Discover-Oregon

05/11/2026

Along the south rim of Smith Rock State Park near Terrebonne is a large bald eagle's nest high in a tree, which has served as the home for the same mating pair for years now. Every year, volunteers work with Oregon State Parks to monitor the nest, recording when the mating pair returns, tend to their eggs, feed the young birds, and watch them leave the nest. One would think that's all there is to it, but if you speak with one of these volunteers, you'll learn there is much more "drama" involved every year. Intruders appear, the weather may turn harsh, a young chick may face peril, and more. Check out this recent video to see one of the young eagles at only 3 weeks of age, as posted by one of the volunteers, Steve Peeler of God's Country Photography.

Smith Rock State Park Eaglet Phoenix at 3 weeks of age.

12/29/2025

Looking for a great way to ring in the new year? Then plan on visiting the historic 1937 Steiner Log Church in Welches, OR this coming Saturday, January 3rd, to tour this enchanting 89 year-old "log cabin" structure during its monthly “First Saturday” open house.

Formerly a church, this beautiful log building is now “Oregon’s Newest Historical Destination", complete with a warm crackling fire in its large stone fireplace. Make it a day and have lunch before or after your visit by stopping in at the welcoming Brightwood Tavern in Brightwood, OR, where a friendly staff and great food await. (It’s on the way to the church).

It's the perfect way to begin 2026 with a bit of fun, adventure, and exploring!

No reservations are required...just show up! Admission is $10 / $8, and this goes to the preservation and marketing of the church. The 1937 Steiner Log Church is also open for private tours of 4 or more visitors at any time. To learn more, get directions, and to see photos and videos, visit the web site at www.SteinerChurch.com

1937 Steiner Log Church
68835 E. Barlow Trail Road
Welches, OR 97067

The Historic 1937 Steiner Log Church Welcome to the Historic 1937 Steiner Log Church!“Oregon’s Newest Historical Destination”During the years of 1925 through 1952, Henry Steiner, along with his sons John and Fred, built 100 log cabins and two log churches in the forests at the base of majestic...

10/27/2025

Make your way upstairs at the 1937 Steiner Log Church on Mt. Hood, and you'll find two small alcoves, each decorated to complement those you'd find at Timberline Lodge, which is just up the mountain and was also built in 1937. Imagine reading a good book here with the sound of a warm crackling fire below, while snow is falling gently through the trees in the forest outside.

Speaking of a warm crackling fire, visit the 1937 Steiner Log Church in Welches this coming Saturday for their November "First Saturday" event, and enjoy a crackling fire while exploring this stunning log building. While it's no longer an active church, it's now "Oregon's Newest Historical Destination, and it'll be open for public tours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No reservations are required...just show up! Admission of $10 / $8 goes toward maintaining and promoting this amazing log structure. Learn more at www.SteinerChurch.com

10/01/2025

You've no doubt seen the classic view looking south from the Ecola State Park viewpoint over Crescent Beach towards the Bird Rock sea stacks many times, but have you ever seen that same view of Crescent Beach from the ridge by the Bird Rocks looking north??? Well...now you have! Here's a photo looking north over Crescent Beach towards the famous Ecola State Park viewpoint taken just a few days ago.

09/08/2025

The newly restored Mitchell Point Tunnel is yet another crown jewel in the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail! At 655' long and with five arched windows as a tribute to the original 1915 design, it once again offers travelers a taste of Switzerland and beautiful scenic views of the gorge.

From the book "Columbia River Gorge - An Explorer's Guide"...

Directions: From Portland / Eastbound: Travel east on I-84 to Exit 58. From Hood River / Westbound: Travel west on I-84 to Exit 56 / Viento State Park and return two miles east to Exit 58. Park in one of the 18 spots available. Note that the trailhead parking supports those who are visiting the tunnel and hiking the Mitchell Point and Wygant trails, so it is best to arrive early or late in the day, or sometimes mid-week, as parking is very limited. The wind often blows cool or cold through the tunnel, so be sure to bring a coat.

02/18/2025

Step through the front door of The Dalles Iron Works in The Dalles, and you’ll see a team hard at work fabricating iron and other metals into the parts and equipment necessary to keep the Columbia River Gorge and Eastern Oregon up and running. Busy as they are, however, they’re also more than happy to pause to give you a tour of the place and share some interesting bits of Oregon and The Dalles history. We stopped in recently and introduced ourselves to Jon Keyser, the owner of The Dalles Iron Works, who graciously showed us not only how his business operates, but also gave us a fascinating history tour. Moving about the nearly 150 year old building, Jon explained that the Dalles Iron Works began operation 120 years ago, in 1905, just as the automobile was being introduced to America. In fact, the very first Ford motor cars sold in Oregon were assembled in this very building. The parts would arrive in individual wooden crates, before being assembled and then lifted to the second floor via a specially built elevator to be painted. In addition, those heavy large steamer trunks that passengers used to load aboard steam ships for their travel up and down the Columbia River and around the world? These were manufactured by the F. H. Dietzer Trunk Factory located on the second floor of the building, as well. An old photo shows how steamer trunks were affixed to the exterior of the building over 2nd Street so as to advertise the business to passersby riding in horse and buggies. We finished our tour by stepping outside, where we admired the historic architecture of the building, as well as found a brick that had been etched with the date of 1917. Somebody left their mark over 100 years ago!

The next time you’re in The Dalles, stop in at The Dalles Iron Works, introduce yourself to Jon, and explore a bit of fascinating Oregon history!

12/16/2024

Christmastime at the 1937 Steiner Log Church in Welches, Oregon. www.SteinerChurch.com

12/12/2024

High on the south flank of 11,245’ Mt. Hood, one mile above Timberline Lodge, is the magnificent Silcox Hut. Built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration, it served as the upper terminal of the Magic Mile chairlift before being abandoned and eventually falling into disrepair at the hands of the unrelenting mountain environment. Today, however, it has been restored to become one of Oregon’s most treasured icons, with the level of detail and quality craftsmanship used in its restoration garnering several prestigious awards.

A huge shoutout to John Smolich, Alan Pennington, and later the Friends of Timberline for saving and leading the restoration of Oregon’s Silcox Hut. Your work is truly impressive!

Silcox Hut can be rented for overnight stays throughout the year for groups of 12 to 24 people. At times, the hut is also available for overnight stays for up to six individual groups of four people, which is a great way to experience the hut with your family and friends. You’ll enjoy a wonderful dinner and breakfast provided by your Timberline Lodge host, as well as down bedding, bunk beds in settings of four, individual bathrooms, a big crackling fire, and in the winter, snow piled high above the windows! To learn more, phone 503-272-3251.

11/13/2024

Oregon offers a rich abundance of historic hotels, inns, and lodges, all of which offer unique charm and memorable stays. When you journey out to the small town of Joseph, in northeast Oregon, be sure to visit or perhaps stay at the historic 1923 Wallowa Lake Lodge. Located near the south shore of Wallowa Lake, at the base of the majestic Wallowa Mountains, the lodge offers quiet rooms, a large outdoor deck overlooking a forested lawn, dining at the lodge's restaurant, and a classic stone fireplace to sit around while you read, enjoy fine conversation, or perhaps listen to some live music.

06/27/2024

The recent roof fire up at Timberline Lodge did most of its damage on the back side of the roof of the headhouse, just below the chimney, with a few "spot fires" found on the front side. It's good to see that the replacement shingles are now on site and ready for installation, however. Soon, the roof will be back to good as new!

06/18/2024

One of the best parts of returning to Portland by air is seeing majestic 11,245' Mt. Hood. Here is the mountain ready for another spectacular Oregon summer in a photo taken just the other day.