Aaron

Aaron

Florence, on the Oregon Coast, is a small-scale romantic town for any season.
Explore Oregon, Trip Planners

Have a Blast in Florence

The hamlet on the central coast is known for sand sports, serenity and, increasingly, its art written by James Sinks Fifty-five years ago, Oregon highway engineers puzzled over removing an 8-ton whale carcass that was rotting—and stinking, badly—on a beach near Florence on the central coast. Their solution: a half-ton of dynamite. They believed the TNT would pulverize the whale into tiny pieces that would be washed to sea, and eaten by shorebirds. Their miscalculation was captured in an epic TV news spot. The blast sent a decaying geyser skyward, raining large pieces of rotting blubber and foul fluid onto onlookers as far as 800 feet away. While nobody was seriously hurt, a chunk of meat did smash the roof of an innocent Oldsmobile. Today, the episode has become a thing of lore, and Florence leans into it. Around the world, you’ll find multiple rose cities and music cities, but…

King salmon on a raft of risotto is as refreshing as a spring river rapid.
Farm to Table, Live Oregon

Perfect Grilled King Salmon Recipe

written by Thor Erickson | photography by Tambi Lane As I maneuvered my boat to the downstream ferry through Boxcar Rapid, my walkie-talkie started making noise. “Thor! Are you there? Give me your location!” the voice echoed off the sheer canyon walls on the side of the Deschutes River. I couldn’t reach my two-way radio as it was strapped to my pack on the floor of the boat, and I was a bit busy. Going stern first down the rapids wasn’t my first choice. But there I was with a boat full of coolers and cooking gear. I had no choice. As the boat slammed over the rapids, going backward over the whitewater, I looked from side to side to make sure that all was clear, and none of the gear broke loose. As the river calmed, my radio went on again. “Thor, please respond!” exclaimed the voice of Patty….

Wood slat accent wall
DIY, Home + Design, Live Oregon

Build a Wood Slat Accent Wall

illustration by Sophie Barlow It doesn’t look like it, but a wood slat accent wall is a fairly beginner-friendly project. The idea is to create an accent wall in your room of choice—perhaps in an entry or hallway—composed of a series of 1×2 boards. It’s a modern look that adds architectural character, warmth and texture. 1. GATHER WOOD Measure for the accent wall dimensions, getting height and length. This project is based around boards that are listed as 1 inch x 2 inch x 8 feet (or 10 feet, depending on ceiling heights), yet the actual dimensions of the boards will be smaller, about 3/4 inch x 1½ inch. However, since there is about a ½-inch gap between each board, to determine the number of slats needed, just divide the length of the wall (in inches) by two, and add an extra board or two to the cart for mishaps….

The Ultimate Foodie’s Road Trip Guide to the Oregon Coast
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The Ultimate Foodie’s Road Trip Guide to the Oregon Coast

written by Jean Chen Smith | illustrations by Jenna Lechner The Oregon Coast offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the state. Although hugely popular in the summer and fall, spring is actually an excellent time to go because the temperature tends to be mild and you will likely experience fewer crowds. Although you might encounter rain, as Oregonians, that is nothing new, so just be prepared by dressing appropriately. Along with spectacular vistas and hiking trails, the 363-mile stretch along the Pacific Ocean showcases a solid roster of restaurants worth visiting. Whether you work your way from Astoria down to Brookings, or start from the south and head north, our lineup features some of the best spots to stop along the way, in addition to accommodations to relax and get some shut-eye. Astoria Established in 1811, Astoria is the oldest city in Oregon, with many historical buildings and…

Newport’s floating sea lion platforms, pictured here before recent replacements, are a draw for visitors to Oregon’s central coast.
Game Changer, Think Oregon

Newport’s Sea Lions Return to the Bayfront

Nonprofit helps to buoy Newport’s local sea lions—and bayfront commerce written by James Sinks | photography by Visit Newport You can hear them before you see them. Nobody is quite sure what they’re talking about, but pretty much everybody is able to find the source of the ruckus along the historic waterfront in Newport: a lazy scrum of sea lions basking and jockeying for space on dedicated floating platforms just off Port Dock One in Yaquina Bay. The barking fellas are one of the region’s more popular tourist attractions, sometimes drawing hundreds of people hourly to laugh and watch the action and wonder just how big a California sea lion can get (really big, like more than 1,000 pounds). The popular and free-to-visit pinniped posse also translates into customers for nearby businesses and eateries. So when a massive winter storm careened into Newport in late 2022 and tore all of…

One of the coast’s top scenic paddles, the Salmon River Estuary can be done solo or with informative tours, such as Safari Town Surf Shop.
Adventure, Explore Oregon

Kayak Oregon’s Coast for Wildlife and Calm

Take a kayak tour on the Oregon Coast for a peaceful escape into nature’s calm written by Cathy Carroll The lapping water is punctuated by the pterodactyl-like call of a blue heron. A bald eagle lands on driftwood near-by. A gray harbor seal, nearly 300 pounds, pokes its rounded head above the surface, its curious eyes and whiskered snout studying you. It’s just another day of kayaking on the coast. If life feels heavy, a kayak can fix that. Becoming buoyant, the weight of the world is literally lifted. A shift occurs—as if you’ve transformed into another species. No longer a two-legged creature on land, other animals such as river otters and elk observe you close up. “You’re just part of the ecosystem,” said Tony Gile, owner of Safari Town Surf Shop in Lincoln City, which leads kayaking tours in the area. “You don’t have a motor, so you’re not…

The stunning renovation of Eugene’s Valley River Inn, as seen from the lobby.
Explore Oregon, Lodging

Valley River Inn

written by Kerry Newberry | photography by Valley River Inn Eugene’s reimagined riverfront retreat exudes contemporary lodge vibes while still preserving its local heritage. Originally opened in 1973, the historic Valley River Inn recently wrapped up a multimillion-dollar renovation, transforming everything from guest rooms to the lobby lounge. Many design elements that celebrate the area’s historic logging industry—from original timber beams to grand chandeliers made from old mill parts—still grace the revived spaces. But you’ll also find fresh artwork and elegant, honey-hued wood pieces made by the locally owned Urban Lumber Co., adding modern flair. One you can’t miss is a stunning, live-edge desk that stretches along shelves of colorful hardback books, a focal point in the lobby. Just beyond this charming book nook, you can relax in the lobby’s sunken living room, where a stunning floor-to-ceiling hearth brings warmth to the space. No matter the season, you’ll want to…

Food+Drink, Live Oregon

Warm Up With Ramen at These New Spots

written by Kerry Newberry When wetness peaks in Oregon, ramen is a balm. Luckily, there’s a new crop of restaurants and bars serving up soul-satisfying bowls from wine country to the coast. First stop: Alpha Bravo (115 S. Washington St., Newberg; www.alphabravobar.com). This speakeasy-style ramen bar is located in the back room of the new urban tasting hub and gallery for Artist Block. Similar to her studio-gallery-tasting room in Dundee, founder Anna Sweet transformed a simple vision into something sensational. The hidden bar is packed with moody vibes—from vintage decor and feathery chandeliers to velvet booths. Ever wondered about pairing ramen with wine? A local list with glass pours points you in the right direction. In Portland, Takibi (2275 NW Flanders St., Portland; www.takibipdx.com), the warm and woodsy restaurant tucked inside Snow Peak’s U.S. headquarters, recently brought back its lunch program (Wednesday through Sunday) with a new menu featuring ramen,…

One of six historic covered bridges in the small and charming town of Cottage Grove.
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Quintessential Small Towns & Main Streets to Explore in 2025

7 Oregon towns that will make you question the big city life written by Jean Chen Smith I am nearing my ten-year anniversary as an Oregonian, and I still feel as though there are pockets of this state to be discovered. Coming from suburban New Jersey and having worked in New York City for almost a twenty-year stretch, I have come to appreciate the small hamlets and communities spread across our great state, which is just a tad bigger than the United Kingdom. I love the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle of our daily lives for some downtime— that is why small towns are so enticing. They offer history, charm and a laid-back pace of living. There are also plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and wildlife. We have rounded up seven of our favorite idyllic small towns and main streets in the state. Perhaps they are…