Oregon Tours and Scenic Drives
Oregon has so many things to do. Taking a tour or
scenic drive can be a great way to spend time in Oregon.
If you plan to visit Oregon and take one of these tours or
scenic drives, be sure to look to the left of the listings
below for a link to one of our premier lodging properties.
Albany
Master Gardener's Garden Tour
Bring your sketch pad as you tour
the garden of the masters. View the labors of love bestowed on
these beautiful gardens by their owners and creators. See
Albany Visitors Assoc for tickets/map. 250 Broadalbin St., SW,
Suite 110 (541)-928-0991 or 800-526-2256.
Monteith Historical District
Landscape Tour
This self guided tour takes approximately
one hour and leads you through this nationally registered
historic district. See Albany Visitors Assoc for brochure and
detailed directions. 250 Broadalbin St., SW, Suite 110
(541)-928-0991 or 800-526-2256.
Willamette Valley Covered Bridge Tour
A tour of "kissing bridges". Although they were built to
protect their wooden platforms from Western Oregon's abundant
rainfall, covered bridges also became known for protecting
couples in search of a little privacy And thus, these bridges
earned themselves the nickname "kissing bridges." Set out via
car or bike to tour a dozen of Oregon's remaining covered
bridges, showcased on these two loops that surround the Albany
and Cottage Grove areas just off I-5. And relive the romance.
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Ashland
South
Cascades and Mountain Lakes Tour
This 40- mile tour takes you to several mountain lakes,
including Hyatt and Howard Prairie Lakes. There are
opportunities to fish, boat or canoe, and rental services are
available at many of the lakes. This tour is especially
well-suited to the nature lover, and photographic
opportunities abound. Estimated travel time: 2 hours.
Historic
Jacksonville Route
This 24-mile route travels from Ashland through the Rogue
Valley's pear and apple orchards on your way to the historic
city of Jacksonville. Known as the first place gold was
discovered in Oregon, Jacksonville is one of the only eight
cities in the U.S. named as a National Historic Landmark.
There are 85 historic homes and buildings in Jacksonville,
old-time trolley tours, lodging, shops and restaurants.
Estimated travel time: 2 hours
South
Cascades Route
This 140-mile route travels along Highway 66, one of
Oregon's "Historic and Scenic" highways. Pine and fir forests
along the route open to reveal small sub-alpine meadows and
vistas. Turning northwest the route (Highway 140) skirts
Klamath Lake. Lake of the woods and Fish Lake as well as seven
U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds are situated near the summit
of the Cascades on this route. The southern Cascade Route
returns to Interstate5 heading west and then south on Highway
62. Estimated travel time: Full day.
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Astoria
Astoria Riverfront Trolley
Riverfront between Basin & 36th Streets Astoria OR
Learn about Astoria's history and local attractions as this
restored 1914 trolley travels three miles along the Columbia
River. Round trip takes about 40 minutes.
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Baker
City
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
Come find awesome scenic grandeur in Baker County. The
208-mile drive known
as the Hells Canyon National Scenic Byway is also registered
as an All-American Road. You’ll understand why when you
begin the adventure in Baker City and forge into the majestic
Wallowa Mountains of Northeast Oregon. Hells
Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America, is sharply
contrasted by the 10,000-feet-high peaks of the Wallowas.
Don’t miss this trip! Best time to travel these narrow
winding roads is
June-October, after
that many of the roads may be closed by snow. Put aside a good
7-8 hours to make
this trip.
Elkhorn Drive National Scenic Byway
West of historical Baker City the Elkhorn Mts. and the Wallowa-Whitman
national Forest are packed with history, scenery, recreation
and geology spelled "GOLD"). Visit ghost towns ride a restored
train, climb mountain peaks, boat, fish, shop or just relax in
the clean mountain air, this 3-5 hour drive has it all! A 106
mile loop takes you through history and the gold rush days of
Eastern Oregon and a region packed with biological treasures,
Summer and Fall (after July 4th) are the the best times to
make sure all the roads are open. There's not much gold left
up here these days, but their is a wealth of adventure!
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Bandon
Bandon Cheese Factory Tours
Highway 101 Brandon OR USA 97411
Sample a wide variety of cheeses including garlic, cajun and
onion cheddar, as well as monterey jack and colby. After your
done sampling, watch workers making cheese through the viewing
windows, or visit the gift store where you can purchase the
cheese of your choice.
Bandon
Scenic Ocean Views
This five-mile tour can take you just a few minutes, or if you
prefer you can make a real outing of it. Start with a short
walking tour of historic Old Town Bandon. The drive starts by
traveling along the Coquille River to the Coquille River
Museum located in the historic Coast Guard building. The South
Jetty County Park is along the route for picnicking, and
offers many easy access points to the beach. A lighthouse can
be seen from the park. The route returns to Highway 101 via
Face Rock Viewpoint State Park. Estimated travel time: 2
hours.
Powers
Route
This 100-mile loop tour takes you through the country that
made Oregon famous. From an ocean view at Gold Beach, the
route travels to the small rural community of Powers. The
route parallels the Rogue River. The Illinois River joins the
Rogue at the small community of Agness. The rivers form a
gorge of unsurpassed beauty. There is abundant wildlife, plus
recreational opportunities, including whitewater rafting and
boating, hiking along the Rogue River trail and excellent
fishing. Upon reaching Highway 42 the route travels through
Myrtle Point and Coquille. The route then courses down the
broad, meandering Coquille River Valley. Highway 42-S is a
State of Oregon Scenic Highway. The route ends at Bandon on
Highway 101. Ten miles of the route is gravelled, with some
narrow, single lane sections to watch for. Estimated travel
time: one day.
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Cave
Junction
Oregon
Caves / Winery Tour
This 44-mile tour begins in the heart of the Illinois Valley
at Cave Junction. Route 46 through the Siskiyou National
Forest takes you to Oregon Caves National Monument. Food and
lodging are available in the lodge located steps from the
caves. Upon leaving the Oregon Caves travel back on Highway 46
to Siskiyou Winery. Turn south on Holland Loop Road and
continue to Foris Winery and Bridgeview Winery. Estimated
travel time: 3 hours.
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Coos
Bay
Charleston Harbor / Seven Devils Loop
This four mile loop tour can take you about three hours, or as
long as you like. Begin at either the North Bend Information
Center/Coos County Historical Museum or the Coos Bay
Information Center/Oregon International Port of Coos Bay. Work
your way along the route to the quaint fishing village of
Charleston at the mouth of the Bay. You will be able to fish
from a dock, engage in clamming or crabbing or take a charter
boat. A short sidetrip west from Charleston will take you to
Bastendorff Beach and Sunset Bay Parks where you can beachcomb,
explore tide pools and view spectacular sunsets. This trip
also takes you to historic Shore Acres Gardens. Enjoy
panoramic views of Cape Arago Lighthouse. Then after this side
trip, proceed south to Bandon, stopping at the South Slough
Estuarine Sanctuary Interpretive Center along the way.
Estimated travel time: 3 hours.
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Cottage
Grove
Willamette Valley Covered Bridge Tour
A tour of "kissing bridges". Although they were built to
protect their wooden platforms from Western Oregon's abundant
rainfall, covered bridges also became known for protecting
couples in search of a little privacy And thus, these bridges
earned themselves the nickname "kissing bridges." Set out via
car or bike to tour a dozen of Oregon's remaining covered
bridges, showcased on these two loops that surround the Albany
and Cottage Grove areas just off I-5. And relive the romance.
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Grants
Pass
City Historic Tours
Take a guided walking tour of historic Grants Pass and share
its colorful history. The Josephine County Historical Society
is housed in the historic Schmidt House at the corner of 5th
and "J" streets. The house contains many interesting
collections of books, photos and maps. The reading and
conference rooms of their research library are open from 10am
to 4pm, Tuesday-Friday.
Scenic
Applegate Valley Tour
This 40-mile tour takes you through Grants Pass and the quaint
communities of Applegate, Ruch and Murphy. Wine tasting is
available at Valley View Winery near Ruch. Jacksonville, known
for being a National Landmark City, features over 85 historic
buildings and homes. This route takes you back through the
countryside and rejoins Interstate 5 at Central Point (Exit
32). Estimated travel time: 3 hours.
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Klamath
Falls
Klamath
County Loop Drives
Northern Loop -- 54 miles of spectacular mountain beauty in
Central Oregon's High Desert. All seasons offer great
recreation opportunities. Begin in Chemult and see Miller
Lake, then drive north to Hwy. 58. Crescent Lake and Odell
Lake are fishing havens; current events can be obtained at the
Willamette Pass Visitor Center. Double back to Crescent Lake
Junction to Crescent Road to visit Crescent and Historic
Gilchrist.
Upper Loop -- From Klamath Falls, a 93-mile loop encompassing
nature trails, trophy fishing spots, canoe trips through a
refuge, Mares Eggs botanical area, an extra loop to Crater
Lake. Then, stop by the Fort Klamath Museum or collier Logging
Museum for a history lesson.
Lava Beds Loop -- South from Klamath Falls for a 110-mile loop
including Bald Eagles, the Applegate Immigrant Trail and
National Wildlife Refuge on Highway 161. Explore the caves at
Lava Beds National Monument, site of the Modoc Indian War,
1872-73.
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La Grande
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
Come find awesome scenic grandeur in Baker County. The
208-mile drive known
as the Hells Canyon National Scenic Byway is also registered
as an All-American Road. You’ll understand why when you begin
the adventure in Baker City and forge into the majestic
Wallowa Mountains of Northeast Oregon. Hells Canyon, the
deepest canyon in North America, is sharply contrasted by the
10,000-feet-high peaks of the Wallowas. Don’t miss this
trip! Best time to travel these narrow winding roads is
June-October, after
that many of the roads may be closed by snow. Put aside a good
7-8 hours to make
this trip.
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Medford
Harry and David Tours
Rivers of chocolate and the aroma of spice cakes are a few
delights you'll experience when you tour Harry and David,
America's foremost purveyor of gourmet food and fruit gifts.
Tours begin and end at Harry and David's Country Village, Exit
27 Interstate 5.
Oregon Farm & Wine Tours
This unique self-drive adventure offers a "from farm to table"
perspective. On the tour (look for their signs) you'll visit
the vineyards and the wineries that produce world-class wines.
Enrich your own wine cellar and your knowledge by buying ' at
the source'. You can also visit orchards and packing plants.
Tour members are proud of their salad dressings, homegrown
jams and jellies, fresh vegetables, classic cheeses, delicious
tortas and other specialty food items. A complete tour map
available on the website.
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North
Bend
Charleston Harbor / Seven Devils Loop
This four mile loop tour can take you about three
hours, or as long as you like. Begin at either the North Bend
Information Center/Coos County Historical Museum or the Coos
Bay Information Center/Oregon International Port of Coos Bay.
Work your way along the route to the quaint fishing village of
Charleston at the mouth of the Bay. You will be able to fish
from a dock, engage in clamming or crabbing or take a charter
boat. A short sidetrip west from Charleston will take you to
Bastendorff Beach and Sunset Bay Parks where you can beachcomb,
explore tide pools and view spectacular sunsets. This trip
also takes you to historic Shore Acres Gardens. Enjoy
panoramic views of Cape Arago Lighthouse. Then after this side
trip, proceed south to Bandon, stopping at the South Slough
Estuarine Sanctuary Interpretive Center along the way.
Estimated travel time: 3 hours.
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Pendleton
Pendleton Underground
Tours
37 S.W. Emigrant Ave., Pendleton OR 97801, phone: 800-226-6398
Pendleton Underground Tours ( P.U.T.) is a non-profit corporation that started
in 1989, giving tours of Pendleton's red light district. The tour was very
controversial because part of the subject matter is about gambling, the Chinese,
bootlegging and prostitution. In 1990, after opening the "Cozy Rooms" bordello,
Chinese jails and the Opium Den, the tour became even more questionable. The
history of legal and illegal businesses operating in the same area for over 100
years makes the tour unique and like no other tour anywhere. The history of the
Chinese in Eastern Oregon and their role in building the west is also unique.
The tour is entertaining and interesting to all ages from 6 years old to 95
years old there is something for every member of the family.
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Redmond
Crooked River Dinner Train
P O Box 387, Redmond, OR 97756, phone: (541) 548-8630
The Crooked River Railroad is an 1800's Western Theme Dinner Train, featuring
characters from the wild west. On your three hour journey back in time look for
deer, cattle, and cowboys as you ride through Central Oregon's beautiful Crooked
River Valley, with jagged rim-rock, lush fields, and 19 miles of high desert
terrain. The staff will entertain you the moment you step aboard the western
dinner train and take you back 100 years ago when trains were robbed and murder
was the way of the wild, wild west.
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Roseburg
Rogue / Umpqua
Scenic Byway
This 180-mile tour takes you past Diamond Lake, along the wild
Umpqua and Rogue rivers with their riffles and pools that
sport world-class fly fishing, and to waterfalls, parks and
campgrounds. Hiking, biking, and rafting adventures await when
you discover the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway area. Follow the
National Byway signs along this special Discovery Drive.
Estimated travel time: Full day.
Umpqua
Valley Winery Route
You can visit six wineries on this 35-mile drive in the
beautiful Umpqua Valley. You can taste award-winning Pinot
Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling as well as unique blends. Tasting
rooms are open most of the year, and many wineries offer
picnic facilities. This tour also brings you to the River
Forks Park, an excellent place for picnicking and water
activities. The Wildlife Safari Game Park is also en route,
where you can see exotic animals right from your car. Follow
the blue and white "Winery Tour Route" signs. Ask for a
detailed map of the route from any of the wineries or the
Roseburg Chamber of Commerce. Estimated travel time: 6 hours.
If you prefer you can break this up into two shorter loop
trips.
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Springfield
Springfield Containerboard (Weyerhaeuser) Factory Tour
Tour a working paper mill and see wood turned into paper on this factory
tour. Wood pulp is transformed from slurry into reels of Kraft paper for use as
cardboard boxes, in this factory. Tour times: Mondays and Fridays at 9a.m.,
closed holidays and weekends and on selected days in April and October.
Tour location: Springfield Containerboard (Weyerhaeuser ) 785 North 42nd.
Street, Springfield, OR 97478. Tour duration: 1.5 hours. More details: Call
(541) 741-5478. Restrictions: Children must be able to walk and wear earplugs
and hard-hats. No strollers. No open-toes footwear. There is stair climbing and
extensive walking inside and outside the factory on this tour. Call for more
information and other restrictions.
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Winchester Bay
Driving Tour
This three-mile tour begins at Highway 101 and Salmon Harbor Drive and heads
west into Winchester Bay. Charter boats are available for salmon and bottom
fishing, and for whale watching in season. Crab can be caught off the dock in
the harbor. Bass, perch and cod can be caught off the jetty one mile west on
Salmon Harbor Drive. The beach, one mile south of the jetty, is a great place to
collect driftwood. Return to Highway 101 past the Umpqua Lighthouse and whale
watching lookout. The Coastal Visitor Center near the lighthouse is open May
through September, Wednesday through Sunday. This route returns you to the
highway through the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. Estimated travel time: 1 hour.
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Yachats
Heceta Lighthouse
DAY TOURS: July - September, 11 am
- 5 pm daily / mid-March - June, 11 am - 3 pm daily
LIGHT KEEPER'S HOUSE: Open Noon - 5 pm, Thurs-Mon, July -
Labor Day. Day use fee, $3 per vehicle, annual permit, or Oregon Coast
Passport. For tours information: 541-547-3416.
Audubon Ten-Mile Creek
Sanctuary Tours
Learn about restoration and coastal temperate
rain forest with Manager Paul Engelmeyer, 541-547-4227.
Variable price for tour groups.
Old Rose Garden Tours
May - August. Enjoy a tour of an old rose
garden at Bramble and Rose, 2536 Hwy 101, Yachats (just north
of the village on the east side of the highway.)
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