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12.31
08

Our Top Ten “Most Read” Stories for 2008

Happy New Year

As we fondly bid “adieu” to 2008, and relish the opportunities of the coming year, we love to share with you our “Top Ten” most read stories.   Over the past year, we’ve enjoyed bringing you tales of the places and people who live in this magical place we call “Oregon” and we couldn’t do it without your support, appreciation and suggestions. Thank you!

Have a wonderful New Year! ~The team @ Travel Oregon.

On the Road with Oregon Bounty – “By sampling our elixirs, you become part of the cadre, the insiders to a secret world.” I have to admit, when I read this mantra of Sub Rosa Spirits, I was intrigued. I’ve seen and read the “Da Vinci Code,” and know a little bit about ancient secret societies, so I figured I’d do my own investigation into this mystical spirit world.   So, I begin my “On the Road with Oregon Bounty” journey today…(full story)

Siltcoos River Trail by Kayak – On a recent gorgeous Oregon morning, I found myself sitting in a bright yellow kayak on Siltcoos Lake near Florence, Oregon.  It had just stopped raining and the sun was starting to peek through the clouds. Having only been in a kayak once before, I was feeling a bit shaky and nervous to make any big or sudden movements. (full story)

Oregon’s Grand Canyon – Hidden away in the southeastern corner of Oregon is a little known natural wonder. A place where golden eagles soar alongside massive cliffs tinged pink and red with the rising sun. Where Indian paintbrush and desert primrose provide a colorful contrast to the stark landscape. Where a long-deserted pioneer home stands lonely and neglected, defying the harsh elements – a testament to the hardy folk who carved out a life here.  These are the canyons of the Owyhee River – Oregon’s Grand Canyon. (full story)

Netarts, A Crabbing Story – What is so wonderful about crabbing in Netarts Bay is that you always find yourself among friends! The bay is unique in Oregon as there is no major river feeding into it. Because of this, the salmon fisherman head elsewhere and the bay is left to those who chase an elusive creepy, crawly bounty called the Dungeness crab. (full story)

Five Favorite Fishing Spots in Oregon – Flanked by the Eagle Cap Wilderness and the Wallowa Mountains, there arguably is no more scenic fishing lake in Oregon than Wallowa Lake near Joseph. Its crystalline waters are stocked with rainbow trout during the tourist season, but also has a good self-sustaining population of kokanee—a landlocked variety of sockeye salmon. (full story)

Yurtin’ It on the Oregon Coast – I’ve always loved camping, but cold temperatures and the task of setting up camp have made me a bit reticent to plan a trip. That is, until the sun poked through the Oregon clouds and my boyfriend and I scored a yurt reservation at Cape Lookout State Park on the Oregon Coast. (full story)

Lights, Camera, Action! Movies Filmed in Oregon – Oregon has long been a filming destination for Hollywood movies, from classics like The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop (both filmed at the Oregon coast) to not-yet-released films starring the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Dakota Fanning, and Woody Harrelson. Even scenes from Sean Penn’s Into the Wild were shot in Astoria, Mt. Hood and the Portland area. (full story)

Five Favorite Paddle Trips in Oregon – The allure of the John Day—one of America’s longest undimmed rivers—can be found in its solitude. With the sound of rushing water in the background, one might awake in their tent in early May to the sound of a colorful Bullock’s Oriole working the tops of the pine trees for food as the morning sun shines off of the basalt canyons. The John Day is prized by those seeking a multi-day river journey on one of Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Rivers. (full story)

“Create An Oregon Bounty Cocktail Contest” Finalists Announced - The results are in. Our “Create an Oregon Bounty Cocktail” contest began with nearly 200 submissions. After two rounds of judging, seven regional finalists have been selected. The recipes are a creative and enticing collection of cocktails using Oregon’s artisan distilled spirits and ingredients from throughout the state (see their recipes below). (full story)

OMSI’s Bodyworlds 3 Exhibit – My little brother Nick and I rarely have time to bond, so we decided to hit the road to Portland and check out OMSI’s latest exhibit: Bodyworlds 3. I would highly recommend this exhibit to both science lovers and those who are interested in learning more about the human body, because you will truly be wowed by what you see. (full story)

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12.30
08

2009 Resolutions (Part 4) – Spend More Time with your Family

Editor’s Note: With a new year comes new resolutions and we’ve got a load of ideas for 2009. This is a four part series reflecting on how to make a “fresh start” in 2009. (Read Part 1: “Learn Something New” & Part 2: “See Something Spectacular”; Part 3: “Say Goodbye to Stress” )

SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY
Leave your Blackberry or iPhone at home and head to one of Oregon’s many resorts and lodges for a weekend of priceless family bonding. Which resort would you like to visit?

Wallowa Lake Lodge
This winter take the family to northeast Oregon’s Wallowa Lake Lodge, at the south end of beautiful Wallowa Lake. Stay in the 1920s lodge or rent an entire cabin to yourselves. Either way, get ready for some snowy fun adventures in an area known as Oregon’s Alps. >>more

Out ‘n’ About Treesort
Spend your nights as Swiss Family Robinson in one of 14 family-friendly tree houses, and enjoy hiking, horseback riding and swimming while on the ground. >>more

Timberline Lodge
Stay the night at this historic WPA-era lodge located at 6,000 feet on Mt. Hood. Sign the kids up for a ski or snowboard lesson (lifts are literally right outside the rooms) then soak in the heated outdoor pool before dinner in the historic lodge. >>more

Salishan Spa & Golf Resort
Located near Siletz Bay at the central Oregon coast, Salishan has a stunning spa that features an open-air pebble-lined spa pool and Brazilian walnut plank floors—a great spot to take older children. When you’re not relaxing at the spa, you can swing a club at their championship course, or take a walk on a nearby sandy beach. >>more

Sunriver Resort
Just south of Bend in Central Oregon, Sunriver Resort is a huge playground for the whole family. Rent a luxury house or condo or reserve a room in the beautiful lodge. Take the kids ice skating at the outdoor mall, or drive the short distance to Mt. Bachelor Ski Area for a day on the slopes. Then come back when the snow thaws for the resort’s three, 18-hole championship golf courses. >>more

Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard
This is a great spot for families with older kids (as, in over 21) as this nine-suite, luxury inn sits in the heart of Yamhill Valley wine country, close to well-known wineries including Erath, Domaine Drouhin, Domaine Serene and dozens of others. >>more

Diamond Lake Resort
Winter recreation at Southern Oregon’s Diamond Lake Resort brings a snowy playground perfect for snowmobiling, snow cat skiing, cross-country skiing—there’s even a tubing hill with an uphill tow. The resort has 91 guest lodging facilities, a café, and a snow-cat pizza shuttle, which zooms guests to the nearby (3 miles) South Shore Pizza Parlor. >>more

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12.29
08

Drew Jackson’s Powder Alert: New Powder Expected Tomorrow

I realize that it’s short notice, but I’m issuing a POWDER ALERT for TOMORROW – Tuesday, December 30th.

After a wild couple of weeks (and a nasty weekend in the mountains), the weather is returning to “normal” – meaning lots of rain in the lowland valleys… and lots of snow in the higher elevations. Tomorrow looks excellent with 1-2 feet of new powder awaiting us. The top 6 inches should be of excellent quality, as temperatures will fall into the upper teens or low 20s late tonight into tomorrow morning. The snow level should lower to 1,500 feet by tonight. For up to the minute conditions, check out the Ski Oregon conditions page or follow us on Twitter.

Looking further ahead, there are several storms lined up in the Pacific – and they’re aimed right at the Northwest. The freezing level is going to bounce up and down with each arriving and passing storm, so watch the forecast closely, as the timing of each arriving weather system will determine when the freezing level rises and falls.

Enjoy the powder,

Drew

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12.28
08

2009 Resolutions (Part 3) – Say Goodbye to Stress…

Editor’s Note: With a new year comes new resolutions and we’ve got a load of ideas for 2009. This is a four part series reflecting on how to make a “fresh start” in 2009. (Read Part 1: “Learn Something New” & Part 2: “See Something Spectacular”)

After the rush of the holiday season, what better way to relax than a breathtaking hike to waterfalls that offers sweeping views of mountains, deserts, and lakes, a getaway to one of Oregon’s many day spas, rustic natural pools or indulging in the decadent delights of an specialty artisan chocolate maker?

Hike Among Waterfalls.
The Columbia River Gorge has the Pacific Northwest’s highest concentration of waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, which is the second-highest year-round waterfall in the country (and, yes, you can hike to the top, although this trail is not for beginners). Other hiking options in the area include trails that take you past Latourell Falls, Horsetail Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the list goes on. Over in the Willamette Valley east of Salem is Silver Falls State Park, Oregon’s largest state park. Its Trail of Ten Falls is a seven-mile hiking route that leads you to views of 10 different waterfalls.
>>Go hike to a waterfall…

Book a Weekend Spa Trip.
Choose from Oregon’s dozens of destination spas, including Avalon Hotel and Spa in Portland, which is home to Spa Chakra and offers more than 60 health and beauty therapies for him and her. Or book a stay at Shibui Spa at FivePine Lodge in Sisters, whose Asian-inspired design has endless tranquil elements (indoor ponds, stone and woodwork).
>>Go get a massage…

Go on an Oregon Chocolate Journey.
Experts say that chocolate can be good for your health—it provides antioxidants, can improve skin, and even lower blood pressure. It’s a good thing, then, that Oregon is home to more than a dozen artisan chocolate shops. So, cheers to your health—go ahead and taste a wild huckleberry truffle from Moonstruck, or a bing cherry infused dark chocolate ganache from LillieBelle Farms. And did we mention the sipping chocolates from Cacao, and the exotic flavors (salted lavender caramel, habanero caramel crown) from Alma?
>> Go on a chocolate tour…

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12.27
08

2009 Resolutions (Part 2) – See Something Spectacular

Editor’s Note: With a new year comes new resolutions and we’ve got a load of ideas for 2009. This is a four part series reflecting on how to make a “fresh start” in 2009. (Read Part 1)

SEE SOMETHING SPECTACULAR…
From Crater Lake to Painted Hills and the Rose Garden to Cape Perpetua, there are plenty of spectacular places to explore in our beautiful state.

And what’s more, through April 30, incredible views at Oregon’s hundreds of day-use and overnight parks come at great values with special “Discovery Season” rates and packages.

Got a hankering to explore Oregon’s spectacular scenery? Here are some ideas to get your started….

Crater Lake National Park
Home to the deepest lake in America, Crater Lake National Park is an 183,224-acre vacation wonderland. Visit and experience the awe-inspiring first look from the edge of the six-mile wide caldera into the lake that is known for its azure waters. Hike the old-growth forests, take a boat ride to Wizard Island, fish and camp—or stay and dine at Crater Lake Lodge (open May to October). See Crater Lake…

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Part of the Siuslaw National Forest at the central Oregon coast, Cape Perpetua sits high above the Pacific Ocean and offers stunning views all around. More than 20 miles of forest-view and seashore-view trails weave through 2700 acres of preserved land. Here, you can hike to see a 500-year-old Sitka Spruce Tree, among other spectacular specimens of nature. Visit Cape Perpetua…

Painted Hills & Fossil Beds
Trails running through the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Eastern Oregon offer up close looks at the colorful hills and huge collection of fossils in this area. Nearby, the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center has nearly 40,000 fossils on display, including early cousins of Rhinoceros, Saber Tooth Tigers and other exotic animals. Experience the Painted Hills and Fossil Beds…

International Rose Test Garden
From May through October, you can see for yourself why Portland is called the Rose City. Venture to Washington Park to experience the huge spectrum of colors and splashes of fragrant blossoms from more than 10,000 rose plants. On a bright and sunny day you can see the cityscape with Mt. Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak, as backdrop.

Giddy up…you’ve got some exploring to do!

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12.26
08

2009 Resolutions (Part 1) – Learn Something New

We had a magical December in Oregon. Snow fell on our cities and dumped on our mountains.  Thank you for your crazy snow dance—our ski resorts are now open!

With a new year comes new resolutions and we’ve got a load of ideas for 2009. This year, we’d like your help in narrowing our list. Should we learn to snowboard or golf? Should we road trip to Painted Hills or Crater Lake?

This is a four part series reflecting on how to make a “fresh start” in 2009. Of course we need your help. Tell us about your own Oregon resolutions or simply vote for your favorite resolutions!

LEARN SOMETHING NEW….
Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’ve always wanted to: swoosh down a powdery slope, play golf or cook a gourmet dinner”? Resolve to make it happen in Oregon this year! With plenty of powdery slopes, over 200 public golf courses, a variety of no-stress cooking classes, Oregon is chock-full of opportunity to learn something new in 2009.

Hit the Slopes! Learn to Ski or Snowboard
Picture this: fresh mountain air, spectacular views and the sound of skis swooshing through fresh powder. What are you waiting for? The hot chocolate is brewing and the lifts are open at Oregon’s dozen ski resorts. Most offer equipment rentals, as well as private and group lessons taught by patient pros.
>>Learn to Ski or snowboard in 2009…

Learn to Boil Water – (Take a cooking class)
Whether you’re a budding chef or can’t seem to make toast, Oregon has a variety of no-stress cooking classes. You may opt for cooking demonstrations where you sit back, sip a glass of wine and watch someone else illustrate the art of braising. Or, there are classes where you’re expected to pull your weight—the chef might have you chopping carrots or blow torching the top of a crème brûlée.
>>Learn to cook in 2009…

Improve your Golf Swing
Oregon has more than 200 public courses, many of which offer private lessons and practice facilities to improve your short or long game—or both. And once you’ve warmed up, you can swing through spectacular stretches of sand dunes perched high above the Pacific Ocean or play alongside the mountain views of Central Oregon’s high-desert courses (just steer clear of the volcanic red-sand bunkers).
>>Learn to golf in 2009…

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12.24
08

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait!

By Asit Rathod

My dad always—and I mean always—told me good things come to those who wait. Well for us Oregonians who ski or snowboard that wait ended the week of December 15, 2008. Good things came in the form of 5 feet of super cold powder over a four day period!

The lift lines at Mount Hood Meadows were electric from all the pent up energy due to the late start to the 2008-2009 ski season. The lift line was filled with comments like “I wish I had fatter boards”, “I think it might be too deep”, and “I can’t believe that it was over my head”. The smiles and “hi-fives” were contagious on the mountain. In these days of gloom and doom it is nice to be reminded that good things really do come to those who wait.

With snow piling as high as 6 feet on Oregon’s peaks, our ski resorts are celebrating what is surely an epic year! For up-to-date conditions at Oregon’s ski resorts, check out SkiOregon.org or follow them on Twitter.

Editor’s Note: Asit Rathod is from Hood River and is perfectly comfortable scaling unclimbed peaks, base-jumping or enjoying the solitude of Oregon’s backcountry. Read about his adventures here. Photo Credits: Randy Boverman

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12.23
08

Tasty Web Treats to Help Your Oregon Vacation Plans

Our friends in the Willamette Valley and Portland recently launched two new websites that will make planning an Oregon getaway easier!

OregonWineCountry.org

OregonWineCountry.org

OregonWineCountry.Org: If it’s Oregon wine you’re after, you probably already know about the Willamette Valley. However, you may not know that the Willamette Valley Visitors Association has recently revamped its website, OregonWineCountry.org, to make it even easier to plan your next trip to Oregon Wine Country.

Packed with photos and information galore, this online resource is a fantastic tool for learning about new Willamette Valley vacation options. And what’s more…the site also allows you to view their travel guide, ask questions via the blog see upcoming events in the wine country and sign up for quarterly e-mail alerts.

- DiscoverPortland.net – Hankering for even more information about the shopping, dining and arts scene of the greater Portland area? Check out DiscoverPortland.net for the inside scoop on Portland’s eclectic neighborhoods, shopping, restaurants and culture. Don’t forget to sign up for their e-newsletter for timely information and deals on all things Portland!

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12.21
08

Finding Fun and Fish on the Rails along the Wallowa River

By Chris Santella

I hear that train a comin’
It’s coming round the bend
If I’m a little lucky
There’s a steelhead at the end…

Well, that’s not exactly how the Johnny Cash song goes, but as I rode the Fish Train through the Wallowa River Canyon on a chilly March morning, I couldn’t help but think what Mr. Cash would have made of this fusion of angling and engines…and would he have fished flies or bait?

The Fish Train is the brainchild of the late Chuck Fleser, the proprietor of the Minam Motel & Market, and is operated in conjunction with the Wallowa Union Railroad that runs the popular Eagle Cap Excursion Train in more clement months. The Fish Train gives anglers seeking steelhead (an ocean going form of rainbow trout that can reach sizes of up to 12 pounds in these parts) access to sections of the Wallowa River that would otherwise be out of reach for all but the hardiest hikers. It also gives anyone who enjoys the outdoors a great excuse to visit lovely Northeastern Oregon in what has traditionally been a quiet season.

Read more »

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12.20
08

Mushing Fun in Central Oregon

Mushing in Central Oregon

Mushing in Central Oregon

A howling symphony saturates the crisp morning air. Sled teams of Alaskan huskies, their soulful blue eyes tilted skyward in a call of the wild are ready to run across a field of fresh powder through the picturesque hills and valleys of Central Oregon. >>Read Story

Our friend Terry Richard from the Oregonian recently wrote an interesting story about the wonderful experience of “mushing” (dog sledding). This one-of-a-kind experience is offered by Oregon’s only commercial sled dog operation, Trail of Dreams, operated and owned by Jerry Scdoris and his daughter Rachael, who was the first blind athlete to compete and finish in Alaska’s legendary Iditarod race in both 2005 and 2006.

This ride starts at Mt. Bachelor and takes you thorough miles of spectacular through snow country with jaw-dropping views of snow-covered Broken Top, the Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor.

To book a spot, please call Mt. Bachelor’s reservation staff at 800-829-2442. For day-of-ride reservations, check with the information center inside the Sunrise Lodge.

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