Tag Archives: driving scenic oregon

Wilson Ranches Retreat

Welcome, Partner, to Wilson Ranches Retreat

At Wilson Ranches Retreat, your hosts 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.  The Wilson Family loves to sit down with the guests and share about ranch life, local history, and the funny and serious sides of rural living. Whatever the topic at the breakfast table, expect the conversation to be intelligent, informed and often humorous. You are likely to have a large helping of fun and laughter with Phil’s stories.

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

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

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn. Hospitality Update: 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’re all looking to that day when this pandemic is behind us.

The Rogue - Umpqua Scenic Byway

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The Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway in the Southern Oregon Cascades

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 Travel Oregon for sharing this information, inspiring our traveling spirits.

‘Two Raging Rivers Run Through It.   From Gold Hill on the Rogue River in Southern Oregon or from Roseburg on the Umpqua River 85 miles north, you’re only moments from enjoying this spectacular route. Follow the “Wild and Scenic” Umpqua and Rogue rivers through enchanting recreation areas in the heart of the southern Cascades. Commonly known as the ‘highway of waterfalls’ we hiked to and found 7 along the Umpqua River, Hwy 138 from Roseburg toward Diamond Lake. There’s more. We ran out of time and steam!  This spring we did the second half from Gold Hill to Diamond lake.  Watch for that blog post.  ‘The Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway ascends from I-5 into the southern Cascades, tracking two of Oregon’s most storied rivers.’ The drive itself is only 172 miles, an easy day trip, but with all the waterfalls, hikes, and scenic visits, you may want to schedule a couple of days as we did.

C.H. Bailey House in Roseburg is an historic, luxurious “green” full service bed & breakfast set in rural Umpqua Valley, close to Crater Lake and the Umpqua River. It’s unique, private, air-conditioned, one-bedroom bungalow will be a perfect starting point if you decide to tour the scenic byway clockwise.

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

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

McKenzie River Koosah Falls

Expedia released, in November, its 2020 Trends in Travel report, an analysis of U.S. traveler data in 2019 that highlighted the rise of natural wonders and college towns as tourism destinations and top-selling experiences and attractions for the year ahead.

2020 Travel Trends waiting for you

Travelers were chasing waterfalls in 2019: According to Wiki are at least 238 accessible waterfalls in Oregon. A search for Oregon waterfalls on Northwest Waterfall survey resulted in 1591! Wouldn’t it be grand to witness the beauty of every one of them?

Silver Falls State Park is the 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. And 18 waterfalls! The 8.7-mile Trail of Ten Falls runs along the banks of Silver Creek and has 4 walk behind falls.

Hidden beaches up and down the Oregon Coast: Make your visit to the Oregon coast memorable and special with a stay in one of our member bed and breakfasts along “The Peoples Coast, one of 7 Wonders of Oregon

Natural wonders? Yep, we have quite a few. We invite you to not just see Oregon’s 7 Wonders, but experience them. And there are so many more than just Seven. They aren’t just for taking pictures. You really need to get out of the car, hike down from the scenic vista and feel them beneath your feet.

Small college towns near outdoor attractions like hiking and biking trails grew in popularity in 2019. The type of places where there’s energy and stimulation, great restaurants, where you can walk around at night and where there are tons of outdoor recreation options. Here are the best college towns in Oregon for 2019 highlighting those that have member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild:

Activities and attractions are often the top considerations when travelers are choosing where to go and where to stay. Oregon is a beautiful state with stunning natural and architectural wonders. If you are planning a trip anywhere this year, take a few minutes to consider these places to visit in Oregon.

Three Capes Scenic Drive

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Three Capes Scenic Drive and Three Oregon Bed and Breakfasts

Three Capes Scenic DriveThree Capes Scenic Drive is a spectacular one with dramatic cliffs, old growth forests, crashing waves, hidden beaches, and historic lighthouses.

This gorgeous byway connects three amazing capes: Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, and Cape Meares, and loops around on a lovely inland stretch of highway 101.   Along the way, you’ll pass incredible sea stacks, sand dunes, pristine beaches and charming seaside towns, two of which are home to Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inns.

At Thyme and Tide Bed and Breakfast in Oceanside fall asleep to the sound of the surf and wake up to a delicious hot breakfast.  Oceanside is a cozy little hideaway located just off the Three Capes Scenic Route.  Built upon a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Oceanside offers the ambiance of a quaint European Village.

Also in Oceanside: turtlejanes bed and breakfast offers two beautifully appointed bedrooms with spectacular views, king-size beds, private bathrooms with heated floors, and blackout shades on the windows.

Located just offshore is the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, the first National Wildlife Refuge established west of the Mississippi.  Three Arch Rocks is home to the largest breeding colony of tufted puffins and the only site on Oregon’s North Coast for pupping steller sea lions.  A tunnel through Maxwell Point affords access to Tunnel Beach, Agate Beach and other secluded beaches.

Sandlake Country Inn, an historic Farmhouse on the Three Capes Scenic Route provides luxury and privacy with 3 large rooms and a separate romantic cottage situated on a babbling brook with the Pacific ocean a short mile away.  The quaint town of Pacific City is just 10 minutes south where you will find  Haystack Rock, restaurants and the famous Pelican Brew Pub.

The drive only takes a couple of hours in total, but you’ll want to plan on taking some extra time to explore along the way, perhaps create a multi-day adventure, allowing our innkeepers to be your hosts.

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 Leaf Peepers

Oregon Leaf Peepers are sure to enjoy the vibrant fall colors

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.

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

I found this blog, Oregon Fall Foliage Report, and from Labor Day through November, their goal will be to let you know where to find the best and brightest colors throughout the state. Visit or call the Fall Foliage Hotline at 800.547.5445.

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.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild provides quality accommodations throughout Oregon.  From the coast to the Willamette Valley.  From the Cascades to the high altitudes of Eastern Oregon you’ll enjoy the crisp cool days of fall and come home to the warmth of a unique Oregon Bed and Breakfast.

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.

Over the Rivers

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Over the Rivers and Through the Woods Scenic Byway

Over the Rivers and Through the Woods is a 66-mile scenic route beginning in the rich farmlands of the Willamette Valley, winding along rushing streams and through thick forests as it climbs into the Cascades to join the West Cascades and McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byways.

Over the Rivers

To start the journey take I-5 exit 216 about 25 miles north of Eugene east onto OR 228 toward Brownsville,  which was settled in 1846 and is Oregon’s third oldest town.  During winter months, grass fields around Brownsville host wintering bald eagles and large flocks of white tundra swans.  Much of the Byway parallels the Santiam Wagon Road. Take time to visit the historic museums and cemeteries along the way for a view into Pioneer life, many who traveled this road and the Oregon Trail to get to the lush, fertile Willamette Valley.

From Cascadia, the Byway continues along the South Santiam River. Thick forests are dominated by Douglas-fir, western hemlock and red cedar; big leaf maples and red alder provide contrast to the conifers, especially in the fall.

At the junction of Route 20 and Route 126, you can opt for the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass or the West Cascades National Scenic Byways.

Time to start planning your memorable 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 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 amazing getaways and tours in Oregon.  Thanks Travel Oregon for sharing this information.

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.

The Westside Quilters Guild (WQG) embarked on a multi-year project in late 2013 to create a quilt barn trail in Oregon’s Washington County/ Tualatin Valley. Quilt barn trails consist of large painted quilt blocks mounted on barns or buildings. Their blocks are mounted on barns and non-residential buildings outside the Washington County Urban Growth Boundary, with a small number of blocks inside the city limits of towns that allowed them.  In 2019, they reached their goal of installing 60 blocks throughout the county. All blocks are hand-painted, 8 ft or 4 ft-square quilt blocks, made using high quality materials for longevity.

The trail highlights the county’s agricultural and historical heritage, promotes area tourism, provides public art in unexpected places, and showcases the art of quilting.  Brochures and maps are available in visitor centers, libraries and other locations, as well as online.  Funding for our trail was provided by Westside Quilters Guild, grants, sponsors and donations.  No public money has been spent on our trail.  Oregon residents and visitors use our maps to navigate the trail.

‘Currently, our emphasis is to promote “traveling the trail” using maps with specific directions for viewing all 60 blocks within Washington County.  To increase your enjoyment, make sure to read the “story” of each block included in this information.  Happy Trails!’

The Innkeepers in Oregon Willamette Valley welcome you, especially those that our quilters like Sue at Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast.

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.

Thyme and Tide

Thyme and Tide Bed and Breakfast in Oceanside, Oregon

Thyme 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.

wonderful hikes on the oregon coast

So many wonderful hikes on the Oregon Coast.  Here are but a few.  All 363 Miles of the Oregon Coast are free and open to the Public.  From agate covered beaches to lush rainforests to numerous hiking opportunities.  Whale Watching and Beach-combing.  Golfing or just be still and listening to the crashing waves.  How you explore it is entirely up to you.  Complete your visit with a stay at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Member inn.  We invite you to visit the Oregon Coast, one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon

Cape Lookout is one of the best spots for watching the whales during their spring and fall migration

Cape Meares Hike takes your though a state park and a wildlife refuge and connects to the Cape Meares Lighthouse Trail.

Cascade Head Conservancy trail ~ spectacular views and is home to an endangered butterfly and at least 2 rare plants

Bayocean Spit Look Hike ~ a sand spit hike with great birdwatching

Nestucca Spit Loop Hike ~ a lovely bayshore hike leading into wonderful wooded strip of stunted, lichen-draped trees

Sand Lake – Cape Kiwanda Hike ~ a beach hike with excellent views of Cape Lookout and Haystack Rock

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inns welcome you to the rugged and scenic Oregon Coast.  You can certainly inn hop from Astoria to Port Orford traveling the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway and stay at member inns along the way.  Select your inns, pack your hiking boots, grab your binoculars and be prepared to be dazzled by the abundance of wildlife and spectacular scenery on the Oregon Coast.

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.

The videos of Travel Oregon’s Oregon, Only Slightly Exaggerated reveal whimsical scenes of enchanting forests, vineyards, rivers, mountains and more, and share with you that magical feeling of being in Oregon.

The captivating artwork has come to the real world, proudly hand-painted on walls in Oregon where the illustrations represent the destinations.  Let the Oregon Mural Trail inspire you to get outside and experience the wonders of each community.  Take photos of the murals and use the hashtag #OregonIsMagic in social posts to share the love.  And while you’re there, visit the landmarks and businesses that make these towns just so magical.

You’ll be charmed by nature and outdoor adventure in Oakridge, Oregon.  Nestled in a thickly forested Willamette Valley wonderland at the western foot of the Cascades and dubbed the “Mountain Bike Capital of the Northwest,” Oakridge has hundreds of miles of singletrack trails, many of which start and end in the city. There are also trails for hiking and horseback riding, plus excellent trout fishing for anglers. East of town, a short hike leads to Salt Creek Falls, Oregon’s second highest single-drop waterfall.  The bright red Office Covered Bridge is an iconic landmark.

A few weeks back we set out on a road trip, seeking waterfalls, geocaches, covered bridges and this mural, all along Hwy 58 outside of Eugene.  There are 20 covered bridges in Lane County, a county that has the distinction of possessing more covered bridges than any other county west of the Mississippi.  Only got to roadside waterfalls and geocaches but did find the 6 covered bridges on our way to Oakridge, including the Office Covered Bridge mentioned.  You could easily explore this area from C’est La Vie Bed and Breakfast in Eugene as your home base. Take a couple of days to discover all this lush part of Oregon has to offer.

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.