Tag Archives: explore oregon

willamette falls

With winter and spring come winter storms and snow pack melt, supplying Oregon scenic rivers the water needed to create our wildly beautiful and renowned waterfalls.

And it’s certainly not too early to start planning your Oregon Bed and Breakfast vacation that should involve chasing waterfalls.

Oregon has more than 238 waterfalls across the state (and 1,000+ according to the Northwest Waterfalls Survey).You basically can’t drive more than 30-minutes without passing another waterfall! The Columbia River Gorge has close to 50 notable waterfalls alone. So where should you go?

These 4 are on the Historic Columbia River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge

Day trips from Portland’s Fulton House or Mt Hood’s Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Multnomah Falls

You can tour the waterfalls that make up the Columbia River Gorge by car or on foot, but you won’t have the full-on spectacular experience unless you do both. Whatever you do, make sure to save time to see Multnomah Falls. It is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest and more than 2 million visitors come each year to take in its view. Tip from the local innkeepers that know: visit early morning, late afternoon and midweek to beat the crowds

Multnomah falls and the benson bridge

Horsetail Falls

Named for its characteristic form, Horsetail Falls plunges 176 feet within view of the Historic Columbia River Highway’s “Waterfall Corridor.” Just east of the falls is a great picnic spot to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area and watch the passing freight trains.

Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls is usually the first waterfall seen along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. The falls plunge 224 feet over a massive wall of columnar basalt, some of the best formations in the Pacific Northwest. This waterfall is usually most recognized for the large patch of bright yellow lichen adorning the cliff face to the right of the falls

Wahkeena Falls

View from your car or from the commemorative monument, honoring the completion of the original Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway

Parker Creek Falls pinterest pin

Parker Creek Falls and Alder Creek Falls are roadside on the way up to Mary’s Peak, the highest in Oregon’s Coast Range. On a clear day from the top you can see both the Pacific Ocean to the west and many of the Cascade peaks to the east across the Willamette Valley. Day trip to here from MaMere’s Guest House.

Willamette Falls is the largest waterfall by volume in the Northwest, dropping 42 feet over a horseshoe-shaped ledge with a crest length of approximately 1,500 feet.

Willamette falls pinterest pinAccording to Oregon Geographic Names, the Willamette River was named for an Indian settlement somewhere in the vicinity of Oregon City known as “Wal-lamt”, which may have meant “spill water”, a reference to the falls.

There are several viewpoints of the falls available, mostly from above. But we found the most exciting and up-close view of The Falls was on a jet boat excursion on the Willamette River. Take the 32-mile trip up and down the Willamette River to the majestic Willamette Falls.

John Day River

Although not an Oregon Waterfall, the Wild and Scenic John Day River is a major water source in Oregon. Approximately 284 miles long The River is a tributary of the Columbia River. It is known as the Mah-Hah River by the Cayuse people, the original inhabitants of the region. Explore the John Day Territory from Wilson Ranches Retreat along the Journey through time Scenic Byway.

You’ll want to step out of your car, if only for a moment, to feel the mist of an Oregon waterfall on your face!

Don’t hesitate to shoot us an email at info@obbg.org if you’d like more information about where to see these or other Oregon’s Waterfalls.

Where to Stay. What to Do. Where to Eat. Where to Play

Chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following the Pinterest and Facebook pages of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

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

Download the map and start the new year right with some Oregon inspiration. We’ve included where to stay, things to do in Oregon, where to eat. You’ll find a mountain of epic trip ideas for your next outdoor, cultural or culinary adventure in every corner of the state. Now more than two dozen inns are ready to help you plan your most EPIC Oregon road trip!

SEE A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE MAP

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

A beautiful blue sunset on the rocky Oregon Coast

Oregon and our stunning state parks, is destination for nature lovers. Surprisingly, though, Oregon only has one national park: the famous Crater Lake National Park.

a very blue Crater Lake surrounded by cliffs

There are 5 national park sites: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon Caves National Monument, Lewis & Clark National Historical Park and the McLoughlin House, which is part of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Oregon is chock-full of incredible state parks, 255 to be exact. There’s nothing quite like a day spent discovering which one might become your favorite. We’ve asked the innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild to suggest favorites, with impressive trails, views, wildlife and natural wonders, all with a bit more solitude.

Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon and only 20 miles southeast of Salem in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The 9,000+ acre park offers more than 35 miles of backcountry trails for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding.
suggested lodging: Willamette Valley bed and breakfasts

Erratic Rock State Natural Site

This 90-ton rock was deposited during an Ice Age flood. It floated over 500 miles in an iceberg 12,000 to 17,000 years ago,  by way of the Columbia River. Follow the paved path to the Erratic Rock State Natural Site where you can visit a 90-ton rock that was deposited during an Ice Age flood. Bring your camera! There’s a commanding view of Yamhill County.
suggested lodging: Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Discover lush forests, wildlife and wildflowers in Tryon Creek State Natural Area, your oasis in Portland. Here you can explore 658 acres of second-growth forests, walk along the meandering Tryon Creek, and connect with the flora and fauna that call this special place home.
suggested lodging: The Fulton House Bed and Breakfast

The Oregon Coast

Landmark legislation enacted in 1967, known as the Oregon Beach Bill, established free and public access to all 363 miles of the Oregon coastline. This uniquely makes Oregon one of the few states to protect the public’s recreational use of coastal land. It’s why we call this special place “The People’s Coast“, one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon. So many State Parks, Beaches and State Recreations Sites.
suggested lodging: Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfasts

Mark your calendars and get ready for a special day of appreciation. State Parks Day is coming up on June 3rd, 2023 in Oregon, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the beauty of the state parks.

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Scenic View Of the Columbia River and it's Gorge

A National Treasure

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 Began in 1923

Historic Columbia River Highway signThe Historic Columbia River Highway 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.

historic columbia river highway waterfallsHistoric Highway opens in 1916

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.’

Historic Columbia River Highway Bridge

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.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site

The Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site, pronounced  “ee-weh-TEAM-lye-kin”, is an Oregon State Park adjacent to a Nez Perce National Historical Park, site of Old Chief Joseph Gravesite and Cemetery, all ancestral homes of the Chief Joseph Band of the Nez Perce.

Twolobe Larkspur
Twolobe Larkspur

Short trails with spectacular views of the Wallowa Mountains pass Knight’s Pond, a cool summer oasis and a peaceful respite for hikers. Look for spring and summer wildflowers during your walk. You also may catch glimpses of deer, fox, bear and raptors.

For an historic Oregon experience, consider spending a few days in Joseph, Oregon, and visiting the Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site at different times of day. In the early morning you’ll probably see plenty of wildlife. During the day, watch the sun cast varying shadows on the Wallowa Mountains and visit the Old Chief Joseph Gravesite. Visit Wallowa Lake State Park and get a lift on the Wallowa Lake Tramway, rising above Wallowa Lake Village and the blue waters of Wallowa Lake. Come back to Iwetemlaykin in the evening as the coolness descends.

Mark your calendars and get ready for a special day of appreciation. State Parks Day is coming up on June 3rd, 2023 in Oregon, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the beauty of the state parks.
Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast is located nearby in Joseph and welcomes you to the Wallowa Valley and this Oregon State Treasure, Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site. This 1920s period bungalow is restored in the European Arts & Crafts style. The inn’s library includes many books on local Oregon history to round out your geotourism experience.

Bonus: for those searching geocaches
Iwetemlaykin GC3W9AP

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Oregon is chock-full of incredible state parks, 254 to be exact. 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 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 Pacific 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 the 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.
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.

Provisional Government Park Cottonwood

Provisional Government Park CottonwoodThis black cottonwood is prominent in photographs taken in 1900 and 1901 to document where the vote for a Provisional Government in Oregon took place. Francis X. Matthieu, the last living participant of the 1843 vote, is shown setting the location of this site in 1900 and unveiling the monument here in the ceremony of 1901.

The area around the monument is believed to be the first land purchased by the State for a public park and was originally called Provisional Government Park, now Champoeg State Heritage Area. This Oregon Heritage Tree is a scenic day trip from our Willamette Valley bed and breakfasts and Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast

Sarah Helmick State Park

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

Mark your calendars and get ready for a special day of appreciation. State Parks Day is coming up on June 3rd, 2023 in Oregon, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the beauty of the state parks.

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Children running through the Crimson Clover Fields

Cover crops, also called green manure, are widely used in rotation with vegetables or field crops as a reseeding cover crop between rows in vineyards, berries, and fruit and nut orchards. Legumes, such as commonly used Crimson Clover are nitrogen “fixers.” Beneficial bacteria in legume root nodules take nitrogen from the air and supply it to the plant. When the cover crop decomposes, some of the nitrogen becomes available to other plants.

Benefits of using crimson clover as a cover crop include:
  • Nitrogen Fixation
  • Improve Soil Quality
  • Weed Suppression
  • Erosion Control
  • Atrracts Beneficial Insects
  • Builds Soil Organic Matter
  • Increases Moisture Holding Capacity
  • Reseeding potential in perennial systems

More than 95% of crimson clover seed in the United States is produced in western Oregon. The clover seeds grown in Oregon are primarily red, crimson, arrowleaf, and white or Ladino. Red, crimson, and arrowleaf clover seed is grown mostly in the north valley, Washington, Yamhill, and Polk counties. All that’s needed is to seed it in, water a couple of times until the rains start, it’s left through winter and dug or tilled in the spring.

Few sights are more vibrant and beautiful than blankets of blooming crimson clover across the landscape. Take a scenic drive along the backroads in search of the Crimson Clover Fields now through July. Better yet, get an insider tip from your hosts at a Willamette Valley 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.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

State Capital State Park

The variety of locales of Oregon’s State Parks and National Forests reflects our state’s diverse geography including beaches, forests, lakes, rock pinnacles and deserts. Oregon has 153 state parks, and 16 National Forests and the innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild can’t wait to share them with you.

Mark your calendars and get ready for a special day of appreciation. State Parks Day is coming up on June 3rd, 2023 in Oregon, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the beauty of the state parks.

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Champoeg State Park information historic marker

Magnificent Oregon Trees recognized in April leading up to Arbor Day 2023

Arbor Day, much like Earth Day, is a holiday that celebrates nature. Its purpose is to encourage people to plant trees and this year the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild will take the opportunity to recognizes our unique, magnificent trees throughout the month of April. Many of these trees, but not all, have been recognized as Oregon Heritage Trees.

Provisional Government Park Cottonwood

Provisional Government Park CottonwoodThe Provisional Government Park Cottonwood is prominent in photographs taken in 1900 and 1901 to document where the vote for a Provisional Government in Oregon took place. Francis X. Matthieu, the last living participant of the 1843 vote, is shown setting the location of this site in 1900 and unveiling the monument here in the ceremony of 1901.

The area around the monument is believed to be the first land purchased by the State for a public park and was originally called Provisional Government Park, now Champoeg State Heritage Area. This Oregon Heritage Tree is a scenic day trip from our Willamette Valley bed and breakfasts.

Populus trichocarpa

Tree Facts

  • Approx. height: 165′
  • Age: Approx 150 years
  • Circumference: 13’8″
  • Dedicated on: May 2, 2009
  • Crown: 68′

Oregon Heritage Trees – Trees that Tell an Historic Story

Oregon has a vast amount of ancient trees across the state that are reminders of not only the their longevity but as their importance to the environment and our Oregon Heritage. Many have been recognize by the Oregon Travel Information Council in their Oregon Heritage Tree program.

These Trees Tell Stories

‘Honored groves, single trees or groups of trees have something in common with one another no matter what the species: they are trees that tell a story; trees that confound and astound; trees that educate both Oregonians and visitors about significant people or events from the past; trees that have survived natural disasters or stand as silent sentries to the passage of time. And that’s only a small part of what makes an Oregon Heritage Tree compelling.’

Mark your calendars and get ready for a special day of appreciation. State Parks Day is coming up on June 3rd, 2023 in Oregon, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the beauty of the state parks.

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Moon Tree - Oregon State Capital State Park plaque

Moon Tree is a young Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir, raised from a seed carried to the moon by Apollo 14 astronaut Stuart Roosa in 1971.
I just love this story: Moon Tree – an Oregon Heritage Tree in the Oregon State Capital State Park

Moon Tree - Oregon State Capital State Park‘The story begins in 1953 when a man named Stuart Roosa, a native of Oklahoma, took a job as a US Forest Service smokejumper, a firefighter who would parachute into the wilderness to fight forest fires. Roosa came to love the forests of Oregon, a love that he would have the rest of his life. Later, Stuart Roosa became an Air Force test pilot and eventually returned to Oregon in the 1960s to train in the moon-scape like craters of Central Oregon.

‘He was destined to become an astronaut and was scheduled to fly on Apollo 14. In those days every Apollo astronaut was permitted to take a few small personal things into space with them. What they chose varied greatly. Alan Shepard chose golf balls, John Young on Gemini 3, took a corned beef sandwich. Stuart Roosa took tree seeds. This wasn’t just a publicity stunt; it was a science project too.  Scientists wanted to know what would happen to the seeds if they went to the Moon. Would they sprout when they came back? So when Apollo 14 launched in 1971, nearly 500 tree seeds of various species were tucked away in astronaut Roosa’s personal property kit. Roosa didn’t walk on the moon since he commanded the orbiting space module, but the tree seeds did orbit the moon 34 times.

‘Upon their return to earth, many seeds were propagated and the seedlings planted in celebration of America’s bicentennial. A Loblolly Pine was planted at the White House, and trees were planted in Brazil, Switzerland, and presented to the Emperor of Japan, among others.

‘Unfortunately, adequate records were not maintained at the time, so we don’t know where all the moon trees were planted. Only about 50 of them are presently accounted for, including six planted in Oregon. I’m researching their locations.

Tree Facts

  • Pseudotsuga menziesii
  • Approx. height: 63′
  • Age: 31 years
  • Circumference: 19″
  • Dedicated on: April 11, 2003

Visit Salem and the Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfasts of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. Plan a few days to explore the beautiful Riverfront Park, the state capitol, museums, and other historic sites well worth seeing. With over 40 city parks, Salem also has plenty of open space especially near the Willamette River.

Lose oneself in Oregon’s rich history in the Willamette Valley on a scenic day trip from our Willamette Valley bed and breakfasts.

April celebrates Arbor Day and Earth Day

Arbor Day, much like Earth Day, is a holiday that celebrates nature. Its purpose is to encourage people to plant trees and this year the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild will take the opportunity to recognizes our unique, magnificent trees throughout the month of April. Many of these trees, but not all, have been recognized as Oregon Heritage Trees.

Oregon Heritage Trees – Trees that Tell an Historic Story

Oregon has a vast amount of ancient trees across the state that are reminders of not only the their longevity but as their importance to the environment and our Oregon Heritage. Many have been recognize by the Oregon Travel Information Council in their Oregon Heritage Tree program.

These Trees Tell Stories

‘Honored groves, single trees or groups of trees have something in common with one another no matter what the species: they are trees that tell a story; trees that confound and astound; trees that educate both Oregonians and visitors about significant people or events from the past; trees that have survived natural disasters or stand as silent sentries to the passage of time. And that’s only a small part of what makes an Oregon Heritage Tree compelling.’

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Willamette Mission Cottonwood

Willamette Mission Cottonwood – Populus trichocarpa

Willamette Mission Cottonwood‘This giant black cottonwood stands near the site of the Willamette Mission established by Reverend Jason Lee in 1834. At that time, the Mission and tree were located on the banks of the Willamette River. The great flood of 1861 changed the river course to its present channel, leaving what is now Mission Lake.

 

Willamette Mission CottonwoodThe Willamette Mission Cottonwood is the largest of its kind in Oregon and the nation.

Willamette Mission State Park is a gorgeous retreat for birdwatchers, horseback riders, disc golfers and kayakers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park marks the site of the original Willamette Mission, established in 1834 and washed away by flood in 1861. Lose oneself in Oregon’s rich history in the Willamette Valley on a scenic day trip from our Willamette Valley bed and breakfasts.

  • Owens Cherry – Folklore is the Owen Cherry tree, featured picture, was planted in 1847 by Eugene Skinner, co-founder of the City of Eugene in 1853.
  • Champoeg State Heritage Area – where the vote for a Provisional Government in Oregon took place
  • Hoover-Minthorn Historic House – childhood home of Herbert Hoover, 31st president of the United States
  • Ewing Young Oak – ‘Ewing Young, fur trapper and trader in the Southwest and Mexico, turned settler in the Chehalem Valley in 1834.
Mark your calendars and get ready for a special day of appreciation. State Parks Day is coming up on June 3rd, 2023 in Oregon, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the beauty of the state parks.

Oregon Heritage Trees – Trees that Tell an Historic Story

Oregon has a vast amount of ancient trees across the state that are reminders of not only the their longevity but as their importance to the environment and our Oregon Heritage. Many have been recognize by the Oregon Travel Information Council in their Oregon Heritage Tree program.

These Trees Tell Stories

‘Honored groves, single trees or groups of trees have something in common with one another no matter what the species: they are trees that tell a story; trees that confound and astound; trees that educate both Oregonians and visitors about significant people or events from the past; trees that have survived natural disasters or stand as silent sentries to the passage of time. And that’s only a small part of what makes an Oregon Heritage Tree compelling.’

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.