8 Charming Oregon Towns For The Perfect Getaway
The Pacific Northwest is known for its majestic beauty - the scenic coastline, the plethora of forests, and the towering mountain ranges. You can find these vistas and more in Oregon. Along the coast or deep within the state, there is something for everyone. Take a break and enjoy all that this state has to offer by visiting one or more of these eight towns. From the historical monuments of Ashland to the secretive sea caves of Florence to the stunning gardens of Silverton, each of these towns comes with a pleasant surprise.
Astoria
In the town of Astoria, take a trip to the Astoria Column and start your visit by learning about the town’s history. The column, dedicated in 1926, represents the hardships, bravery and awe that the first people to live in the corner of this world experienced. The column stands in a public park but can also be used for events. Another historic venture would be to the Flavel House Museum. This Queen Anne house has been one of the most well-preserved structures of its kind since its construction in 1884. The home was owned by Captain George Flavel who became famous as a Columbia River bar pilot. The home is currently open for self-guided tours. A final relic from the past to visit is Fort Clatsop. This National Park Service site was the winter camp for the Corps of Discovery in 1805-1806. Once the expedition departed camp, the structure became dilapidated, but a replica was rebuilt and is open for touring. After the excitement of sightseeing, spend the night at the Bowline Hotel. A unique travel experience that offers waterfront views and cedar barrel saunas.
Cannon Beach
For a certain age group, Cannon Beach is infamous for being the location for the final scene of the cult classic movie The Goonies. Experience the nostalgia with a trip to Haystack Rock and see where One-Eyed Willy’s pirate ship emerged from the cave. The rock stack rises 235 feet from the edge of the shoreline and at low tide is close enough to shore to walk out to it. After that cinematic experience, spend some time learning more about the town at the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum. The historical memorabilia there has been collected in the hopes of preserving the history of Cannon Beach and Arch Cape. The museum also provides programs and resources for historical study purposes. Although not open for public viewing, if you’re in Cannon Beach and can get near Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, you’ll want to visit this attraction from a distance. Nicknamed Terrible Tilly, the lighthouse that was constructed in 1878 on a solid basalt rock, is responsible for a mason surveyor being swept out to sea and never seen again. For a final enjoyable experience, book a room at the Inn at Haystack Rock. Located one block from the beach, enjoy the rooms equipped with jet tubs, fireplaces and private patios.
Baker City
Start your tour of Baker City at the Adler House Museum. The former house of entrepreneur and philanthropist, Leo Adler, this 1889 Italianate design home is now a walkthrough museum. See where the philanthropist lived for 94 years! Another natural history museum to visit while in town is the Baker Heritage Museum. Formerly the Oregon Trail Region Museum, the Baker Heritage Museum is located in the 100-year-old building of the Baker Municipal Natatorium. The museum features displays from the town's historic industries like logging, ranching and mining, to their collection of Chinese Heritage, wildlife and Native American artifacts. To learn more about the local Chinese Heritage, spend some time at the Chinese Cemetery. Originally with 46 people buried, today only one marked grave stands. The rest were exhumed and returned to their families in China. After a long day of historical learning, enjoy time at the upscale Geiser Grand Hotel. The hotel is a historical landmark with decorative mahogany and crystal chandeliers in every room.
Florence
The coastal town of Florence is sure to provide multiple memorable experiences for travelers. Start your visit at Sea Lion Caves and venture into America’s largest naturally formed basalt rock sea cave. Venture into the cave and see the sea lions in their natural habitat. After awing at the majestic sea lions, continue the waterside adventures at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. Tucked in the dunes and only two miles from the Pacific Ocean, this park contains two freshwater lakes, Cleawox Lake and Woahink Lake. When the season is right, you can pick and enjoy fresh huckleberries and blackberries found in the park. Another delightful accommodation is the Heceta Head Lighthouse. Sitting 206 feet above the ocean and standing 56 feet tall, the Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Oregon coast. Venture inside the lighthouse for a tour and then stay within viewing range of it overnight. The park in which the lighthouse is located also houses a Bed & Breakfast. Secure your reservations at the Heceta Lighthouse B&B and stay in the assistant lightkeeper’s house. Erected in 1893, it is one of the last remaining on the Pacific Coast.
Ashland
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Ashland at Weisinger Family Winery. Since 1988, the Weisinger family has been crafting wines from local vineyards. Located just minutes from downtown, come for the wine but stay for the picturesque views of the hills from their balcony patios. Continue the outdoor views at North Mountain Park. Equipped with multiple sports fields as well as a wildlife habitat area and a nature center, North Mountain Park has ample opportunities for hours of entertainment. Don’t forget to check out the botanical nature trail and participate in interactive learning at the workshops offered. Another scenic view to take in is at Lithia Park. Considered Ashland’s crown jewel, the park sits in the middle of downtown. While water flows from the park’s water fountains, and the trees line up against central streets, the views can be enjoyed while relaxing in the park or walking around the shops nearby. The park also includes a three-mile driving loop to capture all its beauty. After the park, stay in downtown Ashland at the Ashland Springs Hotel. Built a hundred years ago, the historic landmark is reminiscent of small European hotels.
Rockaway Beach
Sheltered along the coastal shore is the natural formation known as Three Graces. Sought out by photographers and birds alike, the massive rocks are composed of sandstone and are estimated to have been formed between 20 and 30 million years ago. According to one geologist, the entire area that hosts the Three Graces was once an underwater marine life environment. Explore more outdoor scenery at the Manhattan Beach State Recreation Area. The rec area provides beach access along the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the calm, quiet waters this beach area offers. Another enticing spot to visit in Rockaway Beach is the Old Growth Cedar Preserve. The 1.1-mile boardwalk loop takes hikers over a bog and into an old-growth cedar grove. Take the side trail for a glimpse of Big Cedar, a massive tree within the preserve. Relax for the night at the Surfside Resort. Located just above the beach, and within walking distance, you can head straight from your room to the sandy shores.
Cottage Grove
When you think of cottages, you think of quaint, charming, and slightly older buildings. Cottage Grove offers all those simplicities and more. Visit the cutesy Historic Currin Covered Bridge. The bridge is closed to cars, with a newer model running parallel to it for auto transport. The original bridge was replaced in 1925 after its former structure was built in 1883 by an early pioneer family, the Roney family. The 105-foot bridge is the only bridge in Oregon painted two different colors. Another historical bridge in Cottage Grove is the Chambers Railroad Bridge. Also constructed in 1925, it is believed to be the only remaining covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi River. After many years of dilapidation, the bridge was purchased by the city who restored it and made it suitable and safe for day use again. Another historic day trip in town is the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum. The museum serves as a memorial to all miners and to preserve the history of gold mining. View photos, tools and other artifacts from the area’s gold mining history. Finally, end up at the Cottage Grove Inn for a simple, enjoyable night. Located in downtown Cottage Grove, the inn has partnered with local businesses to benefit your stay.
Silverton
Experience a chance to visit the Gordon House while in Silverton. Take a guided tour through the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in Oregon. Designed in 1957 and built in 1963, the house was saved from demolition in 2001 and relocated, where it is now open to guided tours. Silverton is also home to a famous covered bridge. The Gallon House Bridge, built in 1916, is the oldest, as well as the last covered bridge in Marion County. The covered bridge got its name when it became infamous as a liquor drop for bootleggers. Visit the bridge and learn about the history surrounding it. Appreciate more outdoor delights at the Oregon Garden. Over 80 acres feature diverse foliage from the Willamette Valley as well as more of the Pacific Northwest. Spend the afternoon taking in the sights and smells of the flowers or checking out the venue’s calendar for any of the events the garden hosts. If you can’t get enough of the Oregon Garden, reserve a room at the Oregon Garden Resort, just mere feet from the botanical beauty.
The state of Oregon offers many hidden gems and tourist attractions you might not otherwise find. Covered bridges, gigantic oceanside rocks, and a scenic location from a popular 1980s movie are just some of the things you can find in Oregon that give it its charm. If you’re looking for the perfect getaway, stay simple, stay small. Visit one of these eight towns and don’t miss a chance to view some of the secret beauty and history the state holds.
