C.B. McCullough’s legacy of bridges still unites & adorns the Oregon Coast written and photographed by Daniel O’Neil illustration by Lori LaBissoniere O’Neil “Jeweled clasps in a wonderful string of matched pearls,” C.B. McCullough once described his bridges, the pearls being the headlands, beaches, mountains, state parks and waysides along the Oregon Coast that he helped connect. McCullough accomplished a lot in Oregon. He managed the state’s bridge program from 1919 to 1937, designing and overseeing the construction of hundreds of bridges across the state, including more than 30 arched spans. McCullough earned a law degree from Willamette University, published books and articles on his expertise, and received an honorary doctor of engineering degree from Oregon State College (now University). Along the Oregon Coast, McCullough left a legacy that links towns and natural settings. “His bridges make a statement for themselves, but they also complement the landscape,” said Oregon Department…

Written by Cathy Carroll Lying under the nine-foot Steinway in the middle of a meadow at sunset, they felt the music resonate in their bodies as never before. Wading through a creek in a fragrant pine forest, Rachmaninoff washed over them. At the top of Mount Bachelor, they peered hundreds of miles over alpine lakes and valleys, Ravel unraveling in their ears, heightening the beauty. From Oregon’s dunes, waterfalls and wine country to its deserts, deepest lake and cathedral-like, river-carved canyon spires, pianist Hunter Noack’s 1,200-pound grand-piano-on-a-flatbed-trailer phenomenon, In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild, is transforming the classical music experience. Wireless headphones for each guest capture the music, freeing both Noack and his audience from concert halls as well as the requisite attire and pricing, both of which can pinch. A nonprofit with support from dozens of partner organizations, sponsors and foundations allows the artist to reach stunning,…

Kelly Butte’s hidden nuclear hideout written by Sig Unander It was a lazy late summer day in Portland, not unlike others. It had dawned cloudy but by mid-morning warming sunshine cleared the light overcast. At 10:35 a.m. air raid sirens split the city air with a high-pitched wail signaling an impending attack. Early warning radar had detected unknown aircraft, possibly Russian bombers, over Canada, on a course for Portland. Deep beneath a forested volcanic butte east of the city, Mayor Terry Schrunk and other key officials hunkered down in the operations room of a two-story underground Command Center designed to preserve city government and maintain communications in the event of a nuclear blast. Firefighters and police went into action as hospitals, schools and offices emptied. Thousands of cars filled main evacuation routes heading out of town. Shoppers crowded into building basement bomb shelters and tuned radios to emergency frequencies. Noon…

Shake off winter close to home After months in the house, thanks to winter weather and the pandemic, you’re probably ready to explore further than the end of your own block. Whether you’re up for a road trip to another part of the state or you just want to explore something in your area that you may not have experienced yet, this list has you covered. You can stay local, have fun, and get outdoors to shake off winter and welcome the sunshine. CENTRAL OREGON Stargaze at Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory The Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory is the largest publicly accessible observatory in the United States. You can also walk around eight-acres of pine forest, wetland and meadow habitats even if you don’t set foot in the observatory itself. Walk in anytime, no reservations needed, for daytime visits with access to the nature center (birds of prey, swans…