Oregon: The Ultimate Road Trip Destination

Oregon is a blend of wonderful experiences: ranches with hardworking people, hipsters who appreciate their brews and wines, and rocky coasts that take your breath away. On a recent road trip with my husband, I discovered that the small towns stretching from central Oregon through the Willamette Valley could offer all of this, without ever making me feel like a tourist.

Oregon As Ideal Road Trip Destination

Seeking romance and adventure, we flew into Redmond Airport near Bend. As our plane landed, we were awed by the majestic Cascade Range framing the horizon. A short 15-minute drive took us to Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte, a high-desert location with sagebrush and gnarled trees that make you feel like you’ve arrived in the Old West. We stayed in a cozy cabin that was rustic yet upscale, where we stargazed from our deck hot tub, enjoyed all the amenities of a first-class resort, and dined at two restaurants with full bars.

Exploring Bend and Powell Butte

Horseback riding in the high desert is unparalleled, and the Equestrian Center at Brasada offers an exceptional experience with well-tended horses. After our ride, we picked up a hearty sack lunch at Range Restaurant and headed out for a hike and rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park. The jagged stone mountains descending to a picturesque river valley felt otherworldly.

Stunning Highway 126 Scenic Stops

When it was time to leave Powell Butte, we took Highway 126, a ribbon of beauty that traverses the majestic Santiam Pass, offering numerous scenic stops. Don’t miss Clear Lake and Sahalie Falls, two Instagram-worthy spots perfect for stretching your legs and embracing nature’s wonders.

Discovering Springfield and Eugene

As you descend from the mountain, you’ll arrive in Springfield, home to Bayne Gardner’s Simpsons murals, which appear around every corner, delighting treasure hunters eager to find them all. After indulging in these masterpieces, we quenched our thirst and hunger at Plank Town Brewing Company, just what we needed before heading to Eugene.

Eugene, the home of track and field and the first Nike shoes ever invented for the Oregon Ducks, recently unveiled Hayward Field at the University of Oregon and Hayward Hall. The sleek museum memorializes Nike’s history, featuring a wall of windows that offers a VIP view to the venue hosting the World Athletics Championships for track and field.

For dinner, don’t miss Lion & Owl, an upscale restaurant that originated in an Airstream trailer and has evolved into a dining destination featuring that same trailer in its dining room.

Culinary Adventures in Corvallis and Albany

After dinner, we checked into The Campbell House Inn, a bed-and-breakfast in a historic home. Waking up to steaming hot coffee, freshly baked scones, eggs, and pancakes was such a delightful experience.

The next morning, we followed the Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail, which showcases impressive small-town eateries. Our first stop was Block 15 Restaurant & Brewery in Corvallis, where my husband savored their famous Sticky Hands IPA. Next, we ventured to Albany to sample award-winning pinot noir and pinot gris at Springhill Cellars, a highlight of our trip.

Whatever you do, don’t leave Albany without dining at Sybaris Bistro, where James Beard Award finalist Matt Bennett offers a fresh menu every month along with an extensive Northwest-centered wine list.

Coastal Excitement in Lincoln City

We wanted to get a glimpse of the coast, so we took a 90-minute trip on Oregon Route 22 West to Lincoln City. There, we hiked The Knoll, a moderately difficult three-mile loop. Energized by the fairy-tale forest and sweeping Pacific views, we took the 1.3-mile detour to God’s Thumb, making the effort worthwhile.

Vibrant Willamette Valley Wineries

Before leaving Oregon, we enjoyed a few more of its famed pinot noirs in the heart of the Willamette Valley. We checked into our restored 1966 Airstream at The Vintages Trailer Resort, combining trailer park kitsch with comfortable accommodations. A short drive led us to Durant Vineyards in Dayton, where we enjoyed a lovely tasting experience featuring olives and grapes from the Dundee Hills.

Culinary Delights in Newberg

Lunch at Rosmarino Osteria Italiana, a fine-dining gem in Newberg, provided an exceptional fresh pasta experience. I devoured my wild boar pappardelle. Next door, we visited Et Fille, savoring a variety of great wines. Notably, a portion of the proceeds from their Stem & Root label supports STEM funding for girls.

Conclusion

With our bellies and hearts full, it was just a one-hour drive to the Portland airport, wrapping up a road trip that traversed diverse terrains, stays, and activities. Oregon may not be the first destination to come to mind for a road trip vacation, but it absolutely should be.