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Oregon Coast History Road Trip Guide
Exploring Oregon’s living history along the coast written by Jean Chen Smith The Oregon Coast is often described in terms of its scenery—think rugged headlands, wind-carved dunes and tide pools teeming with life—but beneath the drama of land and sea lies a timeline of human history. From Indigenous villages and maritime landmarks to frontier settlements and World War II-era remnants, this coastline invites us to experience history in the present tense. Driving Highway 101 from north to south, each coastal community preserves a distinct chapter of Oregon’s past, shaped by fishing, logging, shipping, art, migration and resilience against the elements. For travelers who are curious about how history still informs the culture, architecture and rhythm of the coast today, this route offers a chance to slow down and step into stories that continue to evolve. CANNON BEACH & THE NORTH COAST Art Community & Coastal Roots Cannon Beach may be…
Oregon Coast Faces Rising Drought Risk
The Oregon Coast is getting to know drought written by Daniel O’Neil | illustrations by Cate Andrews It seems impossible to separate the Oregon Coast from rain. With the Coast Range serving as a moisture-trapping barrier to the east, the coastal communities feel amphibian, half-belonging to the Pacific source of all that precipitation. Countless streams and rivers, endless moss and lichen, and every shade of green—that’s the Oregon Coast, for most of the year, at least. Despite receiving 6 or more feet of rain each year, Oregon’s coast has also begun to suffer from drought. The dry season tends to start earlier these days, sometimes lasting all spring and summer, and when it does, local inhabitants like fish, forests and farmers struggle. Water is a precious resource even on the “rainy” coast, it turns out, despite popular belief. “When you’re dealing with levels of rain like in our community, it…
8 Oregon Winter Getaways That Feel Magical
written by Jean Chen Smith When winter’s chill settles in, it is easy to slip into routine with gray skies, busy schedules and the familiar hum of daily life. But in Oregon, the season unfolds differently. Here, snow-dusted forests, ocean mist and mountain air transform the cold into something magical. Whether you are chasing powder in Bend, sipping wine by a fire in Jacksonville or standing beneath a canopy of stars in the Wallowas, our state invites you to rediscover winter as it was meant to be—romantic, restorative and full of wonder. These destinations do not just endure winter. On the contrary, they celebrate it, reminding us that beauty thrives in the quiet months, too. BEND A snow lover’s paradise, Bend transforms into a winter wonderland framed by the Cascade Mountain Range. Powdery slopes at Mount Bachelor, tranquil snowshoe and fat bike trails in the Deschutes National Forest and nearby…
Family-Friendly Destinations to Spend the Holidays
written by Jean Chen Smith Have you noticed there is a special energy that rolls around when the holidays approach? Maybe it’s just me, but I relish the warmth of twinkling lights, the joy of festive gatherings and the comforting sense of togetherness that fills the air. It is a time of family get-togethers and creating heartfelt traditions and memories. It is also a great time for traveling and exploring, being fully immersed in the holiday season. From snow-covered mountains to cozy coastal towns, our state offers a magical mix of holiday destinations that are perfect for families. Whether you are looking to embrace the winter chill or enjoy festive small-town charm, here are some of the best family-friendly spots to spend your holidays in the state. Powell Butte Tucked into the high desert hills of Powell Butte, Brasada Ranch offers a family-friendly holiday experience that blends outdoor activities, cozy…
Storm Watching on the Oregon Coast
Storm watching along the Oregon Coast reveals the region’s natural dynamism written by Daniel O’Neil In one corner, the Oregon Coast, forged by fault lines, long-ago volcanics and distant lava flows. In the other, the early winter north Pacific Ocean, with its incessant battering waves and wind. Watching the two clash is a spectacle of Mother Nature’s brutal strength and beauty, one that is quickly gaining aficionados. With plenty of cliffs and headlands, punchbowls and blowholes, not to mention warm hospitality and a relaxed offseason vibe, storm watching on the Oregon Coast does not disappoint. With the right timing, and plenty of precaution, taking in the action is yet another way to enjoy and appreciate Oregon’s rugged coastline. Storm watching offers plenty of opportunities from late fall until the end of winter. Some people go for the storm itself, the unimpeded ocean winds and sideways rain that challenge one’s balance…
7 Pastoral Wine Getaways in Oregon
Fall for These Wine Country Escapes written by Jean Chen Smith Oregon tips the scale at more than 1,100 wineries in the state, making it the ideal destination for a wine country getaway. Fall is the harvest season for the majority of vineyards, when grapes are ripe for picking, and properties are abuzz with activity. Grapevines are at the apex of their beauty with an abundance of grapes. It is my favorite time to visit wineries. There are many options when it comes to choosing romantic accommodations after a day of wine tasting. Some wineries offer luxurious lodging where you can sip and stay, enjoying an immersive experience. Surrounded by the beauty of the vines, staying on a working vineyard is a unique getaway. Boutique hotels and small inns also make an excellent choice when visiting wine country. Fall head over heels for these idyllic stops. CARLTON Abbey Road Farm…
Oregon’s Iconic Movie Locations
MAKE ICONIC OREGON MOVIE LOCATIONS YOUR NEXT VACATION DESTINATION written by Jean Chen Smith Did you know more than 700 movies and television shows have been filmed in Oregon? If you are a film buff like me, visiting movie set locations makes for an entertaining vacation. Driven by interest in movie and television locations, “film tourism” is projected to grow in the upcoming years. From major motion pictures to indie films, here are some of our favorite film location destinations, with suggestions of where to stay and dine so you can get into full travel mode. Twilight PORTLAND Although many films have been shot in Portland, we chose Twilight because of the beautiful cinematography that captures the atmosphere of the city. It centers on the lives of high schoolers Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) as they fall in love under dangerous circumstances because of Edward’s family…
All Around the Water Table
Collaborative water management in the Deschutes Basin helps keep the region afloat written and photographed by Daniel O’Neil Collaboration comes naturally to Central Oregon. With a wall of mountains to the west, and relative isolation heading in all other directions, the Deschutes Basin has to fend for itself. In such an arid landscape, one that’s also known for agriculture, ecosystems and fast-growing cities, negotiation and compromise become especially critical when water is involved. “Whiskey’s for drinking, and water’s for fighting,” or so they say in the world of water resource management. While Central Oregon has fought over water in the past, during the last three decades the region has discovered that water, too, makes for a fine drink between friends. Such an approach to water serves the Deschutes Basin and all of its inhabitants, making sure there’s just enough to go around for today and tomorrow. In 1987, a group…
