Tag Archives: central cascades

McKenzie River Koosah Falls

3 Comments
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

3 Comments

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 inns along the McKenzie River. 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

1 Comment
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.

Silver Falls State Park

1 Comment

Silver Falls State Park just outside of Silverton, Oregon and 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.

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.

McKenzie River Round House

McKenzie River Round House sits on a forested 4 acre bluff with stunning views overlooking the McKenzie River

McKenzie River Round House is a mid century modern ‘ustonian‘ style home.  I had to look the term ustonian up.  In the early 1900s, there was talk of calling the United States “U-S-O-N-A” to differentiate America from the new Union of South Africa that had just been established.  Years later, after the Great Depression, Wright took that term and applied it to his new style of homes, while in an attempt to create affordable housing for middle income families.  Using organic architecture Wright fulfilled his vision by including it in every aspect of his homes.  McKenzie River Round House would appear to have come up from the ground and into the fresh air and sunshine, or in Mr Wright’s own words: “out of the ground and into the light!

The three spacious guest rooms at McKenzie River Round House, each with a private bath, are filled with brilliant light and all the amenities to create a comfortable, relaxing retreat.  Views of the surrounding forest and river await and the local handcrafted lavender soap is the innkeeper’s gift to you.  And of course the highlight of your stay at any reputable bed and breakfast, a delightful breakfast is included.

McKenzie River Round House can be your home base when exploring the McKenzie River area.   By car or bike take the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway or Byway or the Over the Rivers and Through the Woods Scenic Byway.   Hike the McKenzie River Trail from one McKenzie River Waterfall to the next. Or perhaps:

  • Float the McKenzie River on a famous McKenzie River Drift Boat
  • Fly Fish with or without a guide
  • Soak at Terrilliger Hot Spring
  • Take a Horseback Ride
  • Golf Tokatee
  • Take a rowboat out on Clear Lake

Never a shortage of things to do from the McKenzie River Round House, located about 35 – 40 minutes from Eugene and the Willamette Valley and about an 1½ hours from Sisters in Central 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.

McKenzie River Valley

Imagine Festivities in the McKenzie River Valley

The McKenzie River Valley and the nearby member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild invite you to visit the McKenzie River this summer for festivals, events and outdoor adventure.

McKenzie River Lavender Farm invites you to their Lavender Farm Open House and Festival July 7-9.  This event is a small piece of The Oregon Lavender Farm Tour presented by the Oregon Lavender Association, featuring statewide lavender events held the second weekend July. There’ll be arts & crafts, music, food, kids fun, and blooming lavender ready for u-cut lavender, lavender plants, and lavender lemonade and treats. Local artisans will be selling handcrafted skin care products, unique jewelry, soft woven scarves and more.

Chainsaw Art Festival being held at the McKenzie Community Track and Field venue in Blue River, July 21 – 23 have arts & crafts, chainsaw art, food, family activities, and a health fair.

Imagine yourself enjoying the many summer activities along the Wild and Scenic McKenzie River and nearby Willamette National Forest.  Wake up to a sumptuous breakfast at one of our inns before heading out to explore the McKenzie River Valley:

The Innkeepers along the McKenzie River at McKenzie River Round House will be glad to suggest day trips and adventures while visiting this stunning piece of 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.

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.

You might want to reserve your spot at one of their festive yearly events:

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.