Oregon has become well known for its tourism, and especially its more well know areas such as Portland, Crater Lake, or the Columbia gorge. I however have lived and traveled through out this amazing state of Oregon for 50 years now, and feel there are a few untapped areas that people need to know about. To find the real Oregon, a traveler needs to go to the small rural towns, meet the people, and discover the beauty. I have picked three of my favorite small towns from across the state that I feel vacationers and weekend travels will greatly enjoy.
Sisters: Central Oregon
Sisters is my favorite small Oregon vacation city. It is located in Deschutes County, just east of the Cascade Mountains in central Oregon at an elevation of over 3000 feet, and with a population of fewer than 2000. Sisters, Oregon is just a great place to bring the family for a day. The downtown area has an 1880’s theme charm offering a wide range of adventures, restaurants, and unique shops and galleries.
The town originated as a military post in 1865 in response to the Paiute Indian wars that were raging throughout eastern Oregon during the 1860s and 70s. Initially called Camp Polk its post office was moved to the present site of Sisters in 1888, and the name was changed to Sisters after the Three Sisters Mountains that dominate its western skyline. As you leave town the National Forest offers a 1.6 million acre playground with miles of hiking trails, rivers, scenic drives, rodeos, mountain climbing, fly fishing, camping, mountain biking, golfing, rafting, skiing, or snowmobiling.
My family and I visit or pass through the town 2-3 times a year, and would highly recommend it to any visitor to the Northwest.
Depoe Bay: Oregon Coast
My favorite Oregon coast town is Depoe Bay, with a harbor of the same name, which the city promotes as the worlds smallest. It is located in the center of the Oregon coast on Route 101 next to the Pacific Ocean. The population is under 1500, but the town is bustling in the summer.
The stunning beauty of Depoe Bay’s rugged rocky coastline, snug harbor, and easy highway access make it one of the most popular destinations along the Oregon Coastline. A wall runs the length of the downtown area allowing visitors to shop or enjoy a meal within view of the ocean and splashing waves.
This fishing village is brimming with marine life, scenic beauty, tours, stores, gift shops, art, and the tastiest candies and salt-water taffy available. Visitors can explore tide pools, and feel the power of the surf. Depoe Bay has a resident pod of grey whales, which make their home here 10 months out of the year. Travelers can either whale watch from many shore observation spots or take one of the charters out for a closer look
The food is excellent, and because of its proximity to the ocean, a wide variety of fish such as Chinook and Coho Salmon, Halibut, Albacore Tuna, and Dungeness crab can be sampled.
It has many hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals available, or you can continue down the Oregon coast to other destinations. My family travels here 1-2 times per year as it is close to our home, but any visitor to the Oregon coast must stop by.
Joseph: Northeast Oregon
Joseph is a small 1100 person town in Wallowa County, Oregon, in the far northeast corner of the state. Originally, named Silver Lake and Lake City in the 1880’s, the city later named itself for the legendary Nez Perce Chief Joseph whose lands were in the Wallowa Mountains where the town is located.
The city sponsors the annual Chief Joseph Days Rodeo in July, Bronze, Blues and Brews in August, and the Alpenfest in September. It has a western type atmosphere, good food, adequate lodging, and spectacular scenery.
Joseph mainly offers outdoor recreational activities including fishing, hiking, backpacking, and camping. Joseph is close to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the Eagle Cap Wilderness, and of course right next to Wallow Lake. One of the most popular attractions is a 3700 feet gondola ride to the summit of Mt. Howard. It is very common to see a number of hang gliders coming off the mountain each day.
Though not officially in Joseph, the Wallowa Lake Lodge, only 4 miles up the lake, was built in 1923 when the south end of Wallowa Lake was developing into a resort area. The Lodge remained open only during the summer season until 1988, and work continues on transforming the lodge into a cozy retreat. The Lodge area has changed little from1923, and provides cabins and camping areas for families as well.
I have only had the opportunity to travel to the Joseph twice, as it is a little out of the way, but it was one of my favorite places to go in Oregon. On both my visits there, it was calm, beautiful, and friendly. Even local wild deer wandered around the area, and though not recommended, you are able to pet and feed them. This is on my list as a must go back before I die trip.
Reference:
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/996694/visit_clear_lake_linn_county_oregon.html?cat
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/5588782/opal_creek_wilderness_oregon.html?cat=16
