Oregon’s OSU Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center creates a unique, dynamic environment for lifelong exploration and discovery. The Visitor Center encourages adults and children to enjoy marine science.

Our exhibits and programs explain how scientific research enhances our ability to interpret the natural patterns that shape our world and enables us to better appreciate, manage, and sustain coastal and marine resources. Continue Reading »

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean from the Lincoln City shore, the 157,000 square foot Chinook Winds Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians of Oregon.  Chinook Winds Casino Resort opened in 1995. Continue Reading »

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a private, not-for-profit aquatic and marine science educational facility offering a fun and interesting way to learn about Oregon’s unique coastal ecosystem. The Aquarium is dedicated to teaching marine wildlife and ocean preservation through responsible management and exhibition of marine life. Our objectives are to develop and pursue conservation, education and research programs of local and global significance; to foster an awareness and appreciation of Oregon’s coastal environment, and the interdependence of our global ecosystem; and to serve as a community resource and recreational center. See, touch, learn, and discover at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, an adventure you’ll never forget.

This area has been set aside as a botanical preserve so that you may observe Darlingtonia californica, an unusual plant which traps and digests insects. Also known as Cobra-lily, Cobra-orchid, and Pitcher Plant, its range varies from an elevation of 6,000 feet to sea level. Continue Reading »

Eight valleys radiate from 9,572-foot Eagle Cap, the rock hub of the Wallowa Mountains. Although Eagle Cap is not quite the tallest peak in this range, its 360-degree view is unmatched, and a surprisingly well-graded trail climbs to the summit from the East Lostine River’s meadows.

If your goal is the summit, plan on a two-day trip. If you’re out for a day hike, settle for a view of the cliff-edged peak from the Lostine meadows or Mirror Lake. Continue Reading »

Three short paths lead to viewpoints of Kiger Gorge, the East Rim, and Steens Summit. A longer trail descends to Wildhorse Lake, in a treeless bowl of wildflowers.

Difficulty: Altogether, the three viewpoint trails are an easy, 1-mile hike with 250 feet of elevation gain. The trip to Wildhorse Lake is a moderate 2.4-mile hike with 1100 feet of elevation loss. Continue Reading »

Just as beautiful, but more accessible than the more famous Wallowa Mountains nearby, the Elkhorn Range boasts craggy granite peaks and high alpine lakes surrounded by wildflowers. A paved road climbs to a lovely campground and picnic area beside 7,140-foot-high Anthony Lake. From here hikers can stroll around the lake in half an hour or tackle a more demanding 8.2-mile loop around Gunsight Mountain. Continue Reading »

Length: 45 miles / 72.0 km
Time to Allow: 1-2 hours minimum.
Fees: No fees known.

Driving Directions
The route starts at exit 103, 21 miles south of Roseburg. The route loops toward the west and ends when it joins I-5 at exit 80, 18 miles north of Grants Pass. Continue Reading »

Length: 286 miles / 457.6 km

Driving Directions
From Baker City, go west on SR 7 past Austin, then west on US 26 to Mitchell. Go north on SR 207 to Kimberly, northwest on SR 19 to Fossil, then west on SR 218 to Antelope. From Antelope, go north on US 97 to I-84 and the Columbia River. The one-way trip is about 290 miles and takes all day. Continue Reading »

Length: 106 miles / 169.6 km
Time to Allow: 5-7 hours
Fees: A few museums charge fees. So do some campgrounds.

Driving Directions
From Bend, take State Highway 372 (Century Drive) east for 4.5 miles to the boundary of the Deschutes National Forest where the Byway begins. The Byway comes to an end as Forest Route 46 meets State Highway 58. Continue Reading »