Travel Oregon Blog

To The Dalles and Beyond!

Known as the “king of roads,” the Historic Columbia River Highway winds east from Portland, past fairy-tale-like scenery of mossy stone structures, waterfalls, wildflower fields and along the Columbia River Gorge. Take the road less traveled on this Scenic Byway and head out for a day or weekend trip past Hood River to The Dalles, located about 70 miles outside of Portland. Take your time along the was as you’ll find many culinary delights and outdoor adventures that dot this route.

If it’s two-wheel travel you seek, plenty of adventures abound on the trails (both paved and dirt) that traverse the eastern Dalles area. With loops ranging from 10 to 100 miles and more, there is a diverse variety for every level of cyclist. Find a trail at Ride Oregon Ride.
Head into town and spend an afternoon at Anzac Tea Parlour. It’s located in the historic home of legendary cattle rancher Ben Snipes (1835-1906), he built the house for his wife, Mary. In 2004 Bev and Alan Eagy moved from Australia and converted the home into a commercial kitchen and tea parlour where they make and sell their now-famous Anzac biscuits (which is just Down Under’ slang for cookie). Be sure to don your elbow-length white gloves for high tea Tuesday-Saturday. In addition to cucumber sandwiches and crumpets, they also serve a full lunch menu. Don’t leave without a stroll through their unique gift shop filled with trinkets from bygone eras.

Not to be overlooked is the Dalles wine region. The wines here are a warm weather varietal and therefor unique to Oregon including Syrah, Cabernet and Zinfandel. The Pines Winery is one of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the state, dating back over a century. A tasting tour here is unlike any other as the wineries are located in the areas most historic structures. Erin Glenn Winery is housed in The Mint, a fortress-like building commissioned by Abraham Lincoln to mint coins in the 1860s.

Tags: Columbia River Gorge, Historic Columbia River Highway, The Dalles

Iconic Oregon — An Old Fashioned Road Trip

Summer in Oregon looks as if it was drawn by a child with a joyful imagination and a big box of crayons.   The sky is a deep and cloudless blue, the mountains are sharp-peaked and snow-capped, the trees rise like green rockets, the spray from the waterfalls dazzles into little rainbows.  Add in other elements that crayons cannot capture — the champagne air, the roar … Read more

Editor’s Note: Steven Goodwin is a golf writer at The A Position, a golf and travel website featuring more than 30 world-class journalists

Tags: road trip

Laziness Finds Respectability in Camp Sherman

There are many places in Oregon that offer serenity, but some also require a full day of driving. Driving, in my experience, does not propagate serenity. That’s part of the reason that Camp Sherman, only 40 miles from my home in Bend, has become one of my favorite destinations. The other reason is that Camp Sherman is one of the most delightful places on the planet—no matter how far you have to drive to get there.

Entering this small community off of Hwy 20, ten miles west of Sisters, is a little bit like going back in time. Camp Sherman has beckoned to families looking for escape since the 1920s, and in some ways it seems things haven’t changed all that much since then. Last weekend, before we even spotted the quaint fire station, the rustic Camp Sherman store, the old-fashioned bridge over the glittering Metolius River or the clusters of cabins sheltered by gigantic ponderosas, our bodies had already begun to unwind. By the time we pulled up a deck chair and breathed in the spicy-sweet scent of Manzanita and pine, kicked back with an ice tea and a book, we’d practically reached inner peace.

But life can’t be all about laziness (can it?). In the morning, before everyone but the fly fishermen were out of bed, we found ourselves at the Black Butte trail head. The climb up this volcanic cone is only 1.9 miles. But considering its 1600 foot elevation gain, it’s no slouch’s outing. All worth it for the killer view at the top. After perching next to the fire lookout and admiring a bird’s-eye view of Mt. Adams to Broken Top for a good long while, we meandered back down through oceans of wildflowers, the surreal remnants of wildfires and a lovely forest.

Then we resumed our position back in Camp Sherman on the deck. We’d justified laziness now, and intended to give it our undivided attention for the duration of the weekend.

Tags: Camp Sherman, Central Oregon, Metolius River

See You at The Oregon Brewers Festival

In Oregon, July is Oregon Craft Beer Month. You guessed it, an entire month dedicated to the craft beers made throughout our wonderful state. During this month there are numerous events catering to all types of beer fans. The focal point of craft beer month is the 23rd Annual Oregon Brewers Festival. Beer lovers travel from all over the world to attend this event and join the 70,000 plus attendees that show up to celebrate tasty beers and great weather. To get the most out of this festival I have provided some tips and recommendations.

When:
July 22nd-25th
Thurs-Sat, Noon to 9 p.m.
Sun, Noon to 7 p.m.

Location:
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon Main entrance at S.W. Oak Street and Naito Parkway

Cost:
Admission is free
Token & mug sales cease a half hour prior to the taps closing

$10 package: one mug, one program, four tokens
$20 package: one mug, one program, 14 tokens
$50 package: two mugs, two programs, 40 tokens
1 token gets you a taste, 4 tokens gets you a full mug.

Festival Tips:

1. Don’t go on an empty stomach. Food in your belly is vital for being prepared to taste lots of delicious beers.
2. Drink plenty of water. Strong beer and hot weather can be a dangerous combination if you do not keep yourself hydrated.
3. Get there early. As the day progresses the festival gets very busy and some of the rare & more popular beers will run out.
4. Don’t drink & drive! Be safe and take public transportation (the bus, or MAX) or taxi it.
5. Bring cash. Although there are multiple ATM’s at the festival, bring cash to avoid the ATM fees.

Beers to try:

• Ballast Point Brewing Big Eye IPA
• Oakshire Brewing Overcast Espresso Stout
• Upright Brewing Reggae Junkie Fruit
• The Bruery 7 Grain Sasion
• Collaborator Sunstone Pilsner
• Cascade Brewing Summer Gose
• Boulevard Brewing Tank 7 Farmhouse

A complete list of all 81 beers can be found here

Buzz Beers to try:
The Oregon Brewers Festival also has a buzz tent with special beers that are available for 2 tokens for a sample. These beers are harder to get. Below is a list of a few that are worth checking out:

• Fort George-Barrel Aged Coffee Girl Stout
• Full Sail-Russian Imperial Stout
• Ballast Point-Sculpin IPA
• Caldera-Caldera Mogli
• The Bruery-Oude Tart

A Complete list of all of the buzz tent beers can be found here.

Have fun and feel free to leave comments on this post with your favorite beers from the fest.

- Follow Kerry Finsand on Twitter to learn more about Oregon beer.

Tags: craft-brews, Oregon Brewers Festival, Oregon Craft Beer Month

Grant’s Getaways: Umpqua River Byway

The beauty of an Oregon summer is that you can enjoy views that are never twice the same.

Southern Oregon’s Umpqua River Byway is blessed with waterfalls, wildlife and camping opportunities. It’s a roadway once traveled you’ll never want to leave for the Umpqua River scenic byway reaches high into the Oregon Cascade Mountains with pleasant surprises at every turn.

Many begin their adventures at Diamond Lake, often called a “Jewel of the Cascades” because it offers plenty of camping elbow room to spread out and play, while fishermen cast for rainbow trout at one of the finest lakes in the state.
But that’s not always been the case – in fact, for much of the past decade, it was quite a different story and according to the experts, Diamond Lake nearly died.

Someone had let loose a fish called “Tui Chub” into Diamond Lake sometime in the early 1990’s. Over the years, the fish reproduced so fast that the prized rainbow trout didn’t have a chance.

Diamond Lake is at the apex of the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway – from here, you can go down the North Fork of the Umpqua River corridor and visit the waterfalls on the way down into the world-famous blue ribbon fly fishery.

There’s nearly two hundred miles of byway where the river is often by your side and provides glimpses into a water lovers playground that’s hard to avoid. From those who cast flies for big fish to those who grab paddles to tackle big waves…and then there are the quiet times for those ready to explore less traveled trails to spectacular waterfalls.

The Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway is blessed with a variety of hiking trails and many of those lead to spectacular waterfalls including Watson Creek Falls. The trail is a half-mile long – uphill for the most part, but the good news is that it is all downhill on the way back to your vehicle. Be sure to bring your camera.

This mountain byway unwinds to become another scenic route, the Umpqua Scenic Byway, west of Roseburg, that delivers you toward the coastline along the main Umpqua River.

Be Prepared for something special off Oregon State Highway 38: at first glance, what appears to be dancing antlers across the grassy fields of the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. The site encompasses 1,040 acres, is jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is managed with public viewing and education with an information kiosk at the O.H. Hinsdale Interpretive Center that offers information about Oregon’s elk and the environment of the Dean Creek area as well as spotting scopes to enhance viewing.

There are also free brochures that tell you the story of the elk and the surrounding area. It’s a can’t miss photo opportunity where elk are so close you’ll want to have your camera at your side. In addition, there is a three-mile viewing area with strategically placed pullouts. The herd of 60 to 100 Roosevelt elk roams freely in the protected pasture, woodland, and wetland areas, sharing their habitat with other wildlife including bald eagles, Canada geese, beaver, and black-tailed deer.

The two Umpqua Scenic Byways offers roadways reaching from the coast to the Cascades and are filled with adventures for you to explore anytime.

Editor’s Note: Grant’s Getaways is a production of Travel Oregon brought to you in association with Oregon State Parks, Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife and Oregon State Marine Board. Episodes air Fridays and Saturdays on KGW Newschannel 8 and Saturdays on Northwest Cable News Network.

Tags: Diamond Lake, Grant McOmie, Grant's Getaways, Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway, Southern Oregon

Ultimate Golf Roadtrip: Tetherow, Brasada and Pronghorn

Number 12 at Pronghorn

Tetherow

We woke to rain and high winds, three rounds at Bandon with minimal moisture and not much winds, we lucked out!

We had a meeting with a tee time at Tetherow in the afternoon so we hightailed it up the coast. The drive from Bandon to Bend is five hours so we decided to stop in Elkton and have breakfast at Tomasellis. This restaurant is a gem, they bake all their pastries, breads, energy bars. They have great homemade fare with a small town ambiance.

Fed and happy we hit the road once more , we took I-5 to Springfield were we made headed up the McKenzie River Valley, this is a spectacular drive that takes us to the high dessert. Today we could see nothing but rain and clouds, so we entertained ourselves with playing Oregon trivia with Chris playing Alex Travick. The closer we got to Bend the lighter the skies got so our mood was getting brighter.

The staff at Tetherow was fantastic they were ready for us and even provided it the Caddie Master Doug Searcie as our guide for our round.

Tetherow is a world class golf couse designed by David Kidd. The font nine is more wide open with water on some of the holes. Make sure you choose the correct tees for the full enjoyment. We had a couple of squalls come through to make sure we had the full Bandon experience in Bend.

The back nine is a wonderful and magical couple of hours, Mr Kidd takes us on a wonderful journey thru a pine forest, the sun sun made an appearance, gortex was shed and scores started to make a comeback. From the par 5 thirteen to the signature 17th is a visual paradise.

Brasada

Brasada Ranch was the middle day of our Best of Bend trio. It is located some thirty minutes outside of Bend at Powell Butte. It is a Jeld Wen Corporation development and like anything else they are involved with it is a top notch property.

The course is a Peter Jacobsen design which features generous fairways, great par threes and some of the best greens anywhere. The course meanders in and out canyons with some wonderful views on most days. Unfortunately for us we got one of the fifty days of moisture. We got in eight holes before the rain headed our way over the Cascades.

There was not much play so we sat outside the pro shop and shared sandwiches and beer talked story and waited for the squall to go past us. We finished the back nine with some showers as part of our day. Despite the showers we all commented what a world class property they have here at Brasada Ranch.

The Nickalaus Course at Pronghorn

Pronghorn oozes luxury . From the road to the front gate is four miles. The clubhouse is a 50,000 square foot lodge that demands your attention. The staff is top notch. The setting is spectacular.

It rained Thursday night and the forecast for Friday was a good news bad news thing. The good news the storm was moving thru and the skies were clearing . The bad news they were calling for fifty mile an hour winds!

Friday is the last day of our trip. The weather people were right on the clearing part, the winds were in the 10 to 20mph range, we were ecstatic that they got the wind part wrong. We were sad to leave our little palace but excited to play the Nicklaus course.

We checked in at the pro shop put our clubs on the carts and drove the carts to the Trailhead Grill for breakfast. We made quick work of our meals and were ready to roll.

We were met on the putting green by Michael Marion, Head of Operations of Pronghorn who hosted this wonderful two days. We also met Kenny who would be our guide for the day. Couple putts couple swings and we were ready. The first thing you notice is how manicured the course is. The sad part is that it is going too fast we are all playing pretty well (nice weather helps) , at times I have to tell myself to soak it in.

One of my favorite holes is number 12, a par four fronted by bunker on the left hand side and a lake that guards the green on the right, just to make things more beautiful there is also a waterfall. As we get closer to 18, I get a little sad that this fantasy is coming to an end.

At the end of the round handshakes are not enough I hug my friends and thank them for partaking on this trip of a lifetime!!

Ken informed that the fine staff at Pronghorn had set up a tour of the Fazio course. That course is incredible, we even got to go to the lava tube on the par three seventh and walk back into the cave, what a treat. the photos are amazing.

Our last stop was was back at the Trailhead Grill where we had sanwiches made for the road and pondered what we had just done. As a group we struck the ball 2,425 times and travelled 690 miles in seven days and played seven rounds in six days. Good work boys!

Tags: Best of Bend, Brasada Ranch, Central Oregon, golf, Pronghorn, Tetherow, ultimate golf road trip, win an oregon adventurecation

Multnomah Falls – A Delight for RV Travelers

Traveling the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon  is always a pleasure, and one place in particular draws visitors again and again. Multnomah Falls, east of Portland, Oregon on Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, offers RV campers the chance to see nature at its best.

Witnessing this six-story waterfall for yourself also acquaints you with the Gorge that divides the Cascade Mountains and brings you within easy driving distance of numerous other memorable sights. Larch Mountain is home to Multnomah Falls, but Mount Hood and the powerful Columbia River are also gems along this historic highway.

What makes Multnomah Falls so memorable? This spring-fed waterfall crashes down the rocky face of Larch Mountain in two dramatic tiers, past pine trees and enormous boulders and into a sparkling pool. Being able to stand on beautiful Benson Bridge, right where the first tier splashes dramatically over a rocky ledge, allows visitors an upfront and personal experience with this natural wonder.

Hardy RV travelers will want to take advantage of at least one of the hiking trails that abound in the area. Hike approximately one mile to reach the top of Multnomah Falls for a view you won’t soon forget. There are also more strenuous trails, such as the loop up to Wahkeena Springs, Fairy Falls, Larch Mountain, and other fascinating examples of Oregon’s natural beauty. Everyone should allow themselves the joy of walking through the rock-strewn forests, cooled by the mist of nearby waterfalls.

Depending on your starting point, you’ll enjoy the sights leading up to Multnomah Falls in different order. When making the trip to Multnomah from the west along Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, you’ll pass through beautiful Hood River, Oregon and then past the Bonneville Dam and Cascade Locks. Always in the view of the mighty Columbia River, you’ll have the chance to stop and enjoy Horsetail and Oneonta Falls before reaching majestic Multnomah Falls.

If you’re coming west from Portland, watch for historic Crown Point Overlook Vista House, high on a bluff above the highway. Even from the road, you just might catch a glimpse of Bridal Veil, Latourell or Sheppards Dell Falls, high up on the mountain face. No matter which route you take, the opportunities for spectacular vacation photos and memories abound through every window of your RV.

Once reaching Multnomah Falls, you’ll soon be captivated by the picturesque lodge and stone bridge that have greeted visitors since the early 1900s. They’re just two more reasons millions of visitors make the drive to visit Multnomah for themselves. Nothing, however, compares with the sight of icy water rushing more than six hundred feet toward the base of the mountain.

Why not make Multnomah Falls your next RV vacation destination? There are few places in America to see so much beauty within such a short distance. Comfortable RV campgrounds abound in the area, many within view of the Columbia River, making this an easy choice for motorhome travelers.

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. For other great RV camping vacation ideas see Monty’s Musings RV Camping Blog or the new Monty’s RV Vacation Photo / Picture Gallery.

Tags: Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood/Gorge, Multnomah Falls, rv vacations

Grant’s Getaways: Let’s Go Camping!

It’s summer time and the camping life is easy unless you’re a newcomer to the camping experience. This week, I’ll  show you an easy, friendly way learn campout basics on a getaway to Silver Falls State Park where no one is left behind when the call goes out: “Let‘s Go Camping.”

It’s a Saturday morning in mid-July and Eric and Mindy Markman and their young kids hope to leave all their worries behind on a special campout at Silver Falls State Park.

“Have fun and try not to make too much work” is a key message for the folks who signed up for the Oregon State Park program called “Let’s Go Camping.” It’s a bit like a class in Camping 101 where no assumptions are made about your outdoor skills, abilities or experiences.

Oregon Parks and Recreation staff member, Kevin Farron, plus a core volunteer group operate 12 “Let’s Go Camping” seminars for newcomer campers at as many state parks through the summer. The goal is to introduce beginners to the techniques and equipment that many car campers (folks who stay in a tent rather than a trailer or RV) might consider for their own camping trip.

In fact, if you don’t own camping gear that’s ok because they will loan you the tent, sleeping bags, pads and stoves to set you on the right path. And the price is right too! On this weekend, 8 families signed up for an overnight session at Silver Falls State Park and each family paid just 20 dollars to go to the camping school.

Park rangers assist the class with lessons on safety. For example – showing and talking about the ten safety essentials you’d want to take with you on a hike. Volunteers also show and share camping techniques like the proper way to build a fire.

Farron said there’s even a cooking lesson – dutch oven style: “Everybody loves dutch oven cooking – it’s new to most people and you get a tasty treat at the end so it’s very interactive. Plus, the kids help out.”

Editor’s Note: Grant’s Getaways is a production of Travel Oregon brought to you in association with Oregon State Parks, Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife and Oregon State Marine Board. Episodes air Fridays and Saturdays on KGW Newschannel 8 and Saturdays on Northwest Cable News Network.

Tags: camping, family friendly, Grant McOmie, Grant's Getaways, Let's Go Camping!, Silver Falls State Park

Swinging in the Trees

There’s nothing like spending a summer afternoon in the cool shade of a large oak tree with a picnic or a book or just a few good friends. But what if you could climb amongst those trees, or better yet, sleep in them? In Oregon, you can. Explore the states newest adventure park–where you can literally walk on air! Or, spend a night 40-feet above the ground in the most luxurious tree house you’ll ever see. Whether you’re in midair or walking amongst the trees, explore Oregon’s original resident.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk high amongst the trees, balancing on midair bridges and tight ropes and swing from limb to limb (with an appropriate Tarzan howl)? Well the mystery is unveiled in the Willamette Valley at Oregon’s newest outdoor adventure park, Tree to Tree Adventure Park. The only park of its kind in all the western states, Tree to Tree offers is a surefire way to get your feet off the ground and one step closer to nature. They offer courses for all ages, heights and skill levels and those looking to stay grounded can explore the abundant nature trails. Check out Grant McOmie’s recent adventure at Tree to Tree for some inspiration.

At the coast, explore the Tillamook Forest Center where a interpretive center shows how we connect with the forest on a daily basis. Built along the Wilson River, on landscape that was once devastated by a series of fires in the 1930s and 40s, there is now a 40-foot tall replica of a fire lookout tower, classrooms and a movie theater. Surrounding the campus are picnic tables. walking trails and a suspension bridge that spans the Wilson River.

The Out and About Treehouse Treesort in Southern Oregon will put any homemade treehouse to shame. This bed and breakfast in the Siskiyou National Forest has actual homes–complete with plumbing and full kitchens–perched high within the Oak grove. Rest your head 40 feet above the ground and wake up with the birds chirping next to you. There is also a zipline course, horseback riding and treehouse construction tutorials.

Tags: adventure, Out and About Treehouse Treesort, Tillamook Forest Center, Tree to Tree Adventure Park

White Water Adventures!

Summer is here in all its hot, hot splendor and we revel the season’s high temperatures in the cool comforts of our favorite waterways! Whether it’s a kayak or a raft, whether you’re a front-seat paddler or a mid-boat observer, Oregon’s rivers have something for everyone. Adventurers can ride the wildly white waters while those looking for a slower paced journey will be mystified by the scenic pathways–through ancient canyons and lush forest–in which these storied rivers run.

In the vast desert and high plains of Eastern Oregon, the Snake River in Hells Canyon stands out as a gorgeous natural wonder, not to mention an unforgettable adventure for any whitewater enthusiast. The Snake flows through a Canyon seeped in history of which you can see in the pictographs and petroglyphs, as well as winter pithouse villages, scattered along the river that document Native American presence in the canyon for more than 11,000 years. For adrenaline-seekers, passing over Wild Sheep and Granite Creek Rapids is known as a rite of rafting passage. Not many major metropolitan areas can claim a National Wild and Scenic River in their back yard but Portland is not just any city. Residents and visitors hike, kayak and raft along the upper stretch of the Clackamas River that lies just beyond the city’s concrete jungle. The Clackamas River winds through dense forest and basalt canyons and has white water stretches that challenge the most expert paddlers.

For beginners or anyone looking for a more mellow experience, head just outside of the city to the Mt. Hood/Gorge area and hop on at the lower stretch of the Clackamas River near Estacada. This is the perfect spot for novice paddlers to test the waters.

The Deschutes River slices through Central Oregon but its on the Lower Deschutes River where the water really turns white. Within the 100 mile stretch between Pelton Dam to the Columbia River is a powerful river that flows through basalt canyons and high desert. It’s a popular spot for rafters of all kinds and kayakers–so much so that each rapid has earned its own appropriate monicker such as Buckskin Mary, Box Car and White Horse.

The Wild and Scenic North Umpqua River in Southern Oregon is known for its unrivaled scenic beauty, passing through ancient wilderness, gorges and lush forest. However don’t get distracted by the view, the high-intensity rapids along this waterway will challenge any thrill seeker but don’t take our word for it, check out the video from the Summer edition of Travel Oregon Magazine.

Find a Rafting Guide

Tags: adventure, Clackamas River, Hells Canyon, Lower Deschutes River, North Umpqua River, snake river, white water rafting