Traveling Along the Columbia River Highway on an Autumn RV Adventure

Monty October 22, 2012
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Picture of the Columbia River Gorge from Crown Point

Columbia River Gorge Looking East from Crown Point

Jump into an RV motorhome and drive the Columbia River Highway for a unique adventure. This is one scenic excursion that will provide some amazing views. Fall is a wonderful time to go because you will miss the summer vacationers and the parking problems. You’ll also experience beautiful autumn colors as the trees turn.

Yes, Columbia River Gorge during autumn is something to see. And the trip in late fall is one not to miss. The drive takes about one and a half hours, however you will certainly want to allow more time for this 90-mile drive as there are plenty of places to stop along the way. Begin the trip in Troutdale, OR and spend some time there seeing the sights.

Remember, you won’t find a lack of RV camping on the drive. In fact, a great place to stay is the Bridge RV Park and Campground across from the Hood River Bridge. It has quiet and peaceful accommodations with great views.

First stop should be the Lewis and Clark State Park at the western gateway to the gorge. This is also the entrance for the Historic Columbia River Highway. A public boat launch will allow you to get in some boating time. What a great way to soak up some autumn sun! Next stop – on a bluff above Columbia River you will find Corbett Station. Go to View Point Inn to see where the movie “Twilight” was filmed.

At Crown Point State Park, your next stop on your scenic route, you can stop at the Vista House to see a wonderful historic structure. Then you will want to get out and do some hiking in the great outdoors. Mirror Lake hiking couldn’t be better. Then when you reach Guy W. Talbot State Park you can throw out a blanket and have a secluded picnic.

Now for some cascading waterfalls to inspire you to bring out your camera gear. At Shepperd’s Dell State Park you will see the falls that roars over steep cliffs into the creek and rushes on out to the Columbia River. And believe it or not, Oregon has ghost towns! Stop at Bridal Veil to experience a real one! Surrounded by forests, you will find lots of outdoor recreation nearby.

When you want to enjoy the power of nature, visit Multnomah Falls! There is parking right off of Interstate 84 and you just need to walk for five minutes to get to this amazing waterfall. Want to try your hand at fishing on this vacation? You can fish the lake at Benson State Recreation Area and perhaps catch a nice-sized rainbow trout.

Moving on, you will soon come to John B. Yeon State Park where you can hike to your heart’s content. The gentle trail leads you to more lovely waterfalls, and you’ll find the fresh, crisp autumn air makes hiking a pleasure.

Mayer State Park is worth a visit, particularly when you love a little solitude. This time of year won’t have the crowds of summer and you can have a wonderful picnic or enjoy fishing or boating. Don’t neglect to stop at The Dalles, the end of the Oregon Trail. Get another taste of history by visiting the Fort Dalles Museum. Head to Sorosis Park for some incredible views of the area! And you will want to stop at the oldest bookstore in Oregon, Klindt’s. It has the original wood floors and display cases from when it was established – 1870. You can’t beat that for getting the flavor of life in those times.

Families love the Deschutes River State Recreation Area! Go rafting, mountain biking, hiking or fishing. Park at the trailhead near the entrance and take off on a wide trail that goes along an old railroad bed. In the fall you won’t find horses on this trail so you’ll own it!

When you get to Biggs Junction, after a long and leisurely trip along the Columbia River, you will cross the river and head to Maryhill, Washington. You will want to stop in Maryhill State Park to enjoy the natural beauty and take in some cultural history. Walk along the waterfront of the Columbia River.

This brings an end to your Columbia River Highway RV adventure. You can now head home with the knowledge that you have at last experienced the beauty and wonders of Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge. This is one place you can return to again and again and always get a little more enjoyment from your trip.

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Traveling the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in Your RV

Monty August 6, 2012
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The Oregon Coast offers the traveler amazing sights, ocean vistas and adventures in the dunes along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Following U.S. Highway 101 south for 168 miles from Pacific City to Bandon, Oregon is one of the best stretches along which you can take an RV for one of the most scenic vacations ever. Start out in Pacific City, Oregon and get in some beachcombing along the beautiful beaches.

Next stop is Lincoln City where you must take advantage of the wonderful ocean breezes and fly a kite. This is, after all, the Kite Capital of the World. At Depoe Bay you will find the perfect spot to do some whale watching. There are plenty of places to observe the whales that make this area their home from March through December each year.

Further south, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty of Newport, a lovely area tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the coast mountains. Be sure to get out to Yaquina Head to see the tallest lighthouse in the state. Would you love to see a fishing fleet in operation? The Bayfront area is where to go. There are also shops and wonderful places to experience some of the best seafood around.

Get over to the free crabbing dock in Waldport for an adventure you may never have expected. Crabbing is a unique opportunity to take part in life on the edge of the ocean. You may also spot whales swimming happily off in the Pacific waters. Take a nature walk or kayak on the Alsea River. You can stay at the Chinook RV Park if you like to stay in close range to the water. They are right on Alsea Bay.

Yachats is a bit further down Highway 101, and you must stop here if you would like to investigate the tide pools or do some beach combing. Another popular activity is to take a dune buggy ride in the dunes. Sand dunes and speed go together for an exhilarating experience. Another great place to stop on your way south is Florence. This charming town offers some amazing outdoor recreation, as well as some excellent restaurants in Old Town. Stay in an RV campground on the waterfront.

Visit Reedsport and be sure to go to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for a wonderful hiking adventure through the beach grass and dunes. At Winchester Bay you will find miles and miles of pristine beaches and a lot of wildlife, so bring your camera to capture some of this beauty on film. For RV camping with plenty of amenities, go to Winchester Bay RV Resort.

You are coming close to the end of your drive down the Oregon coast. At Lakeside you may be just in time for a festival or other event. They go on all year. Hire a boat in Charleston and get out there in the sun for some sports fishing. At Coos Bay you can visit a botanical garden high above the Pacific on a cliff. In Bandon, get a horse and go riding along the beach. This is the perfect ending to your Oregon RV vacation!

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Explore the Oregon Mountains and Valleys on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Monty April 25, 2012
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Picture of Mt. Bachelor Behind Hosmer Lake

Mt. Bachelor Behind Hosmer Lake

Discover Oregon on an RV vacation along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. You’ll find a large number of lakes as well as amazing lava flows and beautiful meadows. When you stay on this scenic route, it may take up to five hours to travel from one end to the other, but you should plan for a longer trip because you’ll want to stop and spend time at some of the special places.

Start your trip in Bend, Oregon but before embarking, be sure to stop at Drake Park. Relax and get in the mood for your excursion. Once you take off and move through Deschutes National Forest, you’ll begin to appreciate what this vacation trip is going to be like. Lovely forests hold nature’s wonders, and you’ll want to get out there and absorb the beauty.

Turn off to make your way to Dutchman Flat, an expanse of desert area right in the middle of the lush forests. Hiking trails will beckon, so ensure you are ready to pull on those hiking shoes and take off on a trek you are sure to enjoy. The Tumalo Mountain Trail is short enough for the novices. Further along the byway you’ll come to Swampy Lakes and the Swampy Lakes Trail. These marked trails vary in length for different levels of hikers.

You can ski even through June at Mt. Bachelor Ski Area. The snow-covered slopes accommodate beginning or experienced skiers. In the summer you shouldn’t miss the lift taking you to the summit with panoramic views all the way to California and Washington State.

This part of Oregon is a hiker’s paradise. Moving along your scenic route, you will come to Green Lakes Trailhead where you can access the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. The wildlife is abundant. Be sure to bring your camera to catch some photos of the Clark’s Nutcracker making a racket overhead. You’ll also see deer and cute little ground squirrels. Within Three Sisters Wilderness there are about 260 miles of trails. You can even hike a portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Take a bike, hike or go horseback riding through the forests for a real Oregon experience.

There’s nothing like an adventure of rafting or kayaking on the Deschutes River or camping along Lava Lake. You’ll find convenient RV camping by the lake where you can catch some fish or go sailing. At Osprey Observation Point you can park in their parking lot and take a trail to the observation area to view the Osprey feeding and breeding. Watch the birds dive from huge heights to catch a meal.

When you finish your RV excursion through Central Oregon, you will feel the nostalgic sorrow that comes at the end of a wonderful time. But you’ll be happy to know that this scenic drive is always here to enjoy another time. Come back every year! Journey into the forests of Oregon once again to feel the thrill of the sights and sounds of our great U.S.A.

Picture credits: The picture of Mt. Bachelor is from the National Scenic Byways Program website. It is copyright © 1999 Roger Keiffer and used here in accordance with the Terms and Conditions outlined on the website.

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Oregon Outback Scenic Byway by RV

Monty October 11, 2011
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Picture of the Paulina Creek Falls in the Deschutes National Forest

Paulina Creek Falls in the Deschutes National Forest

Central Oregon’s million-acre Deschutes National Forest offers RV camping vacation possibilities for the weekend, week-long or we’re-going-to-be-gone-awhile RV travelers. One of the most memorable ways to experience this vast forest is on the Outback Scenic Byway, from La Pine, OR through the heart of the forest to Lakeview. It’s a little over one hundred miles from end to end, but this byway is loaded with historic and natural wonders to discover. Plan to take your time and savor the Oregon Outback by RV.

Outback Scenic Byway Itinerary
The Outback Scenic Byway (Hwy 31) explores the volcanic slopes, mountain lakes, pine forests and sagebrush desert of Central Oregon. Beginning in La Pine, OR, in the heart of Deschutes NF, this byway travels south and soon passes near a number of fascinating historic and natural attractions. Fort Rock State Natural Area, a rugged desert volcanic formation, makes for excellent hiking (be sure to seek out the immense “Hole in the Ground” while you’re there.) Nearby Christmas Valley Sand Dunes offer RVers plenty of OHV action. And to learn about the area’s early settlers, visit the Homestead Village Museum in Fort Rock, OR.

And then it’s south on the Outback Scenic Byway through the village of Silver Lake, over Picture Rock Pass, where ancient petroglyphs can be seen, and into a wonderland of alkali lakes and natural hot springs. Plan a stay at Summer Lake Hot Springs RV Resort for a unique, spa-centered experience on the byway. Another way RVers love to experience Summer Lake is by hiking the eighteen-thousand-acre wildlife refuge. By the way, anglers will find nearby Ana Reservoir RV Park is close to rainbow trout and bass fishing hotspots.

Did we mention that part of the unique appeal of the Oregon Outback is the ability to drive for miles without seeing a house or a town? This is a place where pulling off at an overlook for panoramic views can be a solitary experience. But if you need a little civilization mixed in with open spaces, quaint towns along the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway fit the bill. Towns like Paisley, Christmas Valley and Fort Rock offer mercantiles, cafes and taverns, each with rugged desert charm. OregonsOutback.com has a nice listing of points of interest along the byway.

Let’s keep rolling to find the wonders of Lake Abert and the Abert Rim, about thirteen miles off the byway at Valley Falls. The lake is saline, inhabited only by brine shrimp, but that makes it the perfect place for bird watching! If you’re up to the challenge, hike to the Rim to capture magnificent photos from this quarter-mile-high rock formation above the high desert.

Just south of Lake Abert, RV camping rockhounds will find an Oregon Outback treasure, the Sunstone Gem Collection Area, where you can hunt for the state’s official gem. Once you’ve hunted for flashing stones in the desert, it’s time to head south again.

As you make the final run of this itinerary to the mountain town of Lakeview, plan to stay and play awhile. Settled at the base of the Warner Mountains, the area surrounding Lakeview is a wonderful place to hike, bike and fish. Keep your eyes to the sky and you may see hang-gliders launching from area bluffs. Junipers Reservoir RV Resort, located on a working cattle ranch, offers access to a wealth of outdoor recreation.

Want some memorable wildlife photos to take home from vacation? Visit Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, surrounded by a picturesque chain of lakes east of Lakeview. It’s likely you’ll also spy bighorn sheep, elk and deer along the way.

Ready for an Oregon RV camping adventure? The Oregon Outback is waiting for RV camping fans to come discover its rugged desert charm. We’ll help you find the perfect RV rental for your trip, and then it’s off to follow your imagination along the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway.

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RV Camping Journey on the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

Monty May 6, 2011
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The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway uncovers the wonders of the Oregon coast quite perfectly. Running the length of Western Oregon, Highway 101 reveals breathtaking coastline, picturesque seaside towns and magnificent state forests. Pack your camera and your camping gear and get ready for the RV camping journey of a lifetime.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway Highlights
Whether you start your journey in Astoria, OR (just three hours south of Seattle) or travel north from Brookings near the Oregon/California border, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway offers plenty to see and do.

Let’s start at the northern end of the byway, in the lovely seaside town of Astoria. Take a trolley ride along the Columbia River and be sure to bring your camera for photos of this town’s impressive collection of Victorian buildings. Then it’s time to cross the bridge over Young’s Bay for the next stage of the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

If your appetite for history has been whetted, travel just a few miles south to Fort Clatsop National Memorial. Otherwise, continue south on Hwy 101 toward Seaside, another quintessential Oregon coastal village. Leave yourself time to stroll the Promenade and visit the Seaside Aquarium; they’ve been delighting visitors for decades.

Ready to stop for the night? There’s no better place along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway than Cannon Beach, Oregon, home to Haystack Rock. Just minutes from this amazing geological specimen, you’ll find comfortable, affordable RV camping at the RV Resort at Cannon Beach. Here’s a tip: If you’re up for a twisty, turny two-lane drive, Ecola State Park just north of Cannon Beach, is almost too scenic for words.

The next stretch of Highway 101 hugs the coastline, giving RV travelers outstanding opportunities to experience the region’s rugged beauty. The villages of Manzanita, Nehalem and Wheeler lead the way to historic Rockaway Beach, Oregon, a fine place for enjoying sand and surf.

Journey just an hour south from Rockaway Beach and find several days’ worth of activity on Tillamook Bay. The towns of Garibaldi and Tillamook ring the Bay, offering a nice range of attractions on the edge of Tillamook State Forest. Campgrounds like Harborview Inn and RV Park in Garibaldi make a nice home base for excursions to attractions such as Tillamook’s famous cheese factory and nationally-acclaimed Tillamook Air Museum.

It’s been a wonderful RV camping journey so far along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in Oregon, but there’s so much more to see! Just twelve miles southwest of Tillamook, off Hwy 101, Cape Lookout State Park offers hikers the chance to explore great nature trails.

Then it’s south again on Highway 101 to the city of Newport on Yaquina Bay. The Yaquina Head and Yaquina Bay Lighthouses are don’t-miss opportunities to learn more about Oregon’s coastal guardians. You’ll also find a first-rate aquarium and interesting historic sites within this city on the bay.

Another hour south along the breathtaking Oregon coast will lead you to the quaint village of Yachats (Yaw-hawts) and two more outstanding outdoor wonders. The basalt formations of Devil’s Churn and the chance to watch whales at Cape Perpetua will thrill your party’s nature lovers. By the way, Beachside Campground near Yachats (PDF) lets campers listen to the waves while camping with modern amenities.

Continue south to the town of Florence in the Siuslaw National Forest, where Heceta Head State Park is home to a nicely-preserved lighthouse. Wildlife watchers will want to hit the beach and trails, too, for a chance to see puffins, sea lions and whales! And there’s one more must-see before leaving Florence. The Sea Lion Caves continue to astonish visitors with their rugged beauty and fascinating inhabitants.

Wrapping up our journey is a trio of attractions, each worthy of at least a day’s stay. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a favorite with OHVers, boasting five story dunes and plenty of room to play. Coos Bay, a bustling international port, also offers historic attractions and several state parks close by. One last suggested stop on the route? Gold Beach, with its beautiful bridges and awe-inspiring beach.

What a wonderful journey! We know you can’t wait to discover the beauty of the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway by RV. For more information on this fabulous route, see Byways.org, and be sure to let the folks at El Monte RV Rentals know if we can lend a hand.

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Medford, Oregon – Five Reasons for RV Camping There

Monty January 18, 2011
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Just north of the California/Oregon border (about five hours north of Sacramento) is an outdoor wonderland custom-made for enjoyable RV camping. A town surrounded by rare natural beauty, Medford, Oregon can be the center of an active motorhome vacation. Keep reading to find the five reasons we recommend you go RV camping in Medford, OR.

Reason #1: Hiking and Biking Trails Abound
Medford is blessed to be in a bowl formed by the Cascade and Siskiyou Ranges, which means it’s never more than a short walk to exhilarating hiking and mountain biking. Here are some favorite trails you’ll want to explore:

  • ANY of the trails at nearby Crater Lake National Park (more about that magnificent spot in a moment) Hikers highly recommend the Union Peak, Stuart Falls and Annie Creek Canyon trails.
  • Applegate Lake Loop Trail or any of two hundred other trails in Rogue River/Siskiyou National Forest are favorites with mountain biking fans.

Reason #2: The Rogue River
Starting on Mount Mazama (Crater Lake) and winding more than two hundred miles to the Pacific, the Wild and Scenic Rogue River provides a superb setting for fishing, whitewater rafting and wildlife viewing. Just a few short miles from Medford, the Rogue River should definitely be on your RV vacation itinerary.

Reason #3: An Historic Entertainment Venue
Born in the 1880s and once a bustling railroad hub, Medford boasts an historic downtown district centered around the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater. Apparently, the world-famous dancer once owned a ranch in the area and lent her celebrity to the push to restore the 1920s-era theater.

Reason #4: Easy Access to Crater Lake
Medford, because of its mountainous surroundings, is right in the heart of Southern Oregon’s famous natural attractions. The most popular is Crater Lake, just a couple of hours northeast. Fascinating day trips at this national park include the 33-mile Rim Drive, the boat ride to mysterious Wizard Island and a visit to the awesome Pinnacles rock formations.

Reason #5: Scenic RV Campgrounds!
Finding an attractive campsite is a no-brainer when traveling by RV to Medford, OR! Tree-lined campgrounds like Medford Oaks RV Park cater to visitors hoping for comfort and convenience. Other popular area campgrounds include Holiday RV Park “on the banks of Bear Creek” and Medford/Gold Hill KOA, just off I-5.

It will soon be springtime in the Cascades, and it’s high time you started planning your RV camping adventure to Medford, Oregon. Use our tips to plan your trip to enjoy the outstanding sights of Southern Oregon.

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Multnomah Falls – A Delight for RV Travelers

Monty July 22, 2010
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We are proud to have provided a blog post to the Travel Oregon Blog. The Travel Oregon Blog is the blog of the Travel Oregon site, the site of the Oregon Tourism Commission.

You can see our blog post here:
Multnomah Falls – A Delight for RV Travelers

If you have a blog or a site that you think might benefit from a guest article from El Monte RV please let us know.

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RV Camping Trip – Olympic National Park

Monty June 25, 2010
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Picture taken in Olympic National PariRV campers love Olympic National Park, and with good reason! Not only is this National Park one of the most scenic places in the Pacific Northwest, it’s custom-made for memorable motorhome camping experiences, year after year.

Olympic National Park may sound like a mountain wonderland, but that’s only part of the picture. Drive your RV through the Park and you can see the mountains at sunrise, have a picnic in a rainforest and watch the sunset on a beach. With almost a million acres to explore, campers can do it all or focus their attention on one particular ecosystem.

Use this quick list of ways to enjoy Olympic National Park to start your own vacation planning:

  • Take the perfect photo of Mount Olympus. Spend a day focusing your photo equipment on the Park’s signature mountain from several perspectives. Sunrise, sunset or a bright peak beyond the clouds-Olympus is a world-class photo subject.
  • Get to know the beauty of Hurricane Ridge. This scenic treasure offers the best of the mountains within easy reach of Port Angeles. Hike, climb, photograph and get close to nature at this remarkable destination. We promise, the views will take your breath away!
  • See the “sea stacks” at Rialto Beach. Unusual rock formations just offshore at Rialto Beach also make for great vacation photos. Abundant marine and animal life can be viewed at the beach and in the Moro Region, an adjacent temperate forest.
  • Visit Sol Duc Valley. Salmon Cascades, Sol Duc Falls and the Valley’s famous hot springs are just three of the reasons not to miss Sol Duc.
  • Take a drive on Hwy 101. Scenic Hwy 101 maps a course almost completely around the National Park. Jump on the highway sixty miles south of Seattle; you’ll find connecting roads to every attraction at Olympic National Park.
  • Camp in one of the Park’s RV campgrounds. With more than a dozen campgrounds inside the National Park boundaries, RV campers can find their ideal vacation setting easily. Use this guide to information on campgrounds like Kaloloch, Mora, and Sol Duc. You might also decide to stay in one of the area’s luxurious private campgrounds. Here are just a few of the possibilities:
  • Enjoy a scenic drive. The park is filled with picturesque byways to discover; here are favorites reported by RV campers:
    • Elwha Valley Road
    • Hamma Hamma Area via FS Road #25
    • Hoh Rainforest via Upper Hoh Road
    • Hurricane Ridge Road
    • Sol Duc Valley via Sol Duc Road

We hope you’re already beginning to plan your RV camping trip to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. From the Elwha to the Quinault Rainforest, from the Sol Duc to Staircase, Olympic National Park showcases the Peninsula’s best features. If you don’t own an RV, but would love to experience motorhome comfort on this trip, our staff at El Monte RV Rentals Seattle location has just what you need. Why not let yourself experience Olympic NP soon?

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RV Vacation to Crater Lake National Park

Monty May 31, 2010
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Picture of Crater Lake in Oregon

Hoping to take a unique RV camping trip this summer? Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon is sure to surprise and delight your motorhome camping crew. We mention going in summer because this picturesque park emerges from a deep blanket of snow only briefly each year, from late June to September. If you’re one of the fortunate ones to experience the mystery and majesty of Crater Lake in summertime, you won’t soon forget the trip.

One of the strongest memories you’re likely to have of this National Park is of the brilliantly blue water in Crater Lake. Impossibly deep, the lake is also home to two small islands formed by volcanic cinder cones. Park visitors who’d like to enjoy all that beauty from the comfort of their vehicles can make the Rim Drive for incredibly scenic views.

If your vacation dreams include strenuous hiking, Crater Lake National Park is your ideal destination. The rocky cliffs and slopes surrounding Crater Lake make this Park an interesting challenge for climbers and hikers. Since hiking is only allowed on established trails due to the unstable nature of volcanic terrain, get to know the trails before you go by reading this downloadable brochure (PDF format).

One of the favorite hikes is down to Cleetwood Cove on the lakeshore for a swim. Cleetwood Trail is only a little over one mile long, but hiking at an eleven percent grade isn’t for everyone. This challenging hike is the only way to reach the lakeshore, but it’s well worth the effort.

You can also take an excursion by boat around the perimeter of the volcanic crater, if you’re up to hiking the Cleetwood Trail down to the Cove. A private concessioner runs these boat tours, as well as exciting side trips to Wizard Island and Phantom Ship, that rocky outcrop that eerily resembles a ship in misty weather.

But don’t despair if you’re not up to a strenuous physical challenge! Park rangers provide fascinating glimpses into Crater Lake and the surrounding Cascade Mountains during regularly scheduled presentations throughout the Park. Visitors report that the evening programs at Mazama Campground Amphitheater are especially interesting.

And while we’re talking about campgrounds, let’s review your RV camping choices near Crater Lake National Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts currently manages lodging within the park, and half of the more than two hundred campsites at Mazama Village Campground are reservable. This beautiful campground is just seven miles from the crater rim.

Another wonderful RV campground just twenty-five miles south of Crater Lake NP is Crater Lake Resort on Fort Creek. Owners (or renters!) or smaller RVs should also take a look at Jo’s Motel and Campground, where you’ll be treated to an organic grocery and deli just six miles from the National Park.

Find out why avid RV campers can’t stay away from Crater Lake National Park. Soak up the southern Oregon sun. Climb a trail down a cinder cone and put your toes in the deep blue waters of Crater Lake. Hike through old growth forests and experience peace and quiet in big gulps. All that and more are waiting for you at Crater Lake National Park. Isn’t it time you paid a visit?

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Fishing, Wildlife, Attractions & More – Junipers Reservoir RV Resort

Monty July 8, 2009
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Junipers Reservoir RV Resort SignThis is courtesy of our friends at Junipers Reservoir RV Resort.

Located in the heart of an 8,000 acre working cattle ranch, Junipers Reservoir RV Resort is the perfect jumping off point for touring scenic Lake County, Oregon. From one of the 40 spacious pull through sites, visitors can experience much of the natural splendor that Lake County has to offer without ever leaving the property. But you may wish to venture off on a more adventurous journey to a variety of nearby events and attractions.

Enjoy hot showers, clean bathrooms, laundry facilities, propane barbeques, and free wireless internet after a full day of exploring. Resort activities include hiking and biking trails, driving tours, bird watching, wildlife viewing, rock hounding, free fishing, horseshoes, and volleyball.

If you can’t get enough of the antelope and mule deer on the ranch, check out nearby Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge for a day, or stop by the Summer Lake Wildlife Area (www.stateparks.com) for extended birding opportunities.

Are you crazy about rocks? After scouring the ranch for treasures such as agate and petrified wood, spend a day collecting sunstones, obsidian, or opals at nearby mines. After hiking or biking to the old Indian campgrounds to hunt for arrowheads and artifacts, take a driving tour of the pristine petroglyphs in the area.

If you are looking for a truly unique experience, check out some of Lake County’s natural wonders, including Fort Rock State Park, Crack in the Ground, Abert Rim, and the Old Perpetual Geyser (www.traveloregon.com). But you may prefer to catch as many trout as you can eat right here at the resort without even buying a fishing license. True fishermen will want to visit some of our other local fishing holes as well. And those of you who think you’ve got what it takes to win will want to try your hand at the Chewaucan Challenge (www.chewaucanchallenge.com) in June, an annual fishing derby on the Chewaucan River.

One of Lake County’s most valuable resources is its geothermal energy, which you can take advantage of by visiting nearby hot springs for a healing dip or by perusing the perennials at the local geothermal greenhouse. Speaking of shopping, the town of Lakeview, the seat of Lake County, also offers a Saturday market, antiques, and a full service meat locker offering Country Natural Beef, the very same beef that is grazed right here on the ranch surrounding the resort. The Lakeview Lockers also carries products from Stringers Orchard, a wild plum winery in nearby New Pine Creek, California.

Special occasions in Lakeview, also known as Oregon’s Tall Town because of its elevation, include Fourth of July fireworks at the fairgrounds, a hang gliding festival, and an antique car show. But the biggest event of the year by far is the annual Lake County Fair and Roundup, held every year on Labor Day weekend. Don’t miss the parade through town on Monday morning! Afterwards, spend a sunny day on the golf course, or a rainy day touring the museums. Or, simply relax in the serenely peaceful environment at the resort.

Junipers Reservoir RV Resort offers daily, weekly, monthly, and group rates. For more information on the resort, please visit www.junipersrv.com. For more information on Lake County Oregon, visit the Lake County Chamber of Commerce website.

Other RV Campgrounds should feel free to share with us the wonders that may be found in and around their campground. Please send your article submissions to monty@elmonterv.com.

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