Tag Archives: driving scenic oregon

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.

Silver Falls State Park

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I asked our innkeepers to reveal a favorite hike near them.  The innkeepers at Bella Collina Bed and Breakfast shared their’s which just so happens to be a favorite, must see, Oregon State Park to many.  Not just a trail: miles and miles of trails.

Silver Falls State Park, an lovely day trip from Bella Collina and the Willamette Valley, is the second largest state park in Oregon and only 20 miles southeast of Salem, our state capital with 9,000+ acres that includes more than 24 miles of walking trails, 14 miles of horse trails, and a 4-mile bike path. The 8.7-mile Trail of Ten Falls runs along the banks of Silver Creek and has 4 walk behind falls.

North Falls is the third tallest waterfall within Silver Falls State Park. North Silver Creek is channeled through a narrow crack in the basaltic bedrock, from which it thunders 136 feet to the bottom of the canyon.

The Trail of Ten Falls is a 8.7-mile loop that passes behind four of Silver Falls State Park’s waterfalls, but the massive recess behind North Falls is especially unique.  The undercut cliff extends back from the falls for at least 100 feet, and the ceiling runs anywhere from 20 to perhaps as much as 75 feet above the trail as it passes behind the falls.

You can Chase Waterfalls with us by subscribing to this blog, follow us on Pinterest, and on our Facebook Page.  According to Wiki there are at least 238 waterfalls in Oregon!  I’m guessing even more than that.  Wouldn’t it be grand to witness the beauty of every one of them?  We’ve set out to find them all.  And when we do we’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

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

The Rogue - Umpqua Scenic Byway

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.  More commonly know as the ‘highway of waterfalls’, we hiked to and found 7 on our recent trip, the Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway ascends from I-5 into the southern Cascades, tracking two of Oregon’s most storied rivers.’  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.

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.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild in Southern Oregon are ready to share with you their version of Oregon Life.  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.

wonderful hikes on the oregon coast

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The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway; ‘Wind, Waves and a Long, Winding Road.  Yes, it’s possible to drive the entire Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in a single day. But it’s also pointless. Because you wouldn’t have time to experience any of the breathtaking viewpoints, stunning state parks and quaint coastal towns.

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway - An Oregon Scenic Byway ‘This Byway offers many natural wonders.  Visit between November and June to watch the storms come in or to scan the horizon to catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales.  Several rock formations are home to large colonies of seals and sea lions, and shorebirds abound in the countless estuaries.  And then there’s the wind-sculpted dunes, marshes, lush agricultural valleys and majestic rainforests.’  The Oregon Coast: one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon.   Thanks to Travel Oregon for sharing this information.

Designated the Oregon Coast Electric Byway, you can make the trip along all 363 miles of the beautiful Oregon Coast and charge your EV along the way.

Yes, it’s possible to drive the entire Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in a single day.  But why would you when you have 11 member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild from Astoria to Port Orford?  Take a few days and enjoy the ride.

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.

Crater Lake Lodging

Start planning that Oregon Road Trip with a trip on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.  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.  I am presenting a series of blogs to assist you in creating create amazing getaways and tours in Oregon.  Thanks Travel Oregon for sharing this information

A National Park, a National Symbol, a Natural Treasure.  From Oregon’s world-famous Crater Lake National Park to a prime viewing spot for bald eagles, this drive owes its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife to a rich volcanic past. This All-American Road extends all the way to Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. But the Oregon segment alone offers plenty to absorb in a day.

The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in Oregon's Southern Cascade Range‘You’ll encounter the ancient natural forces that shaped exquisite mountain lakes and snow-capped peaks throughout this ‘volcano to volcano’ driving adventure that stretches from Crater Lake in Oregon to Mt Lassen in Northern California.’

Might we suggest lodging accommodations at a Prospect Historic Hotel of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild when visiting this national treasure?

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.

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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.

oregon wineries

Winter in the Willamette Valley

Winter in the Willamette Valley is just beautiful.  Rumor is visitors will encounter rain and even more rain.  And you might but what a sunny and gorgeous time of year especially for touring some of our finest Oregon wineries.  Winter is typically not as busy as the summer months so you might have the opportunity to meet the winemaker or owner, learn more about the wines and why they taste the way they do.  Some might even break out a library wine or take you to the barrel room.  Many wineries are family operations giving you an opportunity to develop an intimate relationship of the entire operation.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are amazed each and every week with its beauty, but it’s our guests sharing what they love about the Oregon wine country that seems to tempt us to sneak away now and then for a taste. And we do. The Innkeepers in the Willamette Valley of Oregon can direct you to their favorite winery, vineyard and tasting room.  All for the love of good Oregon Wine.

The Willamette Valley is also home to snowy mountain peaks, fine art, rich heritage and a delicious culinary scene.  The many wildlife refuges provide opportunities to view the migratory birds such as the majestic Bald Eagle and the dusky Canada Goose.  Winter rains fill the foothill waterfalls and rivers that flow under the Covered Bridges.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share Oregon, it’s environment, culture, and heritage with you. Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our nearly 100 hosts in any one of our 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.

The Historic Columbia River Highway between Bridal Veil and Ainsworth State Park has reopened.  This section of highway has been closed since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire.  Visit TripCheck.com for current road conditions.  Winter weather may force closures of the Historic Highway.  You can now drive The Highway between Exit 22, Crown Point and Vista House to Exit 35 off of Interstate 84.

Imagine crafting a national treasure on a landscape so beautiful that each viewpoint is protected and people come from all over the world to marvel at its perfection. This is the Historic Columbia River Highway.  Whether you are seeing it for the first time or you know every inch by heart, each time you drive, bike, or hike along the Historic Highway, you begin the journey anew.

Construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway began in 1913 and was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the modern age.

As its name implies, the Byway is incredibly rich in cultural history.  This stretch of the Columbia once served as fishing and meeting grounds for the many indigenous peoples of the Columbia Basin.  Oregon Trail Pioneers also traveled down the Columbia in the mid 1800s.

When the highway first opened in 1916, Teddy Roosevelt praised its scenic grandeur and remarkable engineering. And The Illustrated London News went on to call it “the king of roads.” With its mossy stone walls and graceful viaducts winding past dozens of waterfalls, this All-American Road still reigns as one of the world’s most glorious drives.’

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.  Enjoy our series of scenic bikeways, byways, and tours posts, helping you to create amazing getaways and tours in Oregon.  Thanks Travel Oregon for sharing this information

Start planning your road trip through the Columbia River Gorge by booking a room at either a Portland or Mt Hood Region bed and breakfast of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

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

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These Scenic rides/drives can be taking in your car or on your bike. Either way there is an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn where you can rest your tired bones at either end.  Plan either your two or 4-wheeled vacation in Oregon on one of Oregon’s Scenic Drives in the Central Cascades.

Oregon is the only state in the nation with a Scenic Bikeways program.  These routes were created, inspected, ridden and officially approved by Ride Oregon Ride and those cyclists who have made Oregon a bike friendly state at the head of the pack.

Fall foliage is amazing on these routes though Oregon Central Cascades and you’ll want to hit them before the first snows fall.  I’ve included links for both the McKenzie River Scenic Bikeway and the McKenzie Pass/Santiam Pass Scenic Byway.  Both allow you to start your journey in Sisters, Oregon, at the Long Hollow Ranch before heading over the McKenzie Pass to inns along the McKenzie River. Finish the 82 mile ride by taking the McKenzie Pass/Santiam Pass Scenic Byway back to Sisters.  Lava fields, snowcapped peaks and rushing rivers mark this 82-mile loop around two of Central Oregon’s Cascade Mountain passes.

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

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 might 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.

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.