Explore Oregon Archives

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January 1, 2013<March 1, 2017

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…

January 1, 2013<March 1, 2017

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…

January 1, 2013<March 1, 2017

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…

January 1, 2013<March 1, 2017

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…

January 1, 2013<March 1, 2017

Best Place to Impress Out-of-Towners

Winner: Multnomah Falls Photo by Andrea Johnson There must be literally millions of photos of friends, lovers and tour groups taken in front of the magnificent Multnomah Falls. The two-tiered, 611-foot waterfall never fails to impress. Certainly Oregon’s highest and one of the country’s tallest year-round waterfalls, the spray and roar of this watery wonder can be experienced by a five-minute walk from the parking lot off Interstate 84. A short distance to Benson Footbridge, and you’re between the two cascades—a perfect view of the 542-foot upper tier and 69 feet of plunging water below. Climb another mile to the top for a bird’s-eye view of the Columbia Gorge or spend a few minutes at historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925. Trivia point: A 400-ton boulder fell 225 feet from the waterfall’s face in 1995, crashing into the upper pool and generating a splash large enough to ruin the…