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Driving Guide to Heritage Parks
North Coast Eastern Oregon
South Coast
Columbia Gorge/Portland
Willamette Valley
Southern Oregon
Central Oregon
North Coast
 
Historic Places:
  • Flavel House – An authentically restored 1884-85 Queen Anne-style Victorian home and museum.
    503-325-2203
    441 8th St., Astoria, 97103
    www.cumtux.org
  • Tillamook Air Museum – Home of more than 30 War Birds and rare historical wartime and aviation artifacts.
    503-843-1130
    6030 Hangar Rd., Tillamook, 97141
    www.tillamookair.com
  • Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Park – 12 park sites that tell the story of Lewis and Clark’s winter in the NW.
    503-861-2471 ext.214
    92343 Fort Clatsop Rd., Astoria 97103
    www.nps.gov/lewi
  • Sunset Beach State Recreation Site – Marks the west trailhead of the historic 6.5-mile Fort-to-Sea Trail that recreates the experience Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery encountered as they wintered in the area in 1805-06.
    1-800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org 
  • Ecola State Park – Site of a beached whale that attracted Capt. William Clark and the Corps of Discovery in 1806.
    1-800-551-6949
    84318 Ecola Park Road, Cannon Beach, 97110
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint – Completed in 1890, the Cape Meares  Lighthouse original lens was sent from Paris.
    1-800-551-6949|
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Tillamook Rock Lighthouse – Nicknamed “Terrible Tilly” because of the storms endured, the lighthouse first shone in 1881 and was closed in 1957.
  • Cape Meares Lighthouse
    Tours: 503-842-8844
    Other information: 503-842-3182
    www.capemeareslighthouse.org 
Museums:
  • Columbia River Maritime Museum – Visitors experience Oregon’s rich maritime history in this museum, built in 1962.
    503-325-2323
    1792 Marine Dr., Astoria, 97103
    www.crmm.org
  • Tillamook Forest Center – See first hand the legendary Tillamook burn, and the effort to reclaim this area through reforestation.
    866-930-4646
    45500 Wilson River Highway, Tillamook, 97141
    www.tillamookforestcenter.org 
Historic Cemetery:
  • Fairview Cemetery Eldrige Trask a very early emigrant to the Oregon Country donated the property for the cemetery. He worked closely with the Clatsop Station of the Jason Lee Methodist Mission to Oregon that established a large US population in the area.
  • Taft Cemetery – Lincoln City
Forts:
  • Fort Clatsop – A replica of Lewis and Clark’s winter encampment from 1805-06.
    503-861-2471 ext.214
    92343 Fort Clatsop Rd., Astoria 97103
    www.nps.gov/lewi
  • Fort Stevens State Park – Attacked by a Japanese sub in 1942, this is the only Fort attached by an enemy since the War of 1812.
    503-861-3170
    100 Peter Iredale Road, Hammond 97121
    www.oregonstateparks.org 

South Coast
 
/OPRD/PARKS/GoPlay/images/Driving_Guide_pg3.jpgHistoric Places:
  • Conde McCullough Memorial Bridge – At it’s completion in 1936, it was the longest bridge in Oregon, spanning 1708 feet.
    North Bend
  • Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint – Built in 1894, the lighthouse is open for tours. And, also rumored to be haunted!
    For information: 1-800-551-6949
    For Bed and Breakfast reservations: 866-547-3696
    92072 Hwy. 101 South, Yachats, 97498
    www.oregonstateparks.org
    www.hecetalighthouse.com
  • Darlingtonia State Natural Site – The Darlingtonia Californica, a carnivorous cobra lily, was discovered in Oregon by botanist William D. Brackenridge in 1838.
    1-800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park – Originally called Camp Woahink, most of the buildings in the park were built by the CCC.
    1-800-551-6949
    84505 Highway 101 South, Florence, 97439
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Geisel Monument State Heritage Site – An historic Rogue Indian war site, this park also contains the graves sites of the pioneer Geisel family.
    1-800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org  
  • Shore Acres State Park – Formal gardens that were once apart of a pioneer timber baron’s estate. The estate burned, but the gardens remain spectacular.
    1-800-551-6949
    541-888-2472
    Coos Bay, 97420
    www.oregonstateparks.org
    www.shoreacres.net 
  • Coquille River Lighthouse – The smallest and last lighthouse built on the Oregon coast. The Lighthouse operated from 1896-1939.
    1-800-551-6949
    52470 Hwy 101 N., Bandon, 97411
    www.oregonstateparks.org
    www.coquilleriverlighthouse.org 
  • Cape Blanco Lighthouse – Oregon’s oldest, most westerly and highest lighthouse house also boasts Oregon’s first woman keeper. Mabel E. Bretherton signed on in March 1903. 541-756-0100
    Port Orford, 97465
    www.oregonstateparks.org
    www.portorfordoregon.com/friends
  • Hughes House – A great example of late Victorian architecture, this house built in 1898 remains for tours.
    541-332-0248
    Port Orford, 97465
    www.portorfordoregon.com/friends
  • Cape Arago Lighthouse – Originally built in 1866, the lighthouse standing today is the third Cape Arago Lighthouse.
  • Azalea Park Feature azaleas up to 300 years old and a CCC pavilion.
    541-469-1100
    Brookings, 97415
    www.brookings.or.us
  • Crissey Field State Recreation Site – Oregon’s newest state park is a welcome center sitting on an abandoned airstrip built in 1950.
    1-800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org 
  • Brookings World War II bombsite – the one of four sites in the continental U.S. bombed by Japan in WWII. The site is marked with a monument and trail.
    541-469-2196
Museums:
  • Coos Art Museum – Oregon’s 3rd oldest art museum. Housed in an historic art deco former US Post Office.
    541-267-3907
    235 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay, 97420
    www.coosart.org
  • Umpqua Discovery Center – Preserving the “tidewater community” experience and history.
    541-271-4816
    409 River Front Way, Reedsport, 97467
    www.umpquadiscoverycenter.com
Historic Cemetery:
  • Gardiner Cemetery An example of the many cemeteries in the state founded by a fraternal organization, the cemetery illuminates the large Scandinavian population that settled in the area.
  • Gold Beach Cemetery – This cemetery is with many colorful characters including a woman who won an 1878 divorce settlement that included payment for 13 years of housekeeping.

Columbia Gorge/Portland
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Historic Places:
  • The Dalles historic district
    800-255-3385
    www.thedalleschamber.com 
  • Columbia Gorge Hotel – Built in 1905, this hotel has been a place of rest to Presidents Roosevelt and Grover Cleveland.
    800-345-1921
    4000 Westcliff Drive, Hood River, 97031
    www.columbiagorgehotel.com
  • Hood River Hotel – Originally built as an annex to another hotel in 1913, the hotel has been restored to its original grandeur.
    541-386-1900
    102 Oak Ave., Hood River, 97031
    www.hoodriverhotel.com 
  • Bonneville Dam – When the original navigation lock opened in 1938, it was the largest in the world.
    541-374-8820
    www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b/home.asp 
  • Old College Hall –Built in 1850, this historic building continues to serve as a gathering place at Pacific University.
    503-352-2211
    2043 College Way, Forest Grove, 97116
    www.pacificu.edu 
  • Willamette Stone State Heritage Site – A marker placed in 1857 is the basis for all NW land surveys.
    1-800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org 
  • Crown Point State Scenic Corridor – The Vista House is both a scenic and historic crown of Oregon.
    503-695-2230
    www.vistahouse.com
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail – Originally opened in 1922 as an east-west transportation route through the Columbia River Gorge. Two abandoned lengths are now accessible to hikers, bicyclists and other non-motorized recreation.
    1-800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org
Statehood:
  • McLoughlin House – The “Father of Oregon’s” house. Today, it’s open as a museum.
    503-656-5146
    713 Center St., Oregon City, 97045
    www.mcloughlinhouse.org 
Historic Inns:
  • Timberline Lodge – A National Historic Landmark. Built between 1936 and 1938 by the WPA.
    800-547-1406
    www.timberlinelodge.com
Museums:
  • Oregon Historical Society – Founded in 1898, the OHS has more than 85,000 artifacts and one of the country’s most extensive collection of state history materials.
    503-306-5198
    1200 SW Park Ave., Portland, 97205
    www.ohs.org 
  • End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center– Experience life on the Oregon Trail with a cedar carving demonstration, a heritage garden and living history presentations.
    503-657-9336
    1726 Washington St., Oregon City, 97045
    www.mcloughlinhouse.org
  • Columbia Gorge Discovery Center – This interpretive center brings to life history from as far back as the ice age and raging floods that created the Columbia River Gorge.
    541-296-8600
    5000 Discovery Dr., The Dallas, 97058
    www.gorgediscovery.org 
  • Architectural Heritage Center – Preserves the historic character and livability of Portland area homes, buildings and communities.
    503-231-7264
    701 SE Grand Ave., Portland
    www.visitoahc.org
Historic Cemeteries:
  • The Dalles Cemetery – Many early US settlers and dignitaries rest here including the 1st Circuit and Supreme Court Judge of Eastern Oregon.
  • Bridal Veil Cemetery – A strong Swiss and German population of early Bridal Veil can be seen at the cemetery.
  • Rose City and Japanese Cemetery – This cemetery within a cemetery reveals a century of Japanese culture in Portland.
    503-654-9437
    5625 NE Fremont, Portland 97221

Willamette Valley
 
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Historic Places:
  • Bush’s Pasture Park and House – Salem (Bush major player during territorial days.)
    503-363-4714
    600 Mission Street SE, Salem, 97302
    www.salemart.org
  • OSU historic district – Corvallis
  • Detroit Dam – At 463 feet tall, it once ranked among the eight largest dams in the world.
    541-367-5124
    www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/v/proj_detbc.asp 
  • Montieth House – An authentically-restored 1849 pioneer era home.
    800-526-2256
    518 2nd Ave SW, Albany, 97321
    www.albanyvisitors.com 
  • Champoeg State Heritage Area – Birthplace of Oregon
    503-678-1649
    800-551-6949
    8239 Champoeg Rd NE, St. Paul, 97137
    www.champoeg.org
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Fort Yamhill State Heritage Site – built in the mid-1800s to ease tensions among settlers and natives, a visit now offers insight in the hardships of all.
    800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Erratic Rock State Heritage Site – A 40-short-ton glacial rock from the Missoula floods now rests atop a foothill outside of McMinnville.
    800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Willamette Mission State Park – site where Reverend Jason Lee founded the first northwest mission in 1834. Ghost structures represent the original mission buildings.
    800-551-6949
    10991 Wheatland Rd. NE, Gervais, 97026
    www.oregonstateparks.org 
  • State Capitol State Park – Follow stone plaques through the mall sidewalks to discover the county seat and establishment date for each Oregon county. The park’s Moon Tree, a young Douglas-fir, was carried to the moon on Apollo 14 in 1971.
    800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Silver Falls State Park – Site of local daredevil Al Faussett’s 1926 plunge over South Falls in a canoe.
    503-873-8735
    800-551-6949
    20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, 97385
    www.friendsofsilverfalls.net
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site – Oregon’s oldest water-powered mill, built in 1862, and is still operating and open for tours.
    541-491-3611
    800-551-6949
    32655 Boston Mill Rd., Shedd, 97377
    www.oregonstateparks.org 
  • Cascadia State Park – Once the site of the Geisendorfer hotel and resort, where the main attraction was Soda Creek. In the early 1900’s, visitors came to drink its natural spring water. The resort’s old stone patio remains.
    800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org
 
Statehood:
  • Mission Mill Museum – See where several members of Oregon’s Provisional Government lived. Experience the woolen industry that grew from their labors.
    503-585-7012
    1313 Mill Street SE, Salem, 97301
    www.missionmill.org 
  • Eugene Masonic Cemetery – Gravesite of Oregon’s first governor.
    541-684-0940
    2575 University St., Eugene, 97403
    www.eugenemasoniccemetery.org
 
Museums:
  • University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History – A collection of Native American cultural and archaeological artifacts, spanning 15,000 years, including 10,000-year-old sagebrush bark sandals found in central Oregon.
    541-346-3024
    1680 East 15th Ave., Eugene, 97403
    www.uoregon.edu/~mnh/
  • Benton County Museum – Housed in the historic 1867 Philomath College building, the museum and historical society has been preserving local artifacts and photos since 1951.
    541-929-6230
    1101 Main Street, Philomath, 97370
    www.bentoncountymuseum.org
  • Polk County Historical Society – Exhibits of agriculture, logging and the 28 original townsites tell the tale of Polk County.
    503-623-6251
    www.polkcountyhistoricalsociety.come
 
Forts: 
  • Fort Hoskins – Established in 1856 and home to then Lieutenant Phil Sheridan during the Civil War.
    38150 Hoskins Rd, Philomath, 97370
    www.forthoskins.com
 
Historic Cemeteries:
  • Miller Cemetery – This cemetery includes the grave of John Turley Crooks member of the Oregon’s Constitutional Convention.

Southern Oregon
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Historic Places:
  • Collier Memorial State Park – Learn about the area’s logging history at this museum full of logging tools, etc.
    800-551-6949
    46000 Hwy 97 N., Chiloquin, 97624
    www.oregonstateparks.org 
  • Tub Springs State Wayside – Site of historic Applegate Trail wagon train stop.
    800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Jacksonville – This gold rush town has 90 original brick and wooden building that date back to the 1850s.
    541-899-8118
    185 N. Oregon St., Jacksonville, 97530
    www.jacksonvilleoregon.org
  • World War II bombing site – Six curious picnickers were killed in 1945 when they found a Japanese balloon bomb.
    Bly, 97622
 
Museums:
  • Klamath County Museum – Features exhibits on natural history and local history, including historic photos and public records.
    541-883-4208
    1451 Main St., Klamath Falls, 97601
    www.co.klamath.or.us/museum
  • Fort Klamath – The region’s original military outpost, built in 1863, remains in tact for visitors to explore.
    541-883-4207
    51400 Highway 62, Chiloquin, 97624
    www.co.klamath.or.us/museum
  • Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History – Experience more than 10,000 years of the Umpqua Valley’s history through interpretive and exhibit materials.
    541-957-7007
    123 Museum Drive, Roseburg, 97470
    www.douglasmuseum.com
 
Historic Inns:
  • Crater Lake Lodge – A long, but worth it, trip. The spectacular 1915-built lodge overlooks the clearest lake and deepest lake in the United States.

Central Oregon
 
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Tribal:
  • The Museum at Warm Springs – Exhibits and stories that depict culture and displays artifacts of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
    541-553-3331
    www.warmsprings.biz/museum
Historic Places:
  • Shaniko Hotel – Although the town of Shaniko is considered a ghost town, the fully restored hotel, originally built in 1900, remains a showcase of the town’s past. |
    541-489-3441
    4th & E St, Shaniko, 97057
    www.shaniko.com
  • Reid School – Bend – Bend’s first modern school house was open from 1914 to 1979. 541-389-1813
    www.deschuteshistory.org/reidschool
  • Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint – named after the famous fir trapper, the park features views of historic bridges crossing the Crooked River.
    800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • The Cove Palisades State Park – Home of the Crooked River Petroglyph. The massive boulder, etched thousands of years ago with Native American symbols, remains a mystery.
    800-551-6949
    7300 Jordan Rd., Culver, 97734
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • White River Falls State Park – An old hydroelectric plant tells how Oregonians at the turn of the century harnessed water power.
    800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Fort Rock State Natural Area – A prehistoric tuff ring that was a shallow sea. Sandals found nearby are the oldest ever discovered, dating back 9,000 – 13,000 years.
    800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org
 
Museums:
  • High Desert Museum – Bend – Learn about wildlife, culture, art and natural resources.
    541-382-4754
    59800 South Hwy 97, Bend, 97702
    www.highdesertmuseum.org
 
Historic Cemeteries:
  • Camp Polk Cemetery – Personalities of the people are revealed in a big way here.
  • Mill Creek Cemetery – An interesting snapshot of a small central Oregon community. Pass the old Howard schoolhouse on the way.

Eastern Oregon
 /OPRD/PARKS/GoPlay/images/Driving_Guide_pg3.jpg 
 
Historic Places
  • Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area – camp in a popular resting stop along the Oregon Trail.
    800-551-6949
    65068 Old Oregon Trail, Meacham, 97859
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area – the gold mining boat was launched on April 15, 1935. 500 people celebrated with free hot dogs and beer.
    800-551-6949
    441 South Mill St., Sumpter, 97877
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site – an unparalleled treasure trove of Chinese immigrant culture. This National Landmark was part apothecary, general store, temple and home.
    800-551-6949
    125 NW Canton, John Day, 97845
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Pete French Round Barn State Heritage Site – where legendary cattle baron Pete French built his fortune and ran his empire from the back of his horse.
    800-551-6949
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Hat Rock State Park – A remnant of a 12-million year old geological feature. First called “hat rock” in William Clark’s journals.
    800-551-6949
    82375 C St., Hermiston, 97838
    www.oregonstatepark.org
  • Cant Ranch – a turn-of-the-century ranch and house, preserved for visitors to glimpse life on the range.
    541-987-2333
    www.nps.gov/joda/
  • Malheur Wildlife Refuge Headquarters – President Theodore Roosevelt’s 19th bird reservation, established on August 18, 1908.
    541-493-2612
    36391 Sodhouse Lane, Princeton, 97721
    www.fws.gov/malheur
  • Baker City Historic District – a gold rush town of the 1860s, Baker City was a cultural center for the West.
    541-523-5442
    www.historicbakercity.com
  • Baker City Natatorium – Built in 1920 as a ‘place to swim,’ the historic building now holds the Oregon Trail Regional Museum.
    541-523-9308
    2480 Grove St., Baker City, 97814
    www.bakercounty.org
 
Tribal
  • Tamastslikt Cultural Center –Experience the 10,000 year history of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes through exhibits, events and a Living Culture Village.
    541-966-9748
    72789 Highway 331, Pendleton, 97801
    www.tamastslikt.org
  • Pomp’s Gravesite –site of Sakakawea’s son grave.
    Danner, 97910
  • Old Chief Joseph Gravesite, Nez Perce National Historical Park – one of 38 sites in this National Park that spans four states – Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
    208-843-7001
    www.nps.gov/nepe
 
Historic Inns
  • Frenchglen State Heritage Site – this 8 room hotel built, built in 1917, still welcomes travels with warm beds and family-style meals.
    541-493-2825
    800-551-6949
    39184 Highway 205, Frenchglen, 97336
    www.oregonstateparks.org
  • Hot Lake Hotel – A popular vacation spot in the early 1900’s because of its thermal waters. Restored and reopened, it is rumored to be haunted by past visitors.
    541-963-4685
    www.hotlakehotel.com
  • Wallowa Lake Lodge – originally called the Wonderland Inn, the lodge was part of a resort/amusement park on the south edge of the lake.
    541-432-9821
    60060 Wallowa Lake Hwy, Joseph, 97846
    www.wallowalakelodge.com
 
Museums
  • Heritage Station – The Umatilla County Historical Society Museum.
    541-276-0012
    108 SW Frazer, Pendleton, 97801
    www.heritagestationmuseum.org
  • Four Rivers Cultural Center – visitors the last century as it centered around four rivers – the Snake, Malheur, Owyhee and Payette.
    541-889-8191
    676 SW 5th Ave., Ontario, 97914
    www.4rcc.com
  • Oregon Trail Interpretive Center – near Baker City
    541-523-1843
    22267 Highway 86, Baker City, 97814
    www.blm.gov/or/oregontrail
 
Historic Cemeteries
  • Sumpter Cemetery – See many still legible wooden markers.
  • Enterprise Cemetery – The cemetery contains burials of early emigrants, sheriffs, judges, mayors and other dignitaries of the region.
  • Vale Pioneer Cemetery – Includes burials of about 300 Chinese people who died while working on the railroad.

 
Page updated: January 12, 2009

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