There are certain places in Oregon that make you stop talking for a minute. Not because there isn't anything to say, but because your brain is too busy trying to process what your eyes are seeing. Rick Vander Ley, Lost In Oregon, Facebook Larch Mountain is one of...
Columbia River Gorge
Oregon’s Lavender Season Is About To Explode And These Summer Festivals Smell Like Pure Magic
There are certain moments in Oregon that feel almost unreal. The first warm evening on the coast. The smell of pine after rain in the Cascades. Sunlight breaking through vineyards in wine country. And then there’s lavender season. Every summer, parts of Oregon...
Step Back in Time at Oregon’s Giant Museum Filled With Vintage Planes, Classic Cars, and Pure Nostalgia
If you’ve ever wanted to walk through a place where history doesn’t sit quietly behind glass, but practically hums with life around you, there’s a museum in Oregon that deserves a spot at the top of your road trip list. Tucked away in the scenic Columbia River Gorge...
Hike Oregon’s Most Fascinating Secret Trail Through Catwalks, Pipelines, And Forgotten Ruins
Tucked into the forest above the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most unusual hikes in Oregon, and there’s a good chance you’ve driven past it without ever knowing it existed. The Penstock Flume Pipeline Trail near Hood River isn’t your typical waterfall trek or...
The 42 Best Oregon Mom & Pop Restaurants to Eat At in 2026
We're going a bit out on a limb here at That Oregon Life. This story began as a sort of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" compilation, but after a giant list of my own and a slew of recommendations from friends all over the state, we realized that wasn't going to work....
This Hidden Hobbit-Style Airbnb in Oregon Feels Like Stepping Into a Tolkein Book
There are places you book for a night… and then there are places that feel like you’ve stepped straight into another world. Tucked quietly into the rolling hills above the Columbia River Gorge near Mosier, there’s a one-of-a-kind stay that looks less like an Airbnb...
Are You Ready For The “Big One?” Most Oregon Highways Will Be Knocked Out
Grocery stores will be empty, gas stations will be out of gas, and roads in and out of western Oregon will be so damaged that travel by road will likely be impossible for months, or potentially even years afterwards. Are you prepared for the "big one?" We hear about...
The Gorge Is a Stunning Backdrop For Exotic Animals At This Free Drive Through Ranch
If you're searching for a family outing that blends the great outdoors with a dash of wild excitement, this one-of-a-kind drive-through experience should be your adventure radar. Hidden away just across the Columbia River Gorge from Oregon, this one-of-a-kind ranch...
Top 4th of July Fireworks Shows in Oregon for 2024
Have you made plans yet for Independence Day 2024? I'm not the best at making plans ahead of time for the holidays, so seeing a list of local events I can attend with my family and friends is always helpful for me. If you're like me and are looking for something fun...
The Waffles & Monster Cinnamon Rolls From This Oregon Eatery Are Melt In Your Mouth Good
If you're on your way through the Columbia River Gorge and are looking for a great place to grab breakfast or get some down home cooking, there's a charming little spot in The Dalles you should check out. Cousins' Restaurant has been going strong since 1989, serving...









