Tag Archives: scenic byways

wonderful hikes on the oregon coast

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The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway; ‘Wind, Waves and a Long, Winding Road.

Member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are inspected regularly, assuring travelers of consistently high standards in a variety of Bed & Breakfast accommodations. So when inspection notices came due for our inns on the Oregon Coast this innkeeper volunteered. Because who doesn’t like a road trip down the Oregon Coast and an opportunity to visit our wonderful innkeepers and their beautiful inns?

I’ll be traveling the route this week from Cannon Beach to Port Orford and will try to blog a bit of our journey, in between exploring the coast and visiting the inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

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 6 member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild from Cannon Beach to Port Orford?  Take a few days and enjoy the ride.

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: We all may be a little rusty, and a little leery, on planning trips just yet. While it’s almost safe enough to climb aboard that travel train, we’re ready when you are! Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe and welcome you back. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

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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.  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.

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, complimentary local wine and beer, breakfast, and fresh flowers. The suite includes a kitchen, living room with gas fireplace, walk-in closet, private bath with walk-in shower, and a variety of outdoor seating with restful views.

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. Whether you choose to travel the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway north or south, there’s an Oregon Bed and Breakfast for your start/stop lodging option.

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, when you’re ready to travel again. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

wonderful hikes on the oregon coast

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.

‘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.

Yes, it’s possible to drive the entire Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in a single day.  But why would you when you have 8 member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild from Cannon Beach to Gold Beach? Take a few days and enjoy the ride.

Oregon is embracing electric vehicles (EVs) with such enthusiasm we are creating Electric Byways across the state. The Oregon Coast Electric Byway allows you drive all 363 miles of the beautiful Oregon Coast and charge your EV along the way.

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.

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Three Capes Scenic Drive and two Oregon Bed and Breakfasts

Three 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 you’ll find turtlejanes bed and breakfast, delightful small inn on the Oregon Coast. Nine miles west of Tillamook, home of world-famous Tillamook Cheese, the inn’s two bedrooms are beautifully appointed with spectacular views, king-size beds, private bathrooms with heated floors, and blackout shades on the windows. You’re invited to help yourself to coffee, tea, hot chocolate, microwave popcorn and Tillamook ice cream, available to guests around the clock.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

Yes, it’s possible to drive the entire Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in a single day.  But why would you when you have 9 member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild from Cannon Beach to Gold Beach? Take a few days and enjoy the ride.

Oregon is embracing electric vehicles (EVs) with such enthusiasm we are creating Electric Byways across the state. The Oregon Coast Electric Byway allows you drive all 363 miles of the beautiful Oregon Coast and charge your EV along the way.

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.

Lane County Covered Bridges

With 20 covered bridges, Lane County has the distinction of possessing more covered bridges than any other county west of the Mississippi. Seventeen of these bridges are listed in the National Register of Historic Places

Just last week we took a road trip for seek some of the 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.  Seventeen of these bridges are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

We started our journey in Eugene, Oregon, first heading west for a couple of bridges and waterfalls, then  headed east on Hwy 58, finding 6 along this road. You could easily do them all in one day using C’est La Vie Bed and Breakfast in Eugene as your home base. Take a trip back in time and discover all Lane County, anc C’est La Vie Bed and Breakfast, has to offer.

C'est la Vie Inn 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: 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.

West Cascades Scenic Byway

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The West Cascades Scenic Byway

‘The 220 mile West Cascades Scenic Byway runs north to south, skirting the northern half of Oregon’s Cascade Range and follows four great rivers through timeless forests, where you’ll discover adventure and renewal along the way.’

Time to start planning that Oregon Fall 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.  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 Scenic Alternative to the Freeway. Contrary to popular belief, cruise control on Interstate 5 is not the only way to travel between the Portland and Eugene areas. If you’re in no hurry, this journey through the colorful western Cascades makes getting there all the fun. Especially because, in addition to the open road, there are miles of rivers and trails to explore.’

Consider making this a two, or three, day trip. Take your time and enjoy the fall colors, lush forests, and spectacular views of snow capped mountains. Begin your journey after a hearty Northwest Breakfast at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild in Portland or the Willamette Valley. The McKenzie River Round House would be a good mid way choice. Sections of this Scenic Byway are closed during the winter months so plan your trip before the snow falls. The West Cascades Scenic Byway ends in Oakridge Oregon and we suggest ending your day at C’est la Vie Inn in Eugene.

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. 

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.

Spring Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast

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Three Capes Scenic Drive and Two 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.

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.

Elkhorn Scenic Byway

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Elkhorn Scenic Byway

The Elkhorn Scenic Byway ‘packs plenty of sights into a 106-mile/171-kilometer loop through the mountains west of Baker City, long the lucrative hunting grounds of the Plateau Indian tribes and, later, where miners came to seek their fortunes. The true treasures are the Elkhorn Mountains and Baker Valley themselves, rich in beauty and history.’ Travel Oregon

The byway passes through farmlands along the Powder River before climbing up into a beautiful area of mountain lakes and outdoor adventure.  The fall foliage starting here around October is absolutely gorgeous.

Around 1900, thousands of miners chiseled and dredged millions in gold from the Elkhorn Mountains and Powder River to Sumpter. The massive Sumpter Valley Dredge still floats here, and has been recently restored.  The town of Granite was also big during the gold-rush, and many buildings here, now abandoned, remind us of a once flourishing place in Oregon.  John Cabell operated the La Bellevue Mine in Cabell City.  All that remains of the settlement is the cemetery, which houses the graves of Fred and Johanna Cabell and their 8-year-old daughter, as well as a few abandoned buildings and mining equipment.

There is plenty to do on this road trip: hiking, biking, picnicking and photo opps.  Start and end your journey at the Baker City Blue Door Inn.  The inn has four comfortable guests room, two with private baths, and all are comfortably air-conditioned and include robes, luggage racks, fresh filtered water and chocolates upon arrival.  Guests sit down to a hearty buffet breakfast in the formal dining room after a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a morning treat.

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.