Few places on earth command overwhelming awe from observers, but Crater Lake, in south central Oregon, certainly does. Even in a region of volcanic wonders, Crater Lake can only be described in superlatives. Stories of the deep blue lake can never prepare visitors for their first breathtaking look from the brink of this 6 mile wide caldera which was created by the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama almost 7,000 years ago.
The Steel Visitor Center is at the Crater Lake National Park headquarters and offers a 18-minute film, free advice about how best to enjoy Crater Lake, and has a post office.
The Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater is southern Oregon's state-of-the-art community performing arts center. The facility features excellent acoustics and sightlines, an impressive array of theatrical equipment and is operated by a professional staff. The auditorium is intimate and comfortable and seats just 732 patrons, yet the stage can accommodate large national concert, dance and theatrical tours.
It’s been called everything from the “Crown Jewel” of Oregon Parks, to the most expensive comfort station in Oregon history, but the views can only be called stunning. The Crown Point Vista House at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge has some of the best views in Oregon and can also give you a crash course in Oregon history to boot.
Nestled in historic downtown McMinnville is a gallery that features Oregon artists, run by Oregon artists.
Currents Gallery is owned by eight local artists who know how to keep the content fresh with pieces that range from paintings to sculptures and everything in between.
Although it is now known that Dawn Redwoods graced the landscape of the world's northern temperate regions during the time of the dinosaurs (Late Cretateous), fossils of this species were first discovered in 1941 in Japan. At that time the tree was believed to have been long extinct. But in 1944, live trees were found in a remote valley in central China. Fossils have since been discovered in the Columbia River Gorge. Harvard's Arnold Arboretum arranged for seeds to be collected in China in 1947; these seeds were then dispersed to several arboreta and institutions in the U.S. in 1948.
Location:
From Eugene, travel west to Mapleton on Highway 126. Continue northeast on Highway 36 through Swisshome 12 miles to Deadwood (or southwest from Junction City). Turn north on Lower Deadwood Road. Follow Lower Deadwood Road approximately 5 miles and turn right on Deadwood Loop Road. Deadwood Creek is on Deadwood Loop Road at Mile Point 0.3
Background:
Once considered one of Oregon's most dilapidated covered bridges, the Deadwood Bridge is now among the state's finest refurbished roofed spans.
Standing at the sea wall at Depoe Bay is a truly unique experience.
During sunny days, you are right on the ocean and can see out to the horizon, catching glimpses of whales, sea lions, birds and charter and fishing boats. Stand at the edge of the sidewalk, looking out into the ocean during a stormy day, you better be prepared to get wet.
Located in beautiful Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery overlooks the wild and scenic Deschutes River. It’s home base to their adventurous, award-winning lineup of pioneering beers.
Clackamas County is the epicenter of the horse culture in the United States, and a visit to Dream Ridge Stables will show you why so many people love horses.
