Tag Archives: scenic byways

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.

Hells Canyon

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Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in the US.

Listed in an article of the deepest, longest, tallest, etc., record-setting places to visit in the US are two Oregon Locations:  the deepest canyon, Hells Canyon and the deepest lake, Crater Lake in the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Back Road blog.

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

Hells Canyon

Joseph is the premier small town for art and culture and is home to art galleries, unique shops, interesting restaurants and two member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

The Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast features three cozy guest rooms and a modern Asian Suite with many upscale amenities.

Belle Pepper’s Bed and Breakfast:  4 comfortable guest rooms, each with a private bath.  Breakfast is served family style at 8:30 every morning, with eggs from happy chickens and a variety of foods, in season, from their gardens.

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

Begin or 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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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 McKenzie River Round House.  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.

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 the Portland area, travel south toward Sisters then finish up in Vida, Oregon, at the McKenzie River Round House.  Sections of this Scenic Byway are closed during the winter months so plan your trip before the snow falls.

You’ll travel past the beautiful blue waters of the Upper McKenzie as it tumbles over waterfalls and through lava flows. From the junction of US-20 to the junction with OR-126/242, it shares the route with the McKenzie Pass/Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

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.