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The 5 Best and Most Obscure Places to Visit in Ashland Oregon

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Standing Stone Brewing Company

Located in the heart of Ashland, Oregon is Standing Stone Brewing Company. Standing Stone is a family owned restaurant that is focused on sustainability. They currently hold six partnerships with local farms to ensure their food is fresh beyond belief. Standing Stone’s main goal is to serve farm to table food with big flavor and ethical values. Standing Stone Brewing Company focuses on not only giving back to the community but their employees as well, and have designed a diverse and delicious menu that suits the needs of all guests. Standing Stone Brewing Company is the epitome of the Ashland Lifestyle. If you ever find yourself in Ashland, Oregon I highly recommend visiting this establishment.

Paddington Station

One of the best things about downtown Ashland is the wide variety of unique and interesting stores for you to shop at. From quirky thrift shops, to chic boutiques, to trendy home decor stores, there is something for everyone. Take a look down main street and you will see a store called Paddington Station. Starting in the 1970s, Paddington Station is a locally-owned store with three sister locations all located in downtown Ashland — Paddington Jewel Box, Paddington Express, and Inspired by Oregon. They offer a one-stop shopping experience with everything from cookware, home decor, clothes for her, and even locally made items unique to the Rogue Valley. Paddington Express is their newest business venture which features new themes every few months to keep products relevant to the seasons. Paddington Station prides themselves on being a destination store that provides visitors and locals alike with the true ‘Ashland experience.’ Don’t miss out on visiting any of the Paddington Station storefronts during your next stroll through downtown Ashland!

Peerless Hotel

If you’re a fan of Casper the Friendly Ghost, then you might enjoy staying at the Peerless Hotel during your time in Ashland. A beautiful old hotel with the creep factor turned all the way up to ten. You know the scene in scary movies where the main character explores a beautiful old mansion and runs into a ghost? Welcome to that scene. Many have reported seeing a ghost during their stay at the Peerless, but most of them say the ghost (Amelia) was actually friendly and even a calming presence. Located conveniently downtown next to great restaurants and unique entertainment, the really terrifying experience would be staying anywhere else!

ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum

If you’re thinking Ashland might be a good place to visit but you’re worried that you’ll have trouble finding something fun for the whole family then you can put those worries aside with the next spot on our list, ScienceWorks!

ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum is an interactive exhibit that’s exciting for all ages. This engaging science center sparks the imagination with almost 100 exhibits, as well as an outside garden and live science displays. Admission is normally only $10.50 for kids and $12.50 for teens and adults, but on the first Sunday of every month this price is lowered to just $3 for everyone above the age of 2. ScienceWorks is located at 1500 E Main Street and is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 6pm.`

Lithia Park

Lithia park is Ashland’s crown jewel; a beautiful forested park that consists of 93 acres around Ashland creek. It’s beauty, however, is that paralleled by supernatural attraction. The park has made a name for itself among fans of the paranormal by being one of the most haunted places in the state. The original hauntings can be traced back to the sexual assault and murder of a young girl from the 1800’s who is believed to be the source of an inexplicable blue light that is seen above the duck ponds at night. Another known ghost is that of a ‘dog-faced’ boy that mysteriously disappeared nearby in the 1920’s. Yet another is that of a logger that was crushed by a tree when it fell in the wrong direction. In life, he was known for using his drinking jug to play music to pass the time. There have been reports of other loggers who have heard the sound of someone playing a jug just before being mysteriously pushed or pulled out of harm’s way of a falling tree that they never saw coming. The peculiar occurrences of Lithia Park don’t stop there; as recently as 2016, a man and woman were stabbed multiple times while they were strolling through the park. Lithia Park continues to be one of the most visited spots in Ashland because of its unique beauty

Travel in Style (While Being Sustainable)

NW Raw Organic Juice Bar

Located in the heart of Downtown Ashland is NW Raw Organic Juice Bar. They have a large menu serving anything from smoothies and 100% organic raw cold pressed juice, to salads and breakfast foods. They love to provide people on the go with fast healthy options. Their restaurant is work friendly and is open to all traveling through Ashland. NW Raw is committed to keeping their practices sustainable. They bottle all of their juices in only glass bottles. They then allow customers to return their bottle for $0.25 back. NW Raw then sends the bottle through a rigorous cleaning process to reuse for juice in the future. The food and juice they serve is always Organic, and is some of the best found in Ashland.

Green Dog Pet Supply

Whether you are looking for sustainable items for your dog, your cat, or yourself, Green Dog Pet supply has plenty of options for you! Green Dog opened in 2004 when Mike and Christine moved to Portland and decided to open a shop dedicated to providing outstanding products with a focus on sustainability, nutrition, thoughtfully-sourced items, and environmentalism. The store itself was built with reclaimed and scavenged materials, of course, to stay in line with the core values of Green Dog. Being awarded a Gold Level certification from the city of Portland for sustainable practices, Green Dog definitely knows what they’re doing with their eco-friendly pet products. All of the products are made with ingredients that are human grade and Green Dog avoids chemical preservatives, nitrates, artificial colors, and more. Be sure to stop in to Green Dog Pet Supply to get something for your furry friend, whether that’s kibble, a can of sustainable food, or freeze dried food toppers!

The Bard’s Inn

The Bard’s Inn in Ashland is an inspired place to stay, having a large number of quality amenities and an excellent location. Hitting the town couldn’t be easier; the renowned Ashland Plaza being only two blocks away from the inn, hours worth of shopping and activities are within a short walking distance. Staying indoors at the inn can also be a lot of fun. The inn is decked out with a jacuzzi, a pool, free site wide wifi, homemade breakfast each morning, and vending machines. Each room has a flat screen TV, Cable, Telephones and much more. The inn is even pet friendly, so you don’t have to leave your dog behind to have a great place to stay while on vacation. A stay at the Bard’s Inn is sure to be a treat, if you’re planning for a stay in Ashland it is a great option for quality lodging.

Transportation

We’ve all been there, you’re overworked, stressed and need some time away from home(or maybe even time away from loved ones), but you’re trying to be more aware of the environment and your bicycle is in the shop.Yes we all have experienced this exact scenario and there are no exceptions. Well if you have the means or, you already have an electric or hybrid car(like my brother, who I have never seen plug it in #brothershame) there are several eco friendly trips you can take. Oregon has one of the largest networks of fast charging electrical/hybrid stations. There are several routes you can take, like the “Oregon Coast Electric Byway” or the “Southern Oregon Arts & Bounty Electric Byway” and that’s just naming a couple. So grab your sweetheart and hop in your brothers electric car and hope on one of these routes!

Hiking

Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful and unique ecosystems in the United States. There’s no better way to understand why sustainability is so important than to immerse yourself in the natural world. Luckily, Oregon has over 2,000 hiking trails to choose from ranging greatly in difficulty. One of the most popular trails is the Trail of Ten Falls, located in Silver Falls State park. The trail is an 8-mile loop that passes by ten waterfalls, each arguably more beautiful than the last, with optional cut-off trails. The trails can be split up to accommodate members of a hiking party for all levels of experience. Hopefully after spending hours under the miles of pine canopy, you’ll even be inspired to leave the trails cleaner than how you found them.

5 Unusual & Spooky Locations Found in Oregon

Hot Lake Hotel

Located in La Grande, Oregon is Hot Lake Hotel, which has been utilized since before the times of the Oregon Trail. There is a lot of mystery surrounding this hotel — when it was first built in 1864, it was constructed to face the bluff instead of the beautiful lake. Throughout the years, it was used as a hospital, insane asylum, pilot’s school, nurse training center, restaurant, nursing home, and more. Now, the resort is in use as a bed and breakfast, featuring a spa, restaurant, museum, and art gallery. Prior to this, the hotel was abandoned for years, and many visitors reported sighting of mysterious figures, sounds of footsteps, and many other spooky incidents. Visit hotlakepsrings.com if you feel brave enough to stay in this haunted hotel.

Gravity Hill, Klamath Falls

Most Oregonians know about the Oregon Vortex in Gold Hill, but did you know there is another odd natural occurence in Klamath Falls called “Gravity Hill”? Many have come to see for themselves and try to solve the mystery. Essentially, when you park your car at the bottom of gravity hill and put your car in neutral, you will start to notice your car slowly get pulled back up the hill! Some say these are evil spirits pushing you out of their space, others say it is good spirits trying to protect you, while still others say that there is something wrong with your car. As for me, I choose to believe in the magic, but go find out for yourselves what is going on at Gravity Hill.

Lafayette Cemetery

Located in the rural town of Lafayette, Oregon is the Lafayette cemetery. The cemetery is home to a woman who lived in the 1800s. As the story goes this woman was hung for practicing witchcraft and is said to have cursed the town before she died. She said the town would burn to the ground 3 times, and since that curse was made Lafayette has burned down twice. People claimed to have seen her still haunting the area where she was hung, and the graveyard where she was buried. Legend says she even screams at visitors and laughs while chasing people out of the cemetery. Locals don’t dare go near this place, as it was eventually closed for good due to a large number of reports of malevolent attacks.

Neskowin Ghost Forest

Within the Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site, one will find a ghostly sight of a hundred ancient decaying stumps rising out of the water. For centuries, the forest was buried beneath the sand, making appearances only often enough to become a local legend. However in the winter of 1997, the coast was repeatedly hit by powerful storms that eroded away the sands and revealed the eerie wonder buried beneath. These trees have been carbon dated to be about 2,000 years old and were estimated to have been around 150 to 200 feet tall. Today, the petrified relics share the beach with small tide pools and various marine life. The best time to see the Neskowin Ghost Forest is during the water’s lowest tide in winter.

The Octopus Tree

The Octopus Tree, also known as the Candelabra Tree, the Monstrosity Tree, and the Council Tree, is a Sitka Spruce Tree located at the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint in Tillamook. Its surprising amount of trunks makes it a popular stop on many coast trips. Believed to be almost 300 years old, the Octopus Tree has a large base that split off into a number of smaller trunks, rather than having one central trunk. There are plenty of hypotheses as to why it took the shape it did, such as extreme weather interference, or training from Native Americans for a variety of purposes. The tree can be a very spooky sight, especially when the fog rolls in heavy, obscuring some of the trees trunks. Whether fog or shine, the tree is still breathtaking to behold.

Making the Most out of Your Trip to the Oregon Coast

In current news, the Oregon Coast has been trending because of recent King Tides that have been slamming the coastline. King Tides are notably the highest tides of the year, and they happen due to a gravitational pull that’s stronger than usual when the sun, earth, and moon are all aligned. Although interesting to look at, these high tides and resulting sneaker waves can be extremely dangerous, so visitors need to use caution if viewing them. With that being said, these conditions are scheduled to gradually improve and become safer over the next few months, so here are some options for you to explore on your next visit to the Oregon Coast!

Natural Bridges

Natural Bridges Cove is one of the most beautiful sights to see on the coast of Southern Oregon, located in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. The natural arches seen above were formed by the shifting of stone and the ocean over several thousand years. You can see this natural wonder during a quick pit stop on Highway 101, and previous visitors have recommended to go to the viewpoint early in the morning or on a cloudy day, for the best views!

Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well, a seemingly bottomless sinkhole on the Oregon Coast, is a stop on many people’s destination lists. Thor’s Well is located in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, three miles south of Yachats. Carved out of the rough, basalt shoreline, the sinkhole is bowl shaped, and is a popular location for photographers and thrill seekers. The hole has a reputation as being especially dangerous, but in reality the ocean is what makes the spot potentially hazardous, rather than the hole itself, observing regular ocean safety will be more than enough for a pleasant, relatively safe visit. At high tide water fills the hole from the bottom up, and the waves cause water to spew forth from the top and roll back inside, creating the illusion that the sinkhole is never ending. At low tide it is possible to view into the hole and see how this effect takes place, so one doesn’t have to wait for a certain time of day to see something interesting.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Just a short drive from Cannon Beach, one can find Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, also known as Terrible Tilly, stands tall about 2 miles out from the coastline. The construction of Tilly was notoriously dangerous and brutal and workers had to be brought in from outside of town who were none the wiser. Four months after work on the lighthouse had started in January of 1880, a perilous storm sent huge waves peppered with loosened rocks crashing over the work site, sweeping away the crew’s tools, water tank, and provisions. According to historical records, all the workers survived, but they were stranded for over two weeks waiting for new food, clothing and supplies. Following the completion in 1881, teams of four men were stationed at the lighthouse and kept the light shining. The mental and physical toll of working on the island forced the crew to work in abnormally short shifts with long break in between. One keeper broke under the intense pressure and reportedly tried to kill another keeper by putting shards of glass in his food. After being decommissioned in 1957 and replaced with a red whistle buoy, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse has stood ominously watching over the living and the dead.

The Bandage Man of Cannon Beach

There are many things to do at Cannon Beach, you can go hiking, watch the waves, explore the beach, or even… get chased by a disfigured bandaged man?! This place has everything! This scary legend is everything scary stories are made of, a young couple making out in their car, when they are harassed and chased by a disfigured man covered in bandages, and no I’m not talking about mummies. He can only be found on a subsection of Highway 101 dubbed appropriately, “Bandage Man Road”, which is very clever. So if you’re looking for a good scare, grab you best guy or gal, hop in your pickup and start smooching on the side of the road! And afterwards go grab some ice cream? Do what you want, I’m not your dad.

The Goonies Filming Location at Cannon Beach

If you don’t want to visit Cannon Beach and be haunted by the Bandage man, perhaps take a tour of the filming location for the movie the Goonies. The Goonies was an 80’s iconic adventure and comedy film that circles around a group of boys that live in the “Goon Docks” neighborhood located in Astoria, Oregon. As the story progresses the group of boys end up on a cliff that happens to overlook Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach. The beach is featured in many more scenes as the story unfolds and the boys find their destiny. If you find yourself in Astoria, and happen to be a movie bluff, Cannon Beach is definitely a spot worth adventuring through.

The Top 5 Best Places to Visit When You’re 21 and Up in Oregon

Funhouse Lounge

The Funhouse Lounge, as the name implies, is indeed a ton of fun. Every night the lounge is open there an event or performance happening. You can pay at the door or even reserve a slot ahead of time, usually at a reduced price. Most shows are for ages 21 and up, both because of alcohol being present and the actual content of the performances. There are shows that run on weekly or monthly schedules, as well as programs that run more irregularly or on a wider schedule, such as bi-monthly, making it a great place for multiple visits. With many shows being improvisational and/or audience participation, expect a high level of interaction. The performances are comedic in nature, so be ready for hours worth of drinks, cheer and laughing whenever you spend a night at the Funhouse Lounge!

Ground Kontrol

Have you ever simultaneously wanted to act like a child with all the benefits of being an adult? Well you’re not the only one! Located on NW 5th Ave in Portland is Ground Kontrol: an arcade that turns into a barcade after 5pm. You can sip on your favorite beer or geeky themed mixed drink while having free reign to explore over 100 classic video games and 40 pinball machines. Each month, Ground Kontrol hosts a variety of events including pinball tournaments, indie game nights, and local DJs (as if the games themselves weren’t cool enough!) to keep things interesting and fresh. If you’re headed that way, be sure to stop by for a night of nonstop fun and try your shot at getting a high score posted on the leaderboard.

Caldera Brewery & Restaurant

Caldera Brewing Company is located in Ashland, Oregon, and is committed to producing uncompromised quality ales, lagers, sodas and cuisine. In 2005, Caldera became the first craft brewery on the West Coast to brew and can its own beer. In 2010, due to the huge increase in demand for Caldera’s internationally award-winning craft beers, they broke ground on their new 28,000 sq ft facility, a 30 bbl capacity brewhouse and restaurant. Caldera is also dedicated to creating a sustainable experience within the restaurant. The cooking oil used on sight is turned into biofuel. They source local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Caldera’s tap handles are made from scrap ash hardwood from Sawyer Paddles & Oars, locally made in Talent, Oregon. Caldera is a staple in Ashland with some of the best food and beer in town.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School

If you like saying, “Wow, there’s almost too much to do here”, then you’ll love McMenamins Old St. Francis school in Bend, OR. You know we couldn’t get through this list without mentioning a McMenamins. This former Catholic school has now been repurposed to entertain just about anyone. You can go lounge in a comfy chair or couch in their movie theatre and watch a recent movie or sporting event on the big screen. After the movie, you can get changed into your bathing suit and have a soak in their soaking pool. Of course you can also just drink at one of their 5 bars, including one called the “Broom Closet”, which sounds like you have to see it to believe it. And let’s not forget their delicious menu at their restaurant. Basically, you should go here ASAP, cause there is a lot of stuff you’re going to want to do here.

Grizzly Peak Winery

Located in Southern Oregon, the Grizzly Peak Winery is not something you want to miss! Husband and wife, Al and Virginia Silbowitz, moved to the area to raise a family, not necessarily open a winery, but their passion for wine slowly lead them to open their own winery. At Grizzly Peak Winery, there is certainly no shortage of things to do — there are plenty of concerts during the summer, various types of fundraising events, and even weddings! Oh, and wine tasting, too, of course. Plan your visit right now, as the winery is open during weekends from noon to four until March, and then opens up in to Thursday through Sunday, noon to four, in April.

Discover the Many Museums Oregon Has to Offer

Kidd’s Toy Museum

Home to over 20,000 toys, Kidd’s Toy Museum in Portland should be your next stop for a spooky museum experience. Eighty-three year old Portland Native, Frank Kidd, always had an interest in collecting pennies, trinkets, and toys. After 70 years of collecting, he has built up a collection of unique antiques, including trains, dolls, cars, figurines, and so on. Kidd’s collection continues to expand, and has surpassed the amount of room that he has available in the museum, causing him to store some of the collectibles elsewhere. Despite this, he has no interest in expanding the museum, not only because it’s pricey, but also because his collection will always continue to expand and grow. Make sure you check out this quirky museum next time you find yourself in Portland!

Crater Rock Museum

The Crater Rock Museum has a plethora of interesting and imaginative exhibits, including a black light display, shown above. They showcase a wide assortment of minerals, gemstones, fossils, rocks and petrified wood. They also have a gift shop that sells locally made pieces made by members of the Roxy Ann Gem and Mineral Society. The museum is perfect for return visits, regularly hosting events for their members. Guided Tours are available by appointment and they even offer meeting spaces for gatherings or meetings. They have surprisingly low admission fees for what they offer, and are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.

Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum

Hidden away in John Day, the Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum is an incredibly preserved look into Chinese-American life and culture from almost 100 years ago. The building was bought by two Chinese immigrants, Ing “Doc” Hay and Lung On, in 1888. Along with the traditional Chinese medicine that Doc Hay treated his patients with, he also sold food, tobacco, and homebrew whiskey at the shop. For about 60 years, the shop served as a social, medical, and religious center for the Chinese-Americans in the area. In the 1940’s, Doc Hay went into a nursing home after breaking his hip and the shop was simply locked up and abandoned until it was once again explored in 1969. The interior had been perfectly preserved with thousands of dried up Chinese herbs and period foods simply collecting dust on the shelves. So don’t miss out on the chance to visit a truly unique time capsule of the world.

Museum of Whimsy

The Museum of Whimsy located in Astoria, Oregon is a 1920’s bank that has been converted into a whimsical shop full of oddities. The entirety of the museum is spread throughout two floors of the bank, and contains pieces from many decades. The museum has a vast collection of quirky curiosities, so you’ll never know what treasures or trinkets you will come across. One item on display is a full-sized replica of a British canal narrowboat parked in the middle of the museum, that allows you to climb inside and experience the time period. Under further examination of the rooms you will find intricate wax boxes, and a large collection of vintage clothing that is sure to spark your interest. There is also a striking collection of hats hung on display by the entrance. The collection found in this museum will leave you shocked with every turn

Museum of Mental Health

Mental health is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot these days, but it’s remarkable that we can have discussions free of judgment and shaming now. Part of that is owed to the mental health professional pioneers and innovators of the Oregon State Hospital, which the Oregon Museum of Mental Health seeks to pay homage to. There are exhibits running constantly, and they are constantly adding new stories and honoring more mental health professionals. One of the more recent exhibits is a look back at the film, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, which should certainly attract any film buffs. Permanent exhibits include a timeline of the history of mental illness, as well as a look back at all of the attempts at treatment, some good, others very bad. A great visit for anyone seeking perspective and insight.

Explore Oregon’s National Parks

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

Wanting something different than your typical national park? Look no further than the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, located in Cave Junction, to find yourself wandering through the dark and mystical passageways of the Siskiyou Mountains. Because of the twisty, narrow passageways of the cave, there are a few restrictions and necessary guidelines to follow for those who enter the cave. Visitors must demonstrate that they are able to crouch down to pass through parts of the cave that have ceilings as low as 45 inches, bags and backpacks must be left in a locker, all children must be at least 42 inches tall, strollers are not allowed in the cave, and so on. Tours run through the end of March to the beginning of November, and you can visit www.recreation.gov to make a reservation for your tour, as there may be long wait times during the busy summer months.

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, while technically only partially in Oregon, is still a great place to visit, whether you’re looking for some fun activities or simply to sight see. It is the deepest river gorge in all of Northern America, and has plenty of recreational opportunities, such as Whitewater Boating, Fishing and Hiking. The area has many scenic views, and feature dramatic shifts in vegetation, elevation, climate and terrain. Located in Northeastern Oregon and Northwestern Idaho, Hells Canyon is a great spot to spend a few days enjoying what nature has to offer!

Crater Lake

Crater Lake is a lake in south-central Oregon. Crater Lake is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity. With a depth of 1,949 feet, the lake is the deepest in the United States. Crater Lake features two small islands. Wizard Island is a cinder cone approximately 316 acres in size, which is located near the western shore of the lake. The second is named Phantom Ship which is a natural rock pillar located near the southern shore. Visitors have the ability to hike the surrounding area, as well a boat ride that lets you explore Wizard Island. Visitors also have the opportunity to stay in a nearby lodge that lets you experience Crater Lake for multiple days in a row

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Travel to a faraway time and enchant your inner paleontologist at the John Day Fossil Beds. Located in central Oregon, the park spans almost 14,000 acres and is comprised of three different units: Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno. At the Thomas Condon Paleontology and visitor center located in the Sheep Rock unit and contains over 500 fossil specimens to oogle over. There are even viewing windows in which visitors can see scientists actively studying fossils right before their eyes. If being outdoors is more your speed, there are miles of trails for you to hike that provide once in a lifetime views for you to enjoy.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Park

You might remember those names from playing the game “The Oregon Trail”, but it turns out those two guys really did make their way to Oregon and this national historic park is a great monument to that trek. It’s not all just hunting, forging rivers and dysentery on the Oregon Trail, which is all the information you can learn at this park. Located in Astoria,OR, there are plenty of options to keep yourself entertained. Whether you are looking to see some Rangers dress up in costumes and tell stories, go on a Ranger guided canoe trip or even become a junior ranger yourself! Although there might be an age limit. But that doesn’t even begin to cover the beautiful views and scenery at this historic park. So history buffs, travel buffs and adventure buffs should unite and come spend some time at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park.