By Nancy Dorrans
Last month I embarked on a journey to the truly amazing and stunning state of Oregon. It started with an invitation from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to attend Adventure Elevate in Eugene, May 2nd through 5th. Elevate is the annual North America-based, three-day intensive educational and networking conference that brings together the adventure travel community to collaborate, learn, share and “return home with meaningful ways to change the world for better through travel.”
Oregon is a land of undeniably stunning beauty. “There is no shortage of activities (or landscapes) for those seeking the outdoors – lending to Oregon’s status as a leader in world-class cycling, kayaking, skiing, rafting, windsurfing, and much more. But Oregon has made a name for itself in other ways too. With initiatives that Eugene and the state of Oregon have implemented (and continue to evolve) around sustainability and inclusion…” according to the ATTA site.
OREGON TRAVEL ADVENTURE – DAY ONE
Joined by my longtime traveling accomplice (Roxanne, from Vermont) we planned to explore more of the state before and after the conference. After predawn flights and a rendezvous in Chicago, we landed in the other Portland around noon on April 30th. We picked up a Jeep and headed east along the Columbia River towards Hood River.
After a delicious meal at Shari’s Café and Pies in Troutdale, the lovely staff offered several suggestions of what we should see and do on our way to Hood River. First stop, McMenamins Edgefield. There are at least a dozen unique McMenamins properties and all are steeped in art, history, and a sense of place. We took a quick tour around the gardens and soaking pool, dodging the rain and thunder!
On to the VistaHouse at Crown Point built in 1917 on a beautiful scenic point on the historic Columbia River Highway. After more rain and short hikes into Bridal Veil and Multnomah Falls, we crossed the river to Carson, Washington where the skies cleared to sunshine, poppies, and cherry blossoms as Mount Hood came into view!
Crossing the river again, we drove through Hood River and enjoyed dinner at the Apple Valley BBQ in Parkdale. We arrived in Bend well after dark… it was a very long yet stunning and delicious first day!
DAY 2
The next day the weather was perfect in Bend for a hike up Lava Butte, the mud bubble that was created after the volcano Paulina erupted at Lava Lands. We climbed the Butte and tower and chatted and learned so much about the area from Matt the fire watchman! On to a chorus of birds at Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory and a loop around Mt. Bachelor back to Bend.
Roxanne enjoys a good IPA while I prefer wine. We had tastings at Monkless Belgian Ales and Bledsoe Family Winery. Yes, Patriots’ fans, Drew Bledsoe and his family make delicious wine! Bend in the sun is stunning, tasty, and quite hip!
DAY 3
On day three we headed out early from Bend through Sisters, over the mountains and through the woods… wind, rain, and snow… to Eugene! After a food truck lunch and beverage at the hip BeerGarden (serving local beer only), we took a stroll through the azalea blooms and trails of Hendricks County Parks and Recreation
The first day of Elevate is always a “Day of Adventure” for delegates. I chose to go for a bike ride on the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, a 36-mile cycling route connecting historic Cottage Grove, Oregon with nearby Dorena Lake. Oregon was the first state to launch a scenic bikeway program! Cottage Grove’s charming downtown district was famously featured in the films “Animal House” (1978) and “Stand by Me” (1986).
The next two days were busy with meetings and workshops held at the hip Graduate Hotel in Eugene. I made loads of connections with so many good adventurous people. This year’s theme was Shine. And the event aimed to reignite the adventure travel community’s unique light within the tourism industry.
DAYS 5, 6, 7…
Last few days after the conference were a bit of a blur… We drove from Eugene to Florence, Oregon along the coast and spent one night at the River House Inn.
On the way to Salishan, we visited the Sea Lion Caves and more of the coast and met some locals at Salishack Tavern. (One thing I love about traveling is the spontaneous moments with strangers.) That evening at the tavern we met a man with a marsupial in his hoodie… So strange and unforgettable!
From Salishan we drove north to Manzanita, Depoe Bay, Newport, Cannon Beach, Astoria, and visited McMenamins Grand Lodge before flying home overnight on Mother’s Day.
Unfortunately, the radiant “Shine” of the conference was accompanied by the Covid-19 virus. Many delegates, including myself, were affected. I tested positive the day I returned to our Portland.
Post-Oregon Travel Quarantine
I ended up heading north to my lot in Waltham, Maine to quarantine and spent the week sleeping twelve to fourteen hours in my Shasta camper. A Hermit Thrush kept me company after dark, along with the chorus of peepers and a Barred Owl asking me, “Who cooks for you?”
I slept twelve-plus hours every day and napped a few times in between… Took drives to Lamoine, Sunshine Cemetery in Eastbrook, Marlboro Beach, Thunder Hole, Sargent Drive, Gouldsboro, Schoodic Peninsula, and Winter Harbor…
Thankfully I’m on the mend. And I’m most thrilled to say that Aunt Gail’s Lady slippers that were transplanted out of the way of the driveway last summer are coming up!
More Oregon Travel Awaits…
There is so much to the stunning state of Oregon. Next time I’ll spend more time and hope to take a small group with me. I would love to hike in Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor as I’m told it is the “most beautiful stretch of the Pacific coast” and head a little further south to gawk at the Redwoods. Also recommended is the Southern Oregon area around Medford, Ashland, and Grants Pass area where there are amazing wineries and Crater Lake, too. It’s the only National Park in Oregon.
Stay tuned for an Adventure Marketplace small group adventure to Oregon in 2023.
Check out http://adventure-marketplace.com/adventures for more information on this and other adventures brewing, including local tours to Garden in the Woods this month, NYC for the Holidays in early Decembe, and Quebec City for Winter Carnival in February 2023.
Take good care and be well!
Sincerely,
Nancy Dorrans -CTC (Certified Travel Counselor)
207-712-5699
Adventure Marketplace
Nancy@adventure-marketplace.com
