Attractions

On September 13, 1888, after traveling two months along the spine of the Cascade Range, Judge John B. Waldo, Oregon's foremost nineteenth-century conservationist, and his companions rested at Island Lake and carved their names into the mountain hemlock near the southeast shore of the lake. This trip provided first-hand information for Waldo to use in his lobbying efforts to support legislation designating the 4.5 million-acre Cascade Forest Reserve in 1893. That reserve is now represented by the Mt. Hood, Deschutes, Willamette, Umpqua, Winema, and Rogue River national forests.

Wanderlust Tours exists to vibrantly share the natural and cultural history of the Central Oregon region to small groups of interested guests while touring via canoeing, kayaking, caving, volcano tours, snowshoeing, hiking and nature-based sightseeing.

Take this 220-mile scenic alternative route between Portland and Eugene and discover some of the best "up-close and personal" views of thundering waterfalls, lush ancient forests, rushing whitewater and cool, placid lakes.

This tree has long been identified with Henry H. Wheeler for whom Wheeler County is named. From 1864 through 1868, Wheeler drove the first stagecoach service past this site on The Dalles - Canyon City Wagon Road. In 1866, Wheeler was ambushed near here and severely wounded. A monument dedicated to Wheeler stood by this tree for over sixty years until it was moved with the realignment of Highway 26. The tree is located 2.7 miles east of Mitchell at 19936 Highway 26. Viewing is by appointment only, call 541-462-3039.

Location:
Travel 33 miles west of Eugene on Oregon Highway 126 to Whitaker Creek /Clay Creek Recreation Area turnoff. Exit the highway on the south side and follow the road back under the highway and railroad tracks (north) a short distance to the bridge.

Background:
The Wildcat Bridge is located on a small winding road a short distance from Highway 126.

From the bridge site where Wildcat Creek flows into the Siuslaw River, Stagecoach Road hugs the hillside until it drops into the narrow plain at Swisshome.

Head to Wildhorse Casino in Pendleton for a wide variety of table games like craps, roulette, blackjack, keno, bingo, and of course, poker! Not to mention over 1,200 slot machines! Why not join in the fun?

46510 Wildhorse Blvd.
Pendleton, OR 97801

1-800-654-9453

Map/Directions

Wildlife Safari is a 600 acre Drive-Thru animal park. Driving your own vehicle, It takes about 1 1/2  hours to complete.

Most people don't know there is more to visiting Willamette Falls than just stopping at one of the two viewpoints alongside Interstate 205 or Highway 99E. It's a natural resource with a long history that continues today along the Willamette River.

Creating something unique is what Ray Peck, and his wife, Diane Weisenberg, wanted when they opened Wind Horse Coffee and Tea in Milwaukie. 

They remain true to one-of-a-kind experiences by dreaming up new product ideas and offering extraordinary products in their shop.

Even entering the store is a bit of a surprise. It’s decorated in vibrant southwest design which offers a stark contrast to the sometimes grey Pacific Northwest days.  

WINERIES, HAZELNUTS AND AN AIRPLANE THAT DOUBLES AS A WATER SLIDE: A YAMHILL VALLEY PRIMER

By Jim Gullo, for Oregon.com

Sometimes the spots off the beaten path are the ones that are the most rewarding.

For me, that’s the way it is with the Yaquina Bay lighthouse.

Whether there is stormy weather battering the bluff the lighthouse sits on, or a bright sunny day, the view is breathtaking. 

The lighthouse’s claim to fame is that it allegedly is the oldest structure in Newport. But don’t let that fool you, while history buffs might enjoy the significance of the structure, the real star of this show is the view.

While other lighthouses on the Oregon Coast feature small museums about the history of the area, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse offers a significantly sized interpretive center and natural area which shouldn’t be missed.

What also makes Yaquina Head different, is there are really three attractions in one location. Your first stop should be the interpretive center, where you will find a nice, large building that is filled with information about this U.S. Department of Interior park.

Location:
From Interstate 5, take the Corvallis exit (228) west 38 miles through Philomath on US 20. The bridge adjoins Highway 20 near milepost 17. Alternately, travel east from Newport on Highway 20, 17 miles to Chitwood.

Background:
Not much activity occurs at Chitwood anymore. The Chitwood Bridge was once surrounded by several stores, a post office, a telephone office, and several houses. The boarded up remains of the Smith store nearby is a dim reminder of the vitality the community once had.