Ashland, Base Area Live Cam

"More that 100 years ago, my ancestors came here on the Oregon Trail and bought 460 acres that was everything they'd dreamed of. Four generations have kept their vision alive, each creating new ways to work the land, while respecting its delicate open spaces and woodlands."

With ten waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park near Salem is a cool place to picnic and hike. Picturesque Proxy Falls is just a short walk from the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway. Many of the state's 50-plus covered bridges are concentrated near Albany, Sweet Home and Cottage Grove.

You could spend a lifetime fishing the Willamette and Santiam rivers, and another one rafting and kayaking on the McKenzie. Camping and hiking are incredible in the Willamette National Forest, where eight different wilderness areas attract outdoor lovers. For water sports, head for Green Peter Lake, Detroit Lake or Fern Ridge Reservoir.

Many of the Valley's old farmhouses and Victorian homes have become charming bed and breakfasts, often serving freshly laid eggs and berries from the backyard. All the hungry fish in the Cascade foothills could easily lure you to a quiet riverside lodge. Call local chambers and visitor bureaus for listings.

The rich Willamette Valley soil produces a wide variety of fruits, berries, wine grapes, vegetables, flowers, herbs, nuts, hops, mint, oats, holly and Christmas trees. If it doesn't grow here, you can probably get along without it. If it does grow here, they probably celebrate with a harvest festival and offer it at roadside stands.

Settled by emigrants from all walks of life, the region is truly a cultural melting pot. Join in Eugene's Fiesta Latina (May), Junction City's Scandinavian Festival (August), Mt. Angel's authentic Oktoberfest (September), or many other celebrations. There's always something on stage at concert halls in Eugene, Salem and Corvallis.

Willamette Pass and Hoodoo Ski Area satisfy Alpine and Nordic skiers alike. The Willamette National Forest has Sno-Parks that will enchant any cross-country skier, snowmobiler or snowshoer. Eugene, Springfield and Salem ring in the holidays with light festivals and parades.

"Crow's feet and squint marks were chiseled into the hammered-copper face of the cowboy and steady eyes met the gaze of a stranger openly. His faded jeans, checkered shirt, pointed boots and curl-brimmed straw hat were his uniform, and he stood at the jackpine corral, one foot on a lower rail, as he answered the question with a good-natured patience. 'Travel? Where would I go? This is Oregon - I'm already there.'"

In addition to several enormous refuges for wildlife, this region also offers some nice ones for people, including working cattle ranches and a fishing retreat that's so remote, you can't get there by car.