Blaine Franger’s Columbia River Gorge
Photographer Blaine Franger shares his favorite images from his home in Hood River.
Explore Oregon
Nike’s Oregon Project
History was in the making in the London chill, but it wouldn’t include the usual favorites.
Oregon Loves Dogs
Our readers love their dogs.
Best Luxury Hotel
Winner: Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg Turn off the busy Highway 99W in Newberg and stress ebbs as you head up the hill to the Allison Inn & Spa. Vineyards and native landscaping nuzzle the big stone columns and wood structures of this gorgeous retreat in the heart of Oregon wine country. The inn’s eco-friendly mantra is evident from the living sedum-covered roofs, to parking reserved for electric vehicles and the absence of plastic bottles. The Allison’s acclaimed restaurant, Jory, seats 100, offers 800 wine labels (more than half from the Pacific Northwest) and locally sourced foods, including in-house charcuterie and produce from the on-site garden. Enjoy paintings and other works by Oregon artists, the large pool and spa, complimentary wine tasting on Thursdays, and jazz on Friday and Saturday nights. Guest rooms are spacious with fireplaces and either a terrace or a balcony. And if leaving man’s best friend…
Best Views
Winner: Crater Lake photo by Andrea Johnson Pure silence, not a ripple on the lake, the sun rising over the crater rim. This is Crater Lake National Park (nps. gov/crla), one of the most pristine places on Earth. Stay at the rustic lodge built in 1915 and renovated in 1995, or snag a cabin or campsite in Mazama Village seven miles south of Crater Lake’s rim (open seasonally). Admire the views from one of the twenty scenic overlooks along the thirty-three-mile rim drive, some 2,000 feet above the lake—step back if you’re prone to vertigo. In winter, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski the rim. In warmer months, cycle or hike it. Want to actually dip your feet in the chilly lake? The only water access is down a mile-long trail that drops 700 feet to Cleetwood Cove. It’s worth the effort, especially if you want to take the only…
Best Rustic Digs
Winner: Timberline Lodge, Government Camp Photo by Aubrie LeGault Everything about the 1937-era WPA Timberline Lodge says Oregon—from its hand-hewn native wood and local stone to hand-woven draperies and wrought-iron details. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977, Timberline Lodge records two million visitors a year—many come to ski or snowboard in the winter, or mountain climb and hike in summer. Located on the southern slope of Mt. Hood, at 6,000 feet, The lodge (timberlinelodge.com) is a living museum of Arts and Crafts, and a majestic place to visit. Plan a romantic getaway or book a girls’ weekend at the lodge, which offers cozy rooms for two or bunk-style rooms for groups. Taste an Oregon microbrew at the Blue Ox or Ram’s Head bars or reserve a table at the dignified Cascade Dining Room. When it’s time to relax, head for the outdoor swimming pool and spa (open year-round) or…
Best Camping
Winner: Beverly Beach Photo by Aubrie LeGault All paths at Beverly Beach lead to the scenic walkway under Highway 101 out to the Pacific Ocean and a beach that stretches from Yaquina Head to the headlands of Otter Rock. Look for the giant, fossilized 14,000-year-old Sitka root or take a picnic lunch and watch the kids build sand castles. Agate seekers scour the rocky shore to the north, and fossil lovers tread south. Spencer Creek runs through the campground, which has hookups for trailers and RVs, 128 tent sites, twenty-one yurts and five group tent areas. Just a couple miles north is Marine Gardens, located on a gravel path off Third Street in Otter Rock. Best experienced during low tide, the tidal pools are full of life. Observe seabird colonies and harbor seal pups. In Newport, meander the waterfront and fishing port, or on a rainy day, spend hours at…
Best Hiking
Winner: Smith Rock, Terrebonne Photo by Tyler Roemer Geologists call it welded tuff, rock climbers call it unwieldy and tough. Rising 300 to 550 feet above the high desert, Smith Rock’s vertical walls and spires attract rock climbers of all skill levels. Inside Smith Rock State Park, a thousand routes, including several on iconic Monkey Face, allow novice and experienced climbers to test their nerves. If cliff hanging isn’t for you, watch from a safe distance atop Misery Ridge Summit, which also has stunning views in all directions. Park visitors can horseback ride, mountain bike or hike miles of trails in and around the park. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes in warm months. Runner-Up: Tam McArthur Rim, Bend Photo by Christian Heeb This moderately difficult hike within the Three Sisters Wilderness showcases the alpine volcanic environment at its best. The trailhead starts at Three Creek Lake about twenty miles…
Best Road Trip
Winner: Highway 101 Photo by Aubrie LeGault The Oregon coast lays out a visual feast for those who partake of the 373-mile journey on Highway 101 from Astoria to Brookings. Best savored over several days, travelers along the rugged, wild and often stormy coastline can tour museums, lighthouses and art galleries. Pull into scenic overlooks to spy brown pelicans fishing in the surf or gray whales breaching off shore, tread miles of public beaches, hike headlands for panoramic views or gaze into pristine tidal pools at one of seven marine gardens. Stop at one of the eighty-six state parks spread end-to-end, with the highest concentration along the central coast. Pitch a tent or get pampered at a luxury hotel (from the Stephanie Inn in Cannon Beach to Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge near Gold Beach). Break up the drive by surfing a wave, riding a dune-buggy, flying a kite, kayaking a…
