A long-time favorite in the Umpqua National Forest written by Joni Kabana Who would have thought back in 1926 that a small cafe located minutes from Crater Lake National Park would survive recessions, change of ownerships and even a pandemic? Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Beckie’s Cafe—in addition to host Union Creek Resort—has been a beloved destination for many sojourners, even as far back when Union Creek was an important camping spot on the long stretches of trails connecting early settlements with Crater Lake. Zane Grey, Jack London and Herbert Hoover purportedly have made stops there and mingled among patrons, in addition to many repeat connoisseurs. “Beckie” was actually Ed Beckelhymer, who opened the cafe and passed the torch to his wife, Cecil, also becoming known as “Beckie,” until she passed during the late 1960s. A few recipes might have changed over the years with new owners,…

Fossil, Oregon, lives up to its name written by Joni Kabana Are you an explorer? Would you like to dig for fossils in a place that is relatively unknown? Then head to the tiny town of Fossil in the land where time forgot. Here you can find fossils in a hillside formed some 30 million years ago by volcanic activity. What was once a lush region with lakes and waterways is now a paradise for rock hounds and fossil lovers. Diggers have found more than thirty different species of plants, insects and fish, some designated as being extinct. No excavation experience is necessary—just bring some patience and a rock pick, trowel and chisel. If you don’t happen to have these on hand, you can borrow equipment on site. This fossil bed was discovered during the building of Wheeler High School in 1949 when builders noticed a large amount of fossilized…

Macabre folklore a stone’s throw away written by Joni Kabana Looking for a gothic love story location that is full of mystery close to your favorite take-out eatery or coffee shop? Take a short hike to the Stone House, otherwise known by locals as the “Witch’s Castle” in Portland. This hidden wonder, located via a short hike along forested pathways, has quite a sordid history. Ernest Tucker, commissioned by the Bureau of Parks, built this stone building in 1929 to serve as a public toilet and storage room. As part of the Works Progress Administration projects, this structure was completed sometime during 1935–1936. It was in full operation until 1962 when the Columbus Day Storm destroyed the water line, which has never been repaired. But there’s more! Folklore has it that Danford Balch brought his family to this spot by way of the Oregon Trail around 1850. Balch claimed a…

Five camps, clinics and retreats where you can get unstuck and reach new summits written by Jen Sotolongo Thank summer camp is just for kids? Think again. The adventures and fun don’t have to stop just because you’re an adult. From river rafting to trail running or mountain biking, personal development and rock climbing, there’s a camp for all types of outdoor adventures, from newbies to expert enthusiasts. VARIOUS LOCATIONS Cog Wild Mountain Biking Camps Based out of Bend, Cog Wild has run multi-day mountain biking trips for intermediate and expert riders in Oregon since 2006. Trips take place in some of the top mountain biking destinations in the state, including the Mt. Hood region, McKenzie River, the Umpqua Valley and Oakridge. Designed for expert riders who don’t mind a little hike-a-bike and big climbs, the three-day Umpqua Trip Timpanogos trip hits some of the favorite trails on the North…

A flower farm located in the small Whidbey Island town of Langley is a wonder of cacao-themed plants written by Joni Kabana photos by Chocolate Flower Farm Chocolate lovers know their hometown favorites and often seek the best chocolatiers in any given town. But do they know that there are plants that look and smell like chocolate?  Tucked away in the state of Washington on Whidbey Island in the small town (less than one square mile) called Langley, a cacao lover can be seduced by the virtues of chocolate in various forms of plants and other delectable delights at the Chocolate Flower Farm.  Started in 2005 with a gardener’s love of dark colored plants coupled with a burgeoning love of chocolate, the farm soon expanded its offerings to include chocolate candles, jams, cocoa body butters, rare edible plants and chocolaty seeds to keep the most discerning chocoholic heart content.  Popular…