Tag Archives: columbia river gorge

December is National Pear Month

Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy

A Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy made with famous Hood River Valley Pears. The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in the Hood River Valley, the largest pear growing region in the nation. Many of our growers have cold storage units where we can pick up fresh pears almost all year round. This Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy has become a guest favorite.

Fruit Filling:

1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbs cornstarch
Pinch of fine sea salt
4 large pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 Tbs lemon juic
1 dry pint raspberries, fresh or frozen
1 Tbs cold butter, cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 400°. Butter 4 small ramekins.
Fruit Filling: Rub the sugar, cornstarch and salt together in a large bowl, add pears and lemon juice and toss until evenly coated. Gently fold in raspberries and divide into ramekins. Dot with butter.

Biscuit:
1 3/4 cup flour
3 TBS plus 1 TBS sugar
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp fine salt
10 TBS cold butter
1/3 cup chopped candied ginger
2/3 cup plus 1 TBS cold buttermilk

Biscuit: Whisk together flour, 3 TBS sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until the size of peas. Stir in the Candied ginger, pour in the 2/3 cup buttermilk and stir until the dry ingredients are moistened. The dough will be crumbly, with large pieces of butter still visible. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board and gently press the dough together. Divide into four pieces and place atop the fruit. Brush the dough with the remaining buttermilk and sprinkle with remaining sugar.

Bake in the lower third of the oven for 30 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350° and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the juices are bubbly and thick. Allow to cool a bit before serving.

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.

Plum Upside Down Buttermilk Cake

The Hood River Valley fall harvest is in full swing. This Upside Down Cake has been well received by guests at the breakfast table of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, a member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Old Parkdale Inn Plum Upside Down Buttermilk Cake

Place 1/4 cup butter in 8″ round baking pan and place in an oven preheating to 400º until melted. While it heats prepare about 10 plums by slicing them into wedges, getting about 8-10 wedges per plum. When the butter has melted swirl it around the pan. I use a pastry brush to make sure the sides are buttered too. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar, mix it well into the butter then arrange the plum wedges in rays around the pan.

Buttermilk Cake Butter:
1 cup flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ stick of butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
½ cup buttermilk
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla extract

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and set aside.  In another bowl, cream the butter and ¾ cup of sugar together, then add the vanilla extract, egg and buttermilk and whisk till smooth. Add to flour mixture. Stir until just combined. Scrape the buttermilk cake batter onto the plum slices and smooth. Bake for around 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto serving platter. We’ve been serving this Oregon Culinary Delight slightly warm with a dab of Greek yogurt and some sliced fresh plums as garnish

The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is mid way between Hood River, the Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood and is a unique inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  The inn, with Pacific Northwest decor, is at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood in the bountiful Hood River Valley, Parkdale, Oregon. The perfect base for outdoor adventure or a quiet retreat.

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.

Drop Dead Savings

Drop Dead Savings have been extended through November 18

Drop Dead Savings are back at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast. We invite you to Stay two nights, mid-week in October at the Old Parkdale Inn and take 20% off your room rate. Any room, midweek, Sunday through Thursday at the Old Parkdale Inn that comes with our hearty Northwest Breakfast, of course.

Covid Safety Protocols in Place

With the surge in the Delta Virus we’re all in a serious battle with this virus. The Old Parkdale Inn made the decision to be part of the solution and have gone back to modified early pandemic protocol. They’ve blocked one room through 2021, leaving only our two suites, Douglas Fir and Chinook available. They’ll be staggering breakfast times and giving the option for breakfast in your suite, at the dining room table or outside, weather permitting of course. Because they have one less room available we’ve extended this deal into November so that you all get a chance to get some Drop Dead Savings.

Less crowds during the week

The Hood River Valley is a spectacular place to visit in the Fall. Tour the valley and stop in at the fruit stands, family farms, lavender farms, and wineries on the Fruit Loop. Less crowds during the week. More apples and pears for you to taste and take home. The Mt Hood National Forest is just minutes away where the awesome fall foliage has begun to put on a show. A little bit later in the month, after the harvest is in, the acres and acres of fruit trees begin to turn. Or you may just want to relax in our gardens, a throw over your lap, watching the family of quail that have called our garden home this summer. These savings come once a year.

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.

Wildfire and Air Quality Update: While the wildfires burning across Oregon are not completely extinguished they’re under control and cooler temperatures, good, strong onshore flow and most importantly, some measurable rain will help flush out the atmosphere, get rid of the last of the wildfire smoke. And the harvest of Pumpkins, Pinots and Pears will go on.

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. We know Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

Start Planning Your Oregon Vacation

Say farewell to summer in Parkdale, Oregon. Plan your end of summer escape that includes a stay at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast.

East Gorge Food Trail: This trail boasts many family-owned farms and family experiences, like orchard u-pick, canneries, and farm-to-table dining. You’ll also find crafted cider, beer, and wine on your route. You can also enjoy this trail car free! Stay at the Old Parkdale Inn

Where to Stay in Mount Hood

Old Parkdale Inn: Location! Location! Location! The Hood River Fruit Loop is located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood offers you a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Outdoor adventures such as kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snowboarding, biking and hiking await. Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, and Timberline Ski areas are only a short drive away, as is the vast Mt. Hood National Forest where trails and wildlife abound.

Tour the Hood River County Fruit Loop

It’s harvest time in the Hood River Valley. Thousands of acres of apples and pears at both u-pick, we pick and commercial family farms. Hood River County Fruit Loop, a scenic 35-mile driving tour through the scenic Hood River Valley, past fruit stands, family farms, and wineries.

Oregon Trail: Follow the steps of pioneers.

Head to the Historic Barlow Road and see a replica of the old tollgate between mileposts 44 and 45 in Rhododendron. This is where pioneers had to pay $5 to cross. You’ll can also see the Laurel Hill Chute, a vertical area where settlers lowered their wagons.

Head to the Mt Hood National Forest and take a dip in Trillium Lake, a popular place to cool off that offers spectacular views of Oregon’s highest point, Mt. Hood.

Visit the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum. The museum tells the history of skiing, snowboarding, and early days of Mt. Hood. Make times to peruse the Mt. Hood Gallery, which includes an interactive 3D mountain model, a unique exhibit on the evolution of skiing at Mt Hood, and a miniature replica of a fire lookout.

Cycling the Hood River County Fruit Loop

Cycling the Hood River Valley and its quiet back roads, opens up a world of gorgeous scenery, handcrafted beers and ciders, farm stands, museums, and wineries. A network of excellent cycling roads winds through the valleys fruit orchards. In the spring, be witness to an explosion of cherry, pear and apple blossoms. Summer finds the early summer fruits, warm days and cool nights. In the fall bask in the splendor of fall foliage and an amazing Oregon harvest.

Chase a Waterfalls in Mount Hood or Near the Old Parkdale Inn

Tamanawas Falls are amazing at 100 feet high and 40 feet wide. The trailhead footbridge is the midpoint of a 8-mile stretch of the East Fork of the Hood River hosting nesting Harlequin Ducks. Belted Kingfisher are common but it’s the songbirds you’re likely to remember long after they’ve sung their tunes. The trailhead is only 9-miles from the Old Parkdale Inn.

Ramona Falls: This shaded waterfall is in a forest along the Pacific Crest Trail on the upper Sandy River — on the west side of Mount Hood. The falls are about 120 feet tall, consisting of a wall of cascades.

oregon cascade waterfalls

Little Zig Zag River Falls (W19): One of Oregon’s hidden gems. A picturesque stream leads to a photogenic waterfall on this family-friendly trail; complete with a picnic table at the very start. It couldn’t be more perfect.

Pencil Falls (W21): This glacier-fed waterfall is in the alpine area of Mount Hood Meadows. A small path leads to a great viewing.

Upper Heather Canyon Falls (W22): Where the Timberline Trail crosses Heather Creek, is thought to be one of the most scenic areas of Mount Hood. In Heather Canyon a series of waterfalls tumbles beneath this trail.

Umbrella Falls (W23): This popular and family-friendly waterfall is accessible from scenic hiking trails. Look up! You’ll see a chair lift too. Click here to read all about the hike.

White River Falls (W33): The waterfall is the main focus of the White River Falls State Park and for good reason — the scenic White River plunges 90-feet from a basalt shelf. It’s been written up in many books too, see the titles here.

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.

4 Reasons to Love Oregon Wine

Things to do in the Willamette Valley
  • A world famous wine country that offers 440 wineries, producing award-winning Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling using the grapes from 647 vineyards in the region
  • Organic farms providing livestock and produce for fine dining at area restaurants
  • Several craft breweries, cideries, meaderies & distilleries
  • An active arts culture & museums can be found throughout the region
  • Scenic drives & biking routes that connect it all on back roads and through covered bridges
Where to grab lunch in the Willamette Valley

Red Hills Market – This is a great stop for coffee and espresso drinks and our favorite pizza spot, they also have great sandwiches, salads, and cookies

Community Plate – ‘We love the healthy and vegetarian-friendly options at this upbeat, family-owned cafe. It serves American breakfast and lunch classics, plus beer, wine and cocktails. And it’s a favorite among the locals’, say the innkeepers at A’ Tuscan Estate Bed and Breakfast in McMinnville.

Where to Eat Dinner in the Willamette Valley

‘We also love the Joel Palmer House in Dayton. Chef Chris works hard to source local, unique, even rare, foods. He artfully prepares each dish, for a great presentation, and they’re served by his excellent service team’, per the innkeepers at The DreamGiver’s Inn. The restaurant has developed a following for its mushroom cuisine.

The Painted Lady is a special dining experience offering 8-course prix fixe meal in a beautiful refurbished Victorian home. Rosmarino Osteria Italiana is a fine dining restaurant with an exciting, entertainer of a chef. So dining here is another experience that we love and guests love. Plus you get awesome, Northern Italian family recipes, per the innkeepers at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast.

Things to Do in in the Willamette Valley

Like most other wine regions, great wines have drawn great restaurants, and there are dozens in the Valley along with many fine Bed and Breakfasts

The Willamette Valley extends from Portland south to Eugene, and from the Coast Range to the Cascades, although 99% of the wine grapes grown in the valley are on the west side of the Willamette River.  There are more than 500 wineries in the Valley and as many vineyards, growing pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot blanc, riesling, and lesser known varietals.

Newberg is in the Willamette Wine Valley and home to two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards. There are nearly 700 wineries in the area! There are 100-wineries alone within 20-minutes from Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast. And all the wine tasting rooms in downtown Newberg are a great way to taste the wine, explore the eateries, and shop local.

Get an appointment with Beckham Family Vineyards in Sherwood. You can taste their excellent wines and learn about aging Pinot Noir in jars of clay.

Cozy up at the 99W Drive-In movie theater, weather-permitting, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. There are only three remaining drive-in movie theaters in Oregon. This one has been in operation since 1953.

The Chehalem Cultural Center offers a look at Oregon’s history as well as the work of emerging local artists. Music and events happen all year long offering locals and tourists a great community locale to immerse in local culture.

There are many museums and other attractions such as Evergreen Air Museum in McMinnville, End of the Oregon Trail Museum in Oregon City (until it reopens, enjoy its digital content online), etc.

Visit 36 HOURS IN OREGON – WHAT TO SEE, DO, EAT AND WHERE TO STAY for so much more

Oregon Bird Watching in the Willamette Valley

There is an amazing wildlife show at these three Oregon wildlife refuges. Oregon Bird Watching is amazing. Especially this time of year when activity along the major flyways increase.

Visit a Hops Farm

Once known as the ‘Hops Capital of the World’ from the late 1890’s to the 1940’s, Independence, Oregon is located twelve miles southwest of Salem. You’ll still find acres of hops growing in the area. A few miles south of Independence is the 42 acres Hop Farm for Rogue Brewery and the Rogue Farms Chatoe Tasting Room.

Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum – home of the Spruce Goose, the largest wooden airplane ever constructed. This aviation museum in McMinnville also has the Hughes H-4 Hercules and more than fifty military and civilian aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and spacecraft.

Miller Woods Conservatory Area has several great hiking trails of varying length and difficulty.

McMinnville Farmer’s Market is a must for fresh, local, fruits and veggies. It’s open on Thursdays from 12 to 6 p, May – October.

Visit 36 HOURS IN OREGON – WHAT TO SEE, DO, EAT AND WHERE TO STAY for so much more

Best Waterfalls near the Willamette Valley

The Multnomah Falls are a group of absolutely stunning waterfalls. They’re a short drive up the Columbia River Gorge. Ask your innkeeper for must-see destinations off the beaten path!

Silver Falls State Park – 10 waterfalls in over 8 miles, several that you can walk behind and get some waterfall mist on your face.

Where to Stay in the Willamette Valley

In the Willamette Valley you can spend your entire day doing nothing. or doing all of the above. Relax on a comfortable front porch at one of 14 bed and breakfasts or in their gardens.

Visit 36 HOURS IN OREGON – WHAT TO SEE, DO, EAT AND WHERE TO STAY for so much more

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.

Start Planning Your Oregon Vacation

Oh, but just a few Things to do in Oregon’s Mt Hood and Columbia Gorge Region

Chase a waterfall or two or three

For the Best Oregon Waterfalls with spectacular Wildflower Bloom start at the Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort parking lot, take the service road up to Upper Heather Canyon Falls (#22) then hike the Timberline Trail past Pencil Falls (#21) and back down to the lodge. The wildflowers were amazing. The views were stunning. Take a bit off your mileage with a ride on the Stadium chair lift for trail access.

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

Hike or bike the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. Sixty-eight of the original 73 miles of the Historic Columbia River Highway are now open to travel either by motor vehicle, foot and bicycle. Work has begun on the last 5 miles needed to complete the connection and the groundbreaking for that section.

Traversing between Hood River and Mosier, the five mile section of the Historic Columbia River Highway passes through the Twin Tunnels and two climate zones. Being closed to auto traffic is an amazing trail for hikers, bikers, rollerbladers, anyone human powered.

Drive and graze along the Hood River County Fruit Loop

Spend a glorious Fall afternoon on The Loop seeking out your favorite fruit or fruit concoction. The summer harvest will end around the middle of October, but in its place you will find a array of apples, pears and vegetables through the fall and enough choices from both seasons to satisfy, and if you enjoy picking your own fruit, U-pick is available at a few orchards. Your Farm to Table feasts begins here.

Hike and Bike the Valley and the Mt Hood National Forest

We welcome cyclists of all terrains to the Hood River Valley and the Mt Hood National Forest. Hood River County caters to road cyclists and mountain bikers alike. You can ride scenic roadways and single track all in one weekend. Road cyclists often head east along the Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail, and continue along the Historic Columbia River highway to the scenic overlook at Rowena Crest.

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 updated mask wearing protocol and some inns may still be requiring masks to be worn in some situations. Please check with individual B&Bs to inquire about their specific policies. 

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of our individual counties, inns and businesses. 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.

Winter Birding Southern Oregon

Best Oregon waterfalls for bird-lovers

Bring out the hiking boots and binoculars, pack your bags and begin your Oregon waterfall and birdwatching adventure at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast.
birdwatching and waterfalls

Oregon has more than 238 waterfalls across the state (and 1,000+ according to the Northwest Waterfalls Survey).And the habitats surrounding them are diverse and welcoming to many species of birds.

Tamanawas Falls (#18) is a plunge waterfall on the east slope of Mount Hood, along Cold Spring Creek. A riparian habitat and mature mixed-conifer forest surrounds the trail to Tamanawas Falls. Nesting Harlequin Ducks. American Dipper and Belted Kingfisher are common along the creek. Songbirds such as Yellow-rumped and Townsend’s Warbler, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet migrate through the Hood River’s east fork..

The member inns in the Mt Hood and the Gorge Region of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are here to accommodate you.


Silver Falls State Park (#36) Enjoy the best of bird watching in Silver Falls State Park while hiking the Trail of 10 Falls. In Oregon’s largest State Park the best remaining low-elevation, old growth conifer forest create home for a variety of owls: Northern Spotted, Great Gray, Barred, Northern Pygmy, Western Screech, and Northern Saw-whet Owls have been observed. Other birds you might find include Blue Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Hammond’s and Pacific-slope Flycatchers, American Dipper, Varied and Swainson’s Thrushes, Hermit Warbler, Western Tanager, and Band-tailed Pigeon

Start your day at one of 14 bed and breakfasts in the Willamette Valley before heading out on a day trip to Silver Falls State Park, the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system.

McKay Crossing Falls (#60) Lodgepole pine forest on Paulina Creek; nesting Green-tailed Towhee, American Dipper, Common Nighthawk, Vesper Sparrow. Head upstream to Paulina Creek Falls (#61)

Although there isn’t a waterfall on the property WildSpring Guest Habitat is a birding site on the Oregon Coast Birding Trail and certified wild animal habitat by The Wildlife Federation. Day trip out to Secret Beach Falls (#65), Golden Falls (#54) and Elk Creek Falls (#62)

Toketee Falls and other Umpqua River Highway Waterfalls (#55)  along The Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway, known as the ‘highway of waterfalls’. Douglas Fir forests surrounding water and riparian habitats along the two storied rivers, good for spring migrant songbirds such as Lazuli Bunting, Chipping Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Purple and Cassin’s Finches; lake and riparian areas support breeding Common Merganser, Wood Duck, Willow Flycatcher, and Yellow Warbler.

Start your day at C.H. Bailey House and take your boots off at the Prospect Hotel. From Prospect head around Crater Lake to Klamath Falls (#66) The murmur of thousands of snow geese will mesmerize as they settle to rest in the tule marshes of the Klamath Basin. The Klamath Basin is renowned for its wide diversity and abundance of bird life due to its diverse habitats including marshes, open water, coniferous forest, Juniper woodlands, oak-chaparral, sagebrush-grasslands, grassy meadow and rocky cliffs.

The Oregon trail of Waterfalls represents countless hours, many sketches, and endless conversations to help make your next Oregon road trip one to remember. We look forward to seeing you soon. Please complete the form below to receive your free limited edition map now, while supplies last! If you prefer to view a digital version of the map or if you’re outside the U.S. or Canada, click here.

oregon waterfalls map request

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NEXT: Click on each image below to create your own epic Oregon road trip! Click here to view a digital map with interactive links.

 

5 stunning Oregon State Parks with Less Crowds

Oregon is chock-full of incredible state parks, 254 to be exact, and there’s nothing quite like a day spent discovering which one might become your favorite. The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild suggest their favorites with impressive trails, views, wildlife and natural wonders, all with a bit more solitude.

Cape Lookout State Park

Cape Lookout is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean. This scenic park is a destination for hiking, beachcombing and visiting sites along the Three Cape Scenic Route.

The largest Sitka Spruce in Oregon can be found in Cape Lookout State Park, less than a mile away from the Octopus Tree, an Oregon Heritage Tree. Follow the Big Spruce Trail to behold this awesome 800 year Oregon Champion Tree. Bonus: Great Grandma Tree Geocache GC1KP5Q
suggested lodging: Thyme and Tide Bed and Breakfast

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

Sixty-eight of the original 73 miles of the Historic Columbia River Highway are now open to travel either by motor vehicle, foot and bicycle. Work has begun on the last 5 miles needed to complete the connection and the groundbreaking for that section.
suggested lodging: Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast

Champoeg State Heritage Area

Champoeg State Heritage Area features a rare combination of history, nature, and recreation. Situated south of Newberg along the scenic Willamette River, Champoeg’s forests, fields, and wetlands recreate the landscape of a bygone era.
suggested lodging: Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast

Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site

Sarah Helmick is located six miles south of Monmouth off Highway 99W. At this small, shady park is situated along the Luckiamute River, visitors can take a trail walk along the trails with plenty of birds and native plant life to investigate.

Sarah Helmick was the first state park established in Oregon. Its 1922 opening is considered the birth date of the Oregon State Parks system. Next time you’re there, take a moment to thank the memory of Sarah and her family for their gift
suggested lodging: MaMere’s Guest House

Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is rugged and vast, from the vertical cliffs carved by the John Day River to deep side canyons and arid, rocky grasslands that extend for miles in all directions. The park’s 8,000-plus acres are open for exploring, stargazing and contemplating the elemental forces that carved this unique landscape.

The iconic John Day River, a long, remote, natural river system, with 252 free-flowing miles, runs through it
suggested lodging: Wilson Ranches Retreat

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 for fully vaccinated individuals and while Oregon is following this guidance, some inns may still be requiring masks to be worn in some situations. Please check with individual B&Bs to inquire about their specific policies. 

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of our individual counties, inns and businesses. 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.

The Oregon Summer is Calling. June 21st marks the longest day of the year. Many, many hours of daylight to get out and explore. Over 16 hours of daylight actually.

Winery Itinerary Tour Service at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast

Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakast can  help take the effort out of your winery reservation planning. Give ’em a call.

There are more than 500 wineries in the Willamette Valley and as many vineyards, Less than 60 miles east of Portland, Oregon, the Columbia Gorge AVA includes land surrounding the Columbia River, with vineyards and wineries in both Oregon and Washington. The Umpqua Valley has over 30 wine tasting venues to enjoy local award-winning Umpqua Valley wine.


Chase a Waterfall. Or two. Or three

Cool off in the mist of an Oregon Waterfall. We’ve come up with a list of 66 must-see waterfalls (it’s really more like 80 since we grouped some together). Order your Oregon Trail of Waterfalls Map and start planning

bikeways oregonScenic Byways for Driving, Biking and Hiking

Let the inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild be your home base while hiking and biking Oregon

Looking for the most scenic drives in Oregon? Want to make all your Instagram friends a little jealous? Oregon has 29 designated Scenic Byways! So, get in the car, on your bike or in your hiking boots, take some pics, and reignite your soul.

Let the Oregon Mural Trail inspire you to get outside and experience the wonders of our smaller communities. And while you’re there, visit the landmarks and businesses that make these towns just so magical.
Featured image above is the Oregon is Magic mural in Ontario, the gateway to desert beauty, stunning river canyons and towering mountain ranges. In a different time zone!

Seek out an Historic Covered Bridge of Oregon

Oregon has the largest collection of historic covered bridges in the western part of the United States, with over 50 covered spans.

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 for fully vaccinated individuals and while Oregon is following this guidance, some inns may still be requiring masks to be worn in some situations. Please check with individual B&Bs to inquire about their specific policies. Each Oregon county, depending on its vaccination and case numbers, are also adjusting their regulations accordingly. 

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of our individual counties, inns 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.

National Donut Day

National Donut Day is the First Friday in June – June 4, 2021

National Donut Day is the first Friday in June, June 4, 2021.  We hope you have a chance to try this delicious baked donut recipe shared by the innkeeper at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast.  Clean up is easier than with a fried version not to mention a bit less guilt-inducing!

Baked Pumpkin Donut

  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tbs. vegetable oil
  • 2 tbs. butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp. maple extract
  • 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your donut shaped baking pan with non-stick cooking spray
  • In a mixing bowl, add in the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, melted butter, granulated and brown sugars. Mix on medium until combined.
  • Add in both of the eggs and maple extract. Mix on medium until incorporated.
  • Add in the pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt and flour. Mix until just combined.

Use a piping bag, or spoon, to fill each donut cup about 3/4 full, making sure the center post is clear.  Innkeeper uses a 9 cavity donut silicone baking mold.  Bake until the donuts are a light golden brown and spring back when touched, 6-10 minutes.  Let cool slightly, flip pan over, glaze or roll in cinnamon sugar

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 for fully vaccinated individuals and while Oregon is following this guidance, some inns may still be requiring masks to be worn in some situations. Please check with individual B&Bs to inquire about their specific policies. Each Oregon county, depending on its vaccination and case numbers, are also adjusting their regulations accordingly. 

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of our individual counties, inns 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.