Oregon backroads trip report
 

This past weekend I travelled with a group of friends to Southern Oregon.- started in Eugene We travelled south on I-5 to Oakland, an old historic town. The main street consists mostly of antique stores and our destination- Tollys Tavern and Soda Fountain. Tolly's is in an historic building, has a wonderful old time soda fountain and a great stop for lunch or dinner. After checking out the antique stores and lunch we headed down I-5 to Wolf Creek to our destination the Wolf Creek Inn. The Inn is a historic building, an old stage coach stop and is very warm and cozy, has a nice dining room. Many celebrities have stayed there in the past- Clark Gable, Jack London. The Innkeeper gave a tour and shared many interesting stories - including a few of the ghost stories. We never did see the ghost.

There is not much to do in town but relax and enjoy your time at the Inn. We did take a short drive to a ghost town where there are still several standing buildings including the old church which is open to visitors.

http://www.historicwolfcreekinn.com

In the AM after a great breakfast at the Inn we headed down I-5 to Central Point Or where we met at the Lower Table Rock trail head. The trail is well marked, gravel -pretty steep, takes you to the top of a large, flat butte. Fabulous views of the Rogue Valley from the top, several snow capped mountains and fields of wild flowers. A beautiful spot. Once you get to the top, it is totally flat so meandered around looking at the flowers and enjoying the views.Had a lunch that was prepared for us at the Inn. Although it was only April, it was very warm and sunny. The hike is about 5 miles round trip with 800 ft elevation gain. Saw people of all ages on the trail.

Following the hike we headed back to Eugene but made a short stop at Gold Hill to see the House of Mystery Vortex. Another historical site- apparently first discovered by the Indians when they discovered their horses did not like to enter the area.
The tour guide demonstrates a variety of abnormal activities which are pretty interesting- and photographs with unexplained artifacts in the pics. Can't explain how it works, but it was interesting.

Headed back up I-5 to Eugene- great weekend. So as you are travelling I-5, consider a stop at one of these interesting stops instead of the quick drive by as many tourists do.

I've lived in Oregon for nearly 8 years now and have been in every county but didn't know about Oakland. I will get there.
I never climbed Table Rock but I have been to the top of Roxy Ann.
If you are still in the Eugene area turn off I-5 on Rt. 58 and come through Oakridge to see Salt Creek Falls. It is the second tallest waterfall in Oregon and you approach it at the top and look down into the chasm. The Salt Creek tunnel @ MP 56 is now closed Mon-Thur from 8PM to 6AM through the summer for a major construction project.

Sounds like a fantastic weekend! I love the backroads around our state, and we are lucky to be able to do it anytime the mood hits. You are right, so many visitors stick to I-5 and don't venture even past Bend much. There is SO much more to our state, but then again, it is nice to keep it so serene and almost untouched in parts;)

A friend clued me in years ago that Tolly's was not that far off I-5 and worth the stop. We did the soda fountain because I wasn't sure how quick the service would be.

Our wait at Tolly's was a bit long as we were a group of 15 and also a tour bus had stopped there. We were not in a big hurry so not a problem. It was still a fun stop.