Smith Rock state park is located in Terrebonne Oregon, just outside of Redmond and about half an hour from Bend. There's hiking and mountain biking trails and thousands of climbing routes, and you can even take your dog along. Laura and I got away from the monsoon at the coast for a couple days and explored just a sliver of the gorgeous landscape. The views are amazing and we even saw a family of river otters. If you have a chance to do so, check it out yourself!
This summer I had the pleasure of venturing out multiple times to The Sou'Wester Lodge to do some updating for their visual library. This place is a unique and fun alternative, to just pitching a tent in the woods and almost just as inexpensive. It is located in Seaview WA, only twenty minutes away from Astoria. From the Lodge it's a short walk to the beach, as well as the Discovery bike trails that you can take to Cape Disappointment. This collage of cabins, vintage airstream trailers, campsites and a historic lodge that was built in 1892, has continued to grow and become a coast destination for romantic get-aways, families and of course, airstream rallies.The place has a very communal and laid back feel, with an outdoor kitchen, "thrifty" the thrift store trailer, a shop with local art and crafts and an open aired venue for events and weddings. The staff is amazing and go above and beyond to make you feel relaxed. For an affordable vacation experience, I highly recommend these guys!
