Attractions

1. Cigars got their nickname of "stogies" from the Conestoga wagon wagons who smoked cigars or "stogies" as they drove the trail.

2. Most wagons on the Oregon Trail were NOT Conestoga wagons. These were slow, heavy freight wagons. Most Oregon Trail pioneers used farm wagons.

There are many opportunities to touch, see and learn about sea life in Newport. From the Oregon Coast Aquarium to the Hatfield Science Center to the Undersea Gardens, there are several options to see wildlife up close and personal.

While not as educational – or as hands on – as either the Oregon Coast Aquarium or the Hatfield Marine Science Center, the Undersea Gardens are a nice departure if you find yourself on the historic bay front.

Two year old Violet Johnson stood and stared in amazement.

Sure, she had seen elephants in her books at home, but had never seen the real thing.

Until today.

"Elephant," Violet whispered and looked up at her mother.

At that moment the elephant, "Tusko" reached down with his trunk and threw dirt on his back creating a big dust cloud.

"Elephant dirty!" Violet yelled, giggling.

Memories like these are things that you create when visiting the Oregon Zoo.

The Out N' About Treehouse's located near Cave Junction, offer more than a step up from traditional camping with their four star Treesort lodging as well as onsite activities such as horseback riding, zip line rides, art classes and full service spa.

Length: 171 miles / 273.6 km
Time to Allow: Expect 3 to 4 hours to experience all this Byway has to offer.
Fees: There are no fees along the Byway proper.

Driving Directions
Take US Highway 97 south from Bend, Oregon. Just past La Pine is a junction with Oregon Highway 31 and the north end of the Byway. Travel south on Highway 31 toward Silver Lake and Lakeview. The Byway turns onto US 395 just north of Lakeview and continues south to the Oregon/California border.

Folk belief is that this tree was planted in 1847 by Eugene Skinner, co-founder of the City of Eugene in 1853. The tree is within the boundaries of Skinner's 1850 Donation Land Claim. The General Land Office Survey of 1853 puts a cultivated area very close to this tree. It is known that Skinner had an orchard of fruit (peach and almond) trees in 1860, and since the cultivar cannot be determined, most likely this tree was planted between 1860 and 1870. By 1950 the site of the tree was owned by George Owen, a former Eugene City Councilor, lumberman, and philanthropist. Mr.

Location:
From Highway 99 (West B Street) in Drain, turn south onto 2nd Street and go one block to West A Street. Located in the city of Drain, behind Drain Civic Center at 205 W. A Street.

Background:
Although the official date of construction of the current Pass Creek Bridge is listed as 1925, members of the Umpqua Historic Preservation Society attest the span was constructed in 1906.

The fact of the matter is there just aren’t that many woolen mills – or any other type of textile mills – left in the United States.

With cheaper labor abroad, more and more companies send the work off-shore, where they can hire several workers, to one American worker. 

However, there are still a few places left in the U.S. where you can see production of wool being woven into blankets, such as Pendleton Woolen Mills.

 This is a Central Oregon attraction that has been around for decades and features large sculptures of buildings made out of gems, glass and stone from the area. It is currently under renovation, but is still an amazing site to check out if you are in the Redmond/Bend area. 

Exactly on the other side of the world from the fascinating undersea valley called the Crozet Basin, just 75 feet above sea level, there is a more accessible, very different, but just as remarkable place. The Pioneer Courthouse Square is a brilliantly laid out public space, so loved and important to Portland, Oregon's daily life that it is fondly known as the city's "living room."

Although the Pittock Mansion has been overlooking Portland for more than 80 years, there is always something new to see when visiting the historic site.

Whether it's the mountaintops peaking through the clouds or the continuing efforts by the staff to bring the mansion back to its former glory, the mansion is a must see for anyone interested in Portland history or grand views.

"Some days we can see six mountains from here," says Lucy Smith McLean, mansion curator. "When they designed this place they really opened it up to the views."

“WOW! I want to be in front!” Ethan said as he rushed on to the tram car, putting his hands on the bubble-like window in the front of the tram.

The Portland Aerial Tram not only features stunning views of Oregon, but operators also offer kids tram stickers, which is the highlight of the trip for little ones.

So much more than you'd expect!  The Portland Aquarium brings you up close to dozens of species including sharks, giant octopus, stingrays, reptiles, birds and more.  They offer special encounters where you can actually interact with, feed and even touch the animals. Great for all ages!

Sitting in downtown Portland, surrounded by theaters, museums and wonderful 12-block park, the Portland Art Museum is the center of discovery.

From exhibits featuring Egypt to a sculpture from Pablo Picasso, from modern to Pacific Rim, there is something that will catch your eye and imagination.

The museum, the seventh oldest in the United States and oldest on the West Coast, spans two buildings, numerous eras and is in the cultural center of the Rose City.

"I think it's beautiful. I like being in it," says Angela Jennings. "I love the stairs."

Comfortable, well assembled space, where even the stairway is remarkable. While not the typical description for a book shrine, Multnomah County's Central Library is just that kind of place.