Tag Archives: driving scenic oregon

Oregon Leaf Peepers are sure to enjoy the vibrant fall colors. As fall arrives, days shorten, temperatures cool, and intense sun softens behind slate-gray cloud cover.

Oregon Leaf Peepers have come to expect a stunning fall color show and this year’s changing of the seasons will not disappoint as a variety of deciduous trees begin to change against a bold evergreen background.

Typically one can expect the Willamette Valley peak color change to happen during the third week in October. The higher you go in the Cascade Mountains the earlier the color change. Road passes often peak 10 days to two weeks earlier than the lower elevations.

oregon wineries
photo credit: Youngberg Hills

The earliest fall color display happens in the Wallowa Mountains and northeast region of Oregon, peaking the first part of October.

The travel blog from the Eugene Cascades Coast website will guide you to Oregon’s Brilliant Fall Leaves

When and Where do Leaves change color in Oregon?

Oregon’s peak color is mid-October, starting with a golden blush in the first weeks of September and lingering into early November. You may wish to keep tabs on changes by calling the inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild for color updates in their region

Trees at higher elevations change first, so you’ll note that the Cascades, Bend and the coastal range will start showing the signs of fall first. Much of the eastern part of Oregon is high desert while the Willamette Valley is lower elevation.

Plan your Leaf Peeping in Oregon

Begin planning your Fall Foliage Tour, first by choosing a region, then by calling an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn and asking when the peak near them will occur. We may not hit it right on but since we live and play in our regions we have a pretty good idea what’s happening around us.

Shop and travel Local

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.

Hells Canyon

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in the US. And you don’t want to wait too much longer to see it before winter sets. The fall foliage is amazing right now.

Start planning your 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 and a welcoming inn awaits you as you travel the backroads. Thanks to Travel Oregon and the Oregon Department of Transportation for sharing this information.

Listed in an article of the deepest, longest, tallest, etc., record-setting places to visit in the US are two Oregon Locations:  the deepest canyon, Hells Canyon and the deepest lake, Crater Lake which will be mentioned in a future Scenic Back Road blog. Both are also listed as one of the 7 Wonder of Oregon. Oregon geo-tourism at its finest!

‘A Mile-Deep Gorge and Two-Mile-High Mountains. Oregon’s northeast corner has always been wild and untamed. From the unfathomable depths of Hells Canyon to the 10,000-foot peaks of the Wallowas, much of it remains inaccessible. The middle of this incredible drive is usually closed by snow from October through May.

Joseph is the premier small town for art and culture and is home to art galleries, unique shops, interesting restaurants and the delightful Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast, a member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. The Bronze Antler features three cozy guest rooms and a modern Asian Suite with many upscale amenities.

Winter and spring guests will enjoy unencumbered snowmobiling, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing opportunities. But if it’s the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway you’d like to travel now’s the time to start planning your fall trip. A reminder: The center section of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is seasonal – it usually closes in early November and doesn’t open again until May or June depending on the snowpack. If you’re planning to drive entire Byway, check in with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Office at (541)426-4978 or 426-5546 or by visiting their website.

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.

Thyme and Tide

Thyme and Tide Bed and Breakfast in Oceanside, Oregon

Thyme and TideThyme and Tide Bed and Breakfast provides a relaxing and romantic getaway in beautiful Oceanside, Oregon.  Nestled between Cape Lookout and Cape Meares set out to explore the scenic Three Capes Scenic Drive. Fall asleep to the sound of the surf and wake up to a delicious hot and hearty breakfast.  Pacific Ocean Beaches are but a mile away.

The two third floor guest suites at Thyme and Tide have been designed with your comfort in mind, each with large private bathrooms, queen beds with memory foam mattresses and fine linens.  Amenities include free WiFi and parking.

A small upstairs common area exclusively for guests offers travel information, books, games, microwave popcorn, a coffeemaker, and a refrigerator stocked with complimentary Tillamook ice cream.  Freshly baked treats are available in the late afternoon/evening.

So much to do near Thyme and Tide Bed and Breakfast in Oceanside:

  • beachcombing, tide pools, clamming, whale watching, bonfires
  • biking, hiking, waterfalls and forests
  • kayaks, canoes, horses
  • lighthouse, museums, wine tasting, brewpubs
  • the list goes on and on

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.

Oregon Outback Scenic Byway

NASA tests spacesuits in Oregon, echoing 1960s race to space

NASA is testing spacesuits designed for a return to the moon at a number of rugged locations around Bend, John Day and Crater Lake.

Apollo astronauts trained and tested their spacesuits in Oregon during the 1960s because the natural volcanic landscape closely resembles the moon.

Big Obsidian Flow is the youngest lava flow in Oregon

Oregon Space Exploration Test Sites

A crew of about 10 people came to Oregon to test the new suits at some of those same sites, which includes Lava Butte, the Big Obsidian Lava Flow, Fort Rock and Hole in the Ground along the Outback Scenic Byway and the Yapoah Lava Flow at McKenzie Pass.

They also visited a number of new sites including Pumice Slope at Crater Lake National Park, the Painted Hills at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument along the Journey through Time Scenic Byway, the Skylight Cave and Little Nash Crater.

The reason Starlight Cave was chosen as a test site is because, for the first time ever, NASA is testing spacesuits designed specifically for caves exploration.

The suits are being designed to display GPS maps, show heart rates, respond to voice commands and assist with detailed image sampling. Exactly what you’d expect from a 21st century spacesuit.

Oregon has 29 designated Scenic Byways!

So, get in the car, take some pics, and reignite your soul. Quick note: please check for travel alerts, as well as the road and weather conditions. This free guide to Oregon scenic byways might come in really handy too.

Train for a space mission? Tread the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, where astronauts have trained to walk on the moon! This byway has more than 500-miles of volcanic highlights and, of course, many waterfalls. Stay at Prospect Historic Hotel-Motel & Dinner House.

Outdoor Activities

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a treasure of Earth’s history that covers the past 55 million years of time since the Dinosaurs died out and mammals took over the world.

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Visit the Painted Hills: distinguished by varied stripes of red, tan, orange, and black, this area preserves a sequence of past climate change.

Click here to have a FREE limited edition map on The Oregon Trail of Waterfalls mailed to your home, while supplies last. Or click here to see the map now online.

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.

Say farewell to summer in extraordinary Eastern Oregon. Plan your end of summer escape that includes a stay at the Wilson Ranches Retreat, authentic Eastern Oregon Ranch.

Pioneer hospitality and an authentic ranch vacation await you at Wilson Ranches Retreat Bed & Breakfast providing exceptional lodging in central Oregon. Immerse yourself in a peaceful ranch environment rich in history and love on a 9,000 acre working cattle and hay ranch in the beautiful Butte Creek Valley, three miles west of the small town of Fossil, Oregon.

Travel the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway to Wilson Ranches Retreat and the abundant activities that await

Ranch Activities

Saddle up for a ride into the high desert hills, join in a cattle drive, hike, walk, or just plain mosey along while soaking breathtaking views and big-sky horizons in all directions. Enjoy a couple of hours in the saddle for spectacular views of the Columbia River Plateau, John Day Basin, and the Cascade Mountain Range.

Central Oregon Dude Ranch

Hike on one of the many game and cattle trails through the high desert hills surrounding Wilson Ranches Retreat. Explore miles of unique geology, flora, fauna and awe-inspiring viewpoints.

Flora and Fauna: The juniper and sage-covered high desert hills are magnificent for riding, birding, hiking, and photography. Wildflowers of lupine, mariposa lilies, Indian paintbrush and many more begin painting the range in late spring. Wilson Ranches is teeming with wildlife: Mule deer, pronghorn, elk, coyotes, badgers, squirrels, beaver, and birds of prey. Soak up nature and be replenished.

Birding: Wilson Ranches Retreat is nestled in the Butte Creek Valley and is home to Upland game birds (Chukar, Quail, and Hungarian Partridge) and birds of prey (Red-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, and Great Horned Owls).

Hunting: Upland game birds (Chukar, Quail, and Hungarian Partridge) hunting is available exclusively to Wilson Ranches Retreat guests from October through January.

Outdoor Activities

Explore the Natural wonders of the John Day River Territory

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The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a treasure of Earth’s history that covers the past 55 million years of time since the Dinosaurs died out and mammals took over the world.

Visit the Painted Hills: distinguished by varied stripes of red, tan, orange, and black, this area preserves a sequence of past climate change.

The John Day River is noted as a United States Wild and Scenic River and an Oregon Scenic Waterway and runs through the most geologically interesting country around.

For more than 50 years, people have been collecting remarkably preserved and beautiful fossils from an area behind Wheeler High School in Fossil, Oregon.

Museums and Cultural Activities

With plenty of cultural activities and museums in Oregon, there are many great ways to celebrate the heritage of the John Day River Territory! Visit museums with exhibits that tell the story of ancient fossil beds and display Native American artifacts dating back thousands of years.

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.

Oregon Leaf Peepers are sure to enjoy the vibrant fall colors. As fall arrives, days shorten, temperatures cool, and intense sun softens behind slate-gray cloud cover.

Oregon Leaf Peepers have come to expect a stunning fall color show and this year’s changing of the seasons will not disappoint as a variety of deciduous trees begin to change against a bold evergreen background.

Typically one can expect the Willamette Valley peak color change to happen during the third week in October. The higher you go in the Cascade Mountains the earlier the color change. Road passes often peak 10 days to two weeks earlier than the lower elevations.

oregon wineries
photo credit: Youngberg Hills

The earliest fall color display happens in the Wallowa Mountains and northeast region of Oregon, peaking the first part of October.

The travel blog from the Eugene Cascades Coast website will guide you to Oregon’s Brilliant Fall Leaves

When and Where do Leaves change color in Oregon?

Oregon’s peak color is mid-October, starting with a golden blush in the first weeks of September and lingering into early November. You may wish to keep tabs on changes by calling the inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild for color updates in their region

Trees at higher elevations change first, so you’ll note that the Cascades, Bend and the coastal range will start showing the signs of fall first. Much of the eastern part of Oregon is high desert while the Willamette Valley is lower elevation.

Plan your Leaf Peeping in Oregon

Begin planning your Fall Foliage Tour, first by choosing a region, then by calling an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn and asking when the peak near them will occur. We may not hit it right on but since we live and play in our regions we have a pretty good idea what’s happening around us.

Shop and travel Local

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.

Say farewell to summer in Roseburg, Oregon. Explore the Umpqua Valley from C.H. Bailey House Bed and Breakfast

Wildlife Safari | Where you are captive, and they roam free!

As the mornings and nights become cooler, the wild animals at Wildlife Safari are more active and animated and often will venture right up to your car for a close. Their Cheetah Breeding Program is America’s most successful.

Courthouse Elm in Roseburg Oregon

The Courthouse Elm, an Oregon Heritage Tree, was given to Douglas County by Binger Hermann and lives in front of the Douglas County Courthouse.

Covered Bridges of Douglas County

A scenic fall drive through the great Umpqua Valley leaves plenty to see. Covered bridges take visitors into a real-life old-world romance novel. There are a total of six in Douglas County begging for a stroll, some photographs and a picnic on a dreamy, Pacific Northwest day.

Bird Watching

Because of the tremendously diverse habitats, Douglas County, of which Roseburg is the county seat, hosts over 200 regularly occurring bird species, and about 379 bird species have been recorded to date. The Umpqua Birds website helps you find the information you need to learn about and explore birds in the Umpqua Basin.

Great Umpqua Food Trail

Great Umpqua Food Trail: Forty-five stops filled with epicurean delights make up the Great Umpqua, with no shortage of wineries, breweries, u-pick farms, cafes, and more. Stay at: C.H. Bailey House. Get the printable Great Umpqua Food Trail brochure. Before you go, check out these Great Umpqua Food Trail itineraries!

Umpqua Valley Wine Trail

Explore the Umpqua Valley Wine Trail and delight in the wine varietals while taking in the natural beauty of the Umpqua Valley.

C.H. Bailey House

Just outside of Roseburg, Oregon, nestled in the Umpqua Valley wine country, the Brenner Suite is a private luxurious “green” bungalow at the historic C.H. Bailey House, tastefully furnished with full amenities, luxurious linens, breakfast, and fresh flowers. The suite includes a kitchen, living room with gas fireplace, walk-in closet, private bath with walk-in shower. Complimentary local wine and beer, and breakfast is included in the ADA accessible suite. 

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.

Oregon Outback Scenic Byway

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

Oregon Outback Scenic BywayWe recently spent a few weeks in Taos visiting our daughter. A long road trip that brought us back into Oregon from Nevada onto 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.

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.

Benham Falls Oregon

The Oregon Trail of Waterfalls Map from the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is excited to announce the new Oregon waterfalls map! It’s a doodle map to the very best Oregon waterfalls! It took many months to compile our most stunning waterfalls… and now, more than two dozen inns are ready to help you plan your most EPIC Oregon road trip!

What’s included in the Map

oregon waterfall map 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.

Artistically designed limited edition

This beautiful, limited edition, double-sided map to Oregon waterfalls illustrated by artist Victoria Buchkova is a huge piece of art measuring 24-inches across and 18-inches down. The front of the map features more than 80 must-see waterfalls across the entire state, as well as nearby bed and breakfasts. All the bed and breakfasts and waterfalls are in color, the remaining landmarks and terrain are in black and white, to afford you an unexpected moment of quiet, and the opportunity to envision your own adventure and to color your own course.

The back on the map highlights various bits of information, like:
Scenic drives in Oregon
Scenic bikeways of Oregon
Portland Food Cart Pods
Native American Food
Food Trails of Oregon
Oregon Waterfalls
Wineries Across Oregon
Oregon Movie Locations
The Oregon Trail History
The Oregon Trail Game
Print an Oregon Bucket List

COVID-Safety at Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inns

Details on The Oregon Trail of Waterfalls initiative

To learn more visit www.oregontrailofwaterfalls.com.
To reserve a room at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast and get your road trip in motion, CLICK HERE to choose your location and preferred dates.
So, go ahead: come, stay, (water)fall in love with Oregon!
Remember to order your FREE Oregon Waterfalls map while supplies last!

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.

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