As you head up I-5 you can’t miss the Seven Feathers Casino Resort as you drive through Canyonville, and while gaming, delicious food, and spa treatments are wonderful, the area has so much more to offer. Follow along as we explore the area from Canyonville to Tiller, Riddle and Myrtle Creek. Chat with the locals over handmade pastries, discover covered bridges, sip delicious wine, and learn local history as you dig deeper and really experience southern Oregon.
Day 1: Canyonville
It’s time to venture outside of Seven Feathers Resort and discover all of the Southern Oregon charm that the Canyonville area holds. First stop Oregon Sunshine Espresso; sit down for an espresso and bagel sandwich to fill your belly and fuel up before you take a quick road trip up Hwy 1. Keep your eyes wide open and take in the views as you head out to Milo Academy Bridge on the South Umpqua River.
Originally built in the 1920’s Milo Academy Bridge is the only steel bridge in Oregon that is housed in wood and is one of only two covered bridges in the Oregon Covered Bridges Thematic Group to not have a timber truss support. If you want to be even more wowed by the view, visit in the fall so you can catch the intense fall colors.
Red Mountain Lookout – Photo credit: National Historic Registry
Just ten minutes up the road you will want to visit the Tiller Ranger Station that is on the National Historic Lookout Register. Built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it has multiple structures on its 12 acres including the Red Mountain Lookout that was moved there from its original tree tower in 1985. After your tour of this historic site you will surely will have built up your appetite creating a perfect opportunity for you to stop into Falk Estate Vineyards for some wine tasting and nibbles.
Falk Estate Vineyards – Photo credit: Falk Estate
When you get back into Canyonville you will want to take a little stroll to take the time to peruse their antique shops to finish your day before heading back to your cozy room at Seven Feathers.
Day 2: Myrtle Creek & Riddle
To start your morning off head ten minutes north on I-5 to Myrtle Creek and their locally owned Soco Coffee Company to grab your cup o’joe and a fresh baked goodie; get it to go so you can take a walk to Horse Creek Covered Bridge. The 105-foot bridge was built in 1930 in Lane County and then moved to Millsite Park in Myrtle Creek in 1990. During the summer you can enjoy music in the park at Millsite Park’s beautiful amphitheater and anytime of the year play at their disc golf course.
Millstie Park – Photo credit: South Umpqua School Districk
After your walk about Millsite Park hop in your car to visit Neal Lane Covered Bridge less than two miles up the road. Built in 1939 (though some public records say it was built in 1929) its two distinguishing qualities are that it is one of the shortest bridges in Oregon and it is the only roofed span in Oregon using a king post truss design. It’s a pretty little bridge perfect for photo-ops with narrow windows, arched portals, and rustic plank flooring to add to its rustic charm.
Photo credit: Alder Creek Community Forest
As you head south into Riddle your next stop will be the enchanting and beautiful Alder Creek Community Forest for some hiking on their 3.5 miles of trails that include interpretive signs. This unique project was developed to be an outdoor learning site for children and to be used as outreach for teachers and students. They work with may organizations throughout Oregon including Umpqua Valley Steam Hub and Center for Geography Education in Oregon and even the Globe K-12 field science initiative to build connections in the world.
About now you will be ready for lunch so stop into Sweet Confections for homemade soups and sandwiches made with scratch made breads and top it all off with something from the pastry case; cupcakes, cookies, danishes, or whatever your sweet tooth desires.
After lunch head to Stanton Park day use area to relax by the South Umpqua River swimming, fishing, and just taking in the beauty. Finish of your day with dinner at your choice of local comfort food restaurants in Canyonville, Papa Morgan’s Family Restaurant or Ken’s Sidewalk Cafe or if you are looking for something a little more formal you can head to the K Bar Steakhouse at Seven Feathers Casino Resort.
Take a walk through any of the small towns in Southern Oregon and you will be charmed. While there are is always growth, they hold to their small town roots and you may even feel like you are looking through a window in time making you want to hold on and never leave. Enjoy, reflect, and remember there is always more to discover in Southern Oregon.
