Escape To…. 365 Extraordinary days in OREGON!!

In Oregon, there’s always something to do. You can play world-class golf, cycle along hundreds of miles of designated bike lanes, take road-trips to wine country, hunt for fossils or get lost in the moment of a brilliantly crafted scene of play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  There’s also plenty to see. In addition to pristine public beaches, high-desert country, painted hills and wine-producing valleys, Oregon is home to North America’s deepest river Gorge (Hells Canyon), the country’s deepest lake (Crater Lake) and the world’s second-most-climbed mountain (Mt. Hood), which also happens to host North America’s only year-round ski season.

So pack your bags, grab your clubs and hit the road. You’ve got some exploring to do!

Looking for great trip ideas in Oregon? Here are a few that we suggest… Oregon has more designated scenic byways and tour routes than any other state and we’d like you to check out the following 2-day, 3-day or 4-day suggested itineraries for road trips, day trips, getaways and tours in Oregon. And for even more ideas, read our blog and see what we (the Travel Oregon staff) recommend.

Before You Go: Many of the byways and road trips listed here travel through remote areas where gas stations are few and far between. So “fill’er up” when you have the chance. Since road and weather conditions can be hazardous, especially at higher elevations, we urge you to call for up-to-date information before starting out: 800.977.6368 or 541.889.3999; www.tripcheck.com. For emergencies, call 911.

Newport to the Dunes - In the shelter of Yaquina Head, Newport is home of the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Hatfield Marine Science Center. Yaquina Head features a 125-year-old lighthouse and two unique intertidal areas, one of which is the nation’s only wheelchair accessible tide pool.
The superb scenery continues through Waldport and Yachats to the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. Here, you can watch the waves rush in and out of Devil’s Churn or hike on trails high above it. It’s not far to picturesque Heceta Head Lighthouse and Sea Lion Caves, the world’s only mainland viewing area for Steller sea lions.
As the rugged cliffs give way to graceful sand dunes, you’ll arrive in Florence, a city that explodes with wild rhododendrons in spring. Florence is the gateway to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a 47-mil sandbox with areas designated for bird watching and dune riding. Honeyman State Park is a popular place to water-ski and camp. As you travel on through the dunes, take a side trip to the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area at Reedsport.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: With more than 31,000 acres, the Oregon Dunes offers something for everyone. You can camp, arrange a tour, take an exhilarating off-highway vehicle ride, walk along tranquil lakes, forest trails and beaches, and much more.
Additional information can be obtained by calling the Oregon Coast Visitors Association at   1-888-628-2101  or checking out the web at www.VisitTheOregonCoast.com You may also contact the Central Oregon Coast Association at  1-800-767-2064 or check out their web site at www.CoastVisitor.com

1. Day One - From Portland, I-84 is the direct route along the Columbia River. But to really experience the country’s only National Scenic Area, take Exit 17 south through Troutdale and follow the signs to the Historic Columbia River Highway/All-American Road. Before leaving Troutdale, visit the Harlow House Museum and McMenamins Edgefield, both on the National Register of Historic Places. Edgefield is a 25-acre estate that features a hotel, brewery, winery, an assortment of dining options, formal gardens and much more. Then grab some Gorge information at the West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce and pick up some extra film for the sights ahead. Vista House at Crown Point, built in 1918, is a visitor center that commemorates the construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway inside and offers a panoramic view of the Gorge outside. Latourell, Wahkeena and Bridal Veil are among the many waterfalls close to the highway.
Multnomah Falls, which drops 620 feet to the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, is Oregon’s most popular natural attraction, and for good reason. See salmon make their way upstream through the glass enclosed, underwater fish ladder at the visitor center at Bonneville Dam. Explore Cascade Locks, a town named for the locks that were built in the late 1800s to navigate boats past what were once dangerous rapids. Marine Park, a National Historic Site that includes the old canal and three lock-tender houses, is the starting point for many activities. While in Cascade Locks take a two-hour narrated sternwheeler cruise aboard the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge. Stay the night in Hood River, a small but exciting community.
Hood River is known as the “Windsurfing Capital of the World.” When strong winds turn the river into a wild, wet roller coaster every “boardhead” for miles around can be found on the Columbia, skimming back and forth across the watery Oregon/Washington borders. Time your visit to the first Friday night of the month (April through December) and you will have a chance to experience the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Hood River. Local restaurants and shops transform themselves into bustling art galleries and welcome you in to see the work of local artists, hear live music, and sample the delicious local faire.

2. Day Two - While in Hood River, visit our wineries for a taste of the local vintages. Explore Saturday Market, open mid-May through mid-October for fresh local faire, music, crafts and art. Experience Oregon agriculture at its finest with a tour of Hood River’s Fruit Loop, a scenic 45 mile drive through acres of winter pear & apple orchards, farms and wineries all within view of the glistening peak of Mt. Hood. Climb aboard the Mt. Hood Railroad for a leisurely train ride through the gorgeous Hood River Valley and enjoy an hour layover in picturesque Parkdale — up close and personal with everyone’s favorite mountain - Mt. Hood. East of Hood River, hikers and bikers can enjoy a four-mile stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway that is off limits to motor vehicles.

Peak Experience Loop Tour - A special sampling of wineries and galleries around Corvallis.

 For generations, local… A special sampling of wineries and galleries around Corvallis. For generations, local artisans and winemakers have shaped the Corvallis and Benton County lifestyle. A special sampling of these countryside wineries and galleried can be found on the self-guided tour designated as the Peak Experience Local Loop.  As you drive or bicycle the loop, splendid scenery is the backdrop for a variety of activities, from gathering fresh-cut flowers, herbs, organic seeds, fruits, and vegetables to discovering honey, preserves, and baked goods and experiencing fine wine and art—all infused with local flavor. Picnic sites abound, and special annual events are not to be missed.

1. In to Corvallis - Begin from Corvallis by driving west on U.S. Highway 20 to Philomath. Head south on 13th St., which becomes Fern Road. Turn right onto Grange Hall Road for a visit to the Gathering Together Farm, which offers the finest in locally grown organic produce, including a farm kitchen serving lunch and Sunday brunch.  Also on Grange Hall Road, stroll the elegant and serene Greengable Gardens, established in 1930. This 10-acre collector’s garden is graced by the peaceful sounds of a babbling brook.

2. Frolicking Philomath - Continue west on Grange Hall Road and turn left onto Highway 34. About 10 miles south of Philomath, turn right onto the Marys Peak Road and wind your way almost 10 miles to a viewpoint overlooking the Willamette Valley and Cascade peaks beyond. As the highest point in the Coast Range at 4,097 feet, Marys Peak welcomes over 75,000 visitors a year to her trails. Here you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping, bird watching, and panoramic views.  Continue southwest on Highway 34 to the Thyme Garden Herb Company, an enchanting nursery and herbal display hidden away in the Coast Range. Bring a picnic and enjoy their unique gardens. From Thyme Gardens turn back (north) on Highway 34 to Decker Rd. Travel five miles and turn right onto Bellfountain Rd. to Finley National Wildlife Refuge. This 5,325-acre sanctuary harbors native wet prairie, rare oak savannah, and an old-growth big-leaf maple forest. An interpretive overlook and trail offer glimpses into these habitats and a chance to see songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey, and deer. Return to Bellfountain Road and travel north to Greenberry Road. Turn right to Tyee Wine Cellars, located on the historic and scenic Buchanan Family Century Farm. Here you can purchase awar5d-winning wines, stroll a 1.5-mile Beaver Pond Loop nature trail, and enjoy a full calendar of wine tastings, dinners, concerts, and other events. Turn left onto Highway 99W to return to Corvallis. Stop in the Pegasus Gallery (just past the Post Office on 2nd St.) for exhibits by local, regional, and national artists. Local restaurants offer a wide choice of menus for a well-deserved dinner. 

Wineries abound in the Corvallis area. All offer complimentary wine tasting. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, you can enjoy tastings at Harris Bridge Vineyard, Springhill Cellars, or Tyee Wine Cellars. Year-round complimentary tastings of locally made fine wines are offered at Sahalie Cellars Wine Bar and Tasting Room or at Pheasant Court Winery’s tasting room, the Wine Vault. Wine is available for sale at all wineries. A complete list of wineries is available at Corvallis Tourism.

Applegate Valley Tour - This 40-mile tour takes you through Grants Pass and the quaint communities of Applegate, Ruch and Murphy. Wine tasting is available at Valley View Winery near Ruch. 

  Jacksonville, known for being a National Landmark City, features over 85 historic buildings and homes.  This route takes you back through the countryside and rejoins Interstate 5 at Central Point (Exit 32).

1. Four Rivers - Experience the rich, artistic cultures of the original Oregonians at nationally acclaimed tribal museums, lively festivals and authentic powwows. Begin in Ontario at the Four Rivers Cultural Center to learn about the Northern Paiutes’ role in this ethnically diverse region.
2. Chief Joseph Days -Then travel north on I-84 to La Grande and northeast on Hwy. 82 to Joseph, once the domain of the Nez Perce Indians. Visit the Wallowa County Museum and take in Chief Joseph Days, a fun-filled weekend in July honoring the great chief.
3. Wild On Pendleton - Return to La Grande and on to Pendleton, home of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Here, you’ll find the Wildhorse Casino Resort and Hotel and the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, which explores 10,000 years of tribal history through the eyes of the Umatilla, Cayuse and Walla Walla Indians. The Pendleton Round-Up in September features a powwow and native dancing.

4. Extend this Tour - To extend this tour to 595 miles and 5 days, visit The Museum at Warm Springs in North Central Oregon to learn about the culture of the Wasco, Paiute and Warm Springs Indians. Farther south in Bend, The High Desert Museum’s By Hand Through Memory exhibit depicts the culture of the Columbia River Plateau Indians. For itinerary planning assistance, contact the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association, or local visitors centers listed in the Visitor Information section.