, and headed east toward Prospect and the Historic Hotel and Dinner House where we planned to stay the night. The route ascends into the Rogue River canyon, into old-growth firs and lava flows. First stop, Butte Falls and then we traveled Butte Falls – Prospect Road to Prospect. Spent the night in The Prospect Hotel’s motel units as we were traveling with our dog. Next morning we explored the beauty surrounding the Prospect Hotel, a few waterfalls, geocaches, roaring rivers and creeks.

Said goodbye to Fred and Karen and continued travel on Hwy 62 toward Chiloquin. Stopped at the observation platform overlooking the Rogue Gorge, a collapsed lava tube where the river now courses through a 25-foot-wide, 40-foot-deep chasm or the Natural Bridge interpretive site that explains how the river disappears through an underground lava tube, forming a land bridge. Had a nice lunch at Becky’s Cafe in Union Creek. Unfortunately, there were a few more waterfalls we just couldn’t get into with the feet of snow. We’ll be back.

Prospect Historic Hotel and Dinner House is Crater Lake’s closest full service town and would be a perfect spot to refuel the body and soul while exploring Crater Lake and the Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway.  Built in 1888 as a stagecoach stop half-way between the Rogue Valley and Crater Lake, this Nationally Registered Historic Hotel has been restored to all of its glory. After a hearty breakfast set off to enjoy this breathtaking tour through the thickly forested southern Cascades.

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.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, when you’re ready to travel again. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

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 Portland or the Willamette Valley. The McKenzie River Round House would be a good mid way choice. Sections of this Scenic Byway are closed during the winter months so plan your trip before the snow falls. The West Cascades Scenic Byway ends in Oakridge Oregon and we suggest ending your day at C’est la Vie Inn in Eugene.

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.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. 

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 40 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.