If the breathtaking views of the Wallowa Mountains aren't enough, how about viewing them while pedaling down a 110-year-old railway?
Wi-Fi won't help you reach the nearby town of Enterprise on the Joseph branch of the historic Union Pacific railway. Strap in and get ready to pedal a four-wheeled rail rider down the tracks on a guided tour courtesy of the Joseph Branch Railriders. Soak in unparalleled views of nature and wildlife along the way, including Oregon's largest wilderness area, the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The area is a favorite for horseback riders and hikers who come in the summer months for more than 500 miles of trails.
Back in town, take in this small community's outsize array of art galleries, glass and sculpture studios, as well as the seven ornate bronze sculptures that form the Joseph Main Street Art Walk.
The westernmost incorporated city in the lower 48 states, Port Orford is much more than a coastal town.
This stop on Oregon's south coast is renowned for its panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and miles of uninterrupted beachfront. And the area is home to must-see landmarks like the Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve, nearly three miles of protected habitat for seabirds, seals, sea lions and whales, and the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, Oregon's oldest continuously operating lighthouse.
It can all be taken in along Highway 101, or on the Wild Rivers Coast Designated Scenic Bikeway, which starts in Port Orford. After a busy day of sightseeing, head back to town for some fish and chips or clam chowder at one of Port Orford's several seafood restaurants.
There may not be a better place to unplug and recharge than in the vast expanses of southeast Oregon.
Nestled along the base of the Steens Mountain, the community of Frenchglen is a perfect base camp from which to explore Oregon's picturesque high desert. Spend the day hiking in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, or summit the mountain with ease on the Steens Loop Tour Route, a 60-mile stretch of road that traverses the mountain.
Frenchglen is also located on the southern edge of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, an area renowned for its birdwatching. Spot hundreds of bird species on a vehicle tour of the refuge, then head back to the historic Frenchglen Hotel for a home-cooked meal and dessert, before turning in for the night in a room with no television or phone.
Not many towns can boast being within an hour's drive of Crater Lake National Park, world-class rafting and backpacking. Prospect can.
Off the beaten path, Prospect is a former logging town that's now a launch point for some of Oregon's most iconic outdoor pursuits. Located at the edge of the Umpqua National Forest, the town is a short drive from Crater Lake. The Rogue River cuts through the town and Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint, with breathtaking geologic features like the Avenue of the Boulders.
Set up camp at Joseph Stewart State Recreation Area, or just take a dip in Lost Creek Lake, both a few minutes from town. At the end of the day, head back to the Prospect Historic Hotel, which dates back to the 1880s and preserves its frontier spirit with period furniture and handmade quilts on each bed.
television or phone.
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