Tag Archives: central oregon

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Journey Through Time Scenic Byway; An Oregon Scenic Byway

Journey Through Time Scenic Byway reveals tales of pioneers, towns boomed and busted, and creatures that wandered this terrain million of years ago.  The Journey Through Time Scenic Byway stretches 266 miles through north central to eastern Oregon.  Beginning in the community of Biggs and ending in Baker City, this Byway meanders through ghost towns and small farming communities that bring to Old West to Life.

‘The ‘Wild and Scenic’ John Day River, North America’s second longest undammed river, parallels much of the route, offering excellent rafting, fishing, and camping.   Geology buffs, and anyone who’s curious about fossils, will take great pleasure in the interpretive trails at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.  The monument is made up of three units, one of which is the Painted Hills, recently labeled one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon.   Thanks to Travel Oregon for sharing this information.

It’s that time of year again.  Time to start planning that Oregon 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.

Wilson Ranches Retreat in Fossil, Oregon, a member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild provides the perfect accommodations when traveling the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.  The Ranch offers up true Oregon hospitality and an Old West Experience. Whether you start or end your Journey in Baker City, Baker City Blue Door Inn should be the inn of choice in Eastern Oregon.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share with you their version of Oregon Culinary Tourism and Geotourism.  Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our nearly 100 hosts in any one of our many 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 inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

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Ski Oregon and Stay at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast.

Ski Oregon, as it offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor winter recreation and the snow is piling up across the state.  Whether you are a skier, snowboarder, or looking for back-country trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, Oregon has it all. And after your day’s adventure, get pampered at a member inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Central and Eastern Oregon Bed and Breakfasts

Mt. Bachelor, one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest ski areas. Only 20 minutes from Bend, Mt. Bachelor offers world class skiing and snowboarding from November through May.

Ferguson Ridge is a community owned ski area located just 9 miles outside Joseph, Oregon.  Operated by the Eagle Cap Ski Club, Ferguson Ridge Ski Patrol, and the Enterprise-Joseph Lions Club, it’s completely run on heart-volunteers who want a community place to gather and play

Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfasts

From the Willamette Valley, the Willamette Pass Resort on Highway 58 offers big mountain skiing to a variety of skill levels. Seven lifts including the state’s only high-speed six passenger lift will take you to 360 degrees of alpine adventure.

Mt Hood Bed and Breakfasts 

Mt. Hood’s ski resorts provide downhill skiing and snowboarding, hiking, and cross country skiing.  Mt Hood Meadows is the largest ski resort on Mt. Hood! Enjoy 2150 acres of terrain with high speed express service with 5 high speed quads. Twelve chairlifts total and Snowcat access the greatest variety of terrain in the state of Oregon. Experts will revel in back-country skiing at Heather Canyon.

Timberline Ski Resort is the only ski area in North America that’s open 12 months of the year with up to 3,590 vertical feet.

Southern Oregon Bed and Breakfasts

From Mt. Ashland’s 7,533-foot summit, skiers and snowboarders ride a drop of 1,150 vertical feet. There is a remarkable terrain park, and the four chairlifts provide access to 23 trails as well as to open bowl skiing.

In Crater Lake National Park cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular. There are nine different skiing trails available, ranging in difficulty.

These are but a few of your Oregon winter sport options.  Many inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are within minutes of world class outdoor adventures.  Begin planning your Winter Ski Trip today with bed and breakfast accommodations at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast.

Thanks to Travel Oregon, who launched the Only Slightly Exaggerated campaign and showed the world that Oregon is unlike any other place in the spring and summer, but our state’s magic extends into the fall and winter, too.

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

Wilson Ranches Retreat

Wheeler County Central Oregon Events and Wilson Ranches Retreat

Wheeler County Events and Wilson Ranches Retreat for true Pioneer hospitality!  At the ranch enjoy scenic horseback rides, cattle drives, hiking and 4X4 sunset ranch tours on a 9,000 acre working cattle ranch. Close to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, bass fishing, river rafting, and golfing.

Wilson Ranches Retreat can be your home base when visiting Central Oregon and attending Wheeler County Events.

Wheeler County Bluegrass Festival (July 6,7 & 8, 2018)
The Wheeler County Bluegrass Festival has grown steadily over its history and is noted for its pleasant rural atmosphere. The Festival takes place in the old pioneer town of Fossil in front of the beautiful brick courthouse, now over 100 years old.

Fossil Cruz-In (July 7, 2018)
Bring your lawn chairs, relax and enjoy the car show and live music. Entries begin at 9:30am and close at 11:30am. Awards at approximately 3:30pm. $15 pre-registration; $20 day of show.

Wheeler County Fair and Rodeo (August 8-12, 2018)
A traditional small town, county fair complete with 4-H livestock exhibits, a parade, NPRA rodeo action, live music, and a whole lot of family friendly fun.

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 Outback Scenic Byway

Oregon Outback Scenic Byway ~ A View into Oregon’s Past and Dynamic High Desert Scenery

Oregon Outback Scenic BywayRecently we took a road trip on one of Oregon’s 26 Scenic Byways, Oregon Outback Scenic Byway.  This byway takes you through a slice of the Great Basin, an isolated diverse landscape, where lush green forests of the Oregon Cascades are replaced by sagebrush and stunning rock formations.

See striking evidence of mysterious rock formations left behind by volcanoes at Fort Rock.  The Abert Rim is a 30-mile-long fault escarpment, one of the nation’s longest and most continuous fault escarpment that rises more than 2,000 feet above the Byway.

Take a few minutes to stop at Picture Rock Pass, named for ancient Indian petroglyph-decorated rocks that are within walking distance of the highway.  I discovered these while seeking Geocache GC18MWG ‘Between Basins’.  Yes, I am a cacher and, as everywhere in Oregon,  there are plenty for you to hunt for.  Don’t miss Lakeview Geyser Earthcache GC23CK7, the Old Perpetual Geyser.

Picture Rock Pass offers panoramic views of the lakes and forests. Stunning Winter Rim divides forest and desert and as the Geocache ‘Between Basins’ suggests, ancient lake basins.  The Paisley Caves, discovered in the cliffs above the Great Basin, have revealed fossils and evidence of human habitation as long as 14,000 years ago.

We also took advantage of a soak in the mineral baths of Summer Lake Hot Springs.  You won’t want to miss that.

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.

Long Hollow Ranch

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Long Hollow Ranch ~ An Historic Ranch in Central Oregon

Long Hollow Ranch, a unique ranch stay in one of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild‘s member inns, offers an at home atmosphere perfect for every season of the year. Join the innkeepers and ranch hands for a year round bed and breakfast/dude ranch experience. Off season weather can be unpredictable and capricious, so outdoor activities may be limited, but the ranch houses are quiet and comfortable – A Perfect Getaway!

Whether you are planning a simple birthday dinner for a family member or a week long retreat for the team, small groups and events are always welcome.

Your day starts with a delicious and satisfying hot Oregon slow food style breakfast, a culinary treat.  Hot and cold beverages are available and guests have access to a refrigerator and microwave.

Most Long Hollow Ranch buildings date back to the early twentieth century. During their stay at this historic Ranch guests can enjoy the outdoor hot tub, sit in the shade on the wrap around porch, enjoy drinks on the patio or play a variety of yard games. Inside the Ranch House, guests enjoy table games, reading, playing the piano or just having good conversation in the public living and dining room areas.

Plan a romantic weekend getaway or a spectacular Oregon Bed and Breakfast Ranch vacation experience in Oregon’s Central High Desert.

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.

Mt Jefferson Loop

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

The Mt Jefferson Loop of the Oregon Cascades will be a great place to start your Birding adventures in Oregon.  The spring bird migration has begun and it’s time to choose a member inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild as your home base when exploring the Mt. Jefferson Loop of the Oregon Cascades Birding Trails.

The largest town in central Oregon, Bend is a popular destination for both summer and winter travelers, with many lodging options.  The summer offers rafting on the Deschutes River, miles of biking and hiking trails, perfect for picnics and birdwatching.

Mt. Jefferson, Oregon’s second highest peak, is bordered by dry sagebrush and juniper flats and dense forested corridors.   Harlequin Duck reaches it highest density here and the high mountain lakes host typically east-side species.  You’ll find bird-rich riparian zones along major rivers like the Metolius and Deschutes.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild can help you navigate to the bird-rich trails of the Oregon Cascades Birding Trails near Sisters and Bend 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.

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.

Wilson Ranches Retreat

Welcome, Partner, to Wilson Ranches Retreat

At Wilson Ranches Retreat, your hosts, Phil and Nancy Wilson, 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 and Nancy 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.

windmills of sherman county

Windmills of Sherman County GC1X205

The Windmills of Sherman County, GC1X205, is a geocache with expansive views of Oregon’s Windfarms.  Head east on I-84 out of Portland, through the Columbia River Gorge, where the spectacular river canyon opens up to the rolling high desert wheat fields of the Columbia Basin.  It is stunning, big skies and vast views.  Rock formations left over from the Ice Age Missoula Floods, floods that shaped the landscape and the Columbia River Gorge.  And wind, sometimes gentle but often times strong.  The perfect place for hundreds of wind turbines.  Oregon’s goal:  to capture 20% of our energy needs from the wind.

Traveling south off the Interstate into the heart of Oregon, along the John Day River, be sure to explore the three units of the John Day Fossil Bed National Monument.   Take a Journey through Time on a scenic byway into ancient Oregon where paleontological research is ongoing.  Millions of years ago the west coast states, Oregon, Washington, and California were sea beds and the fossils discovered throughout the monument are evidence to that.

Plan your road trip around an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Member Inns located 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.