The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest, with its deeply forested mountains and taller-than-tall trees, is a forest lover's fantasy. But the only way to truly register the drama of these woods is to sleep in—or among—the treetops. And that, of course, means in a treehouse—or as close to it as your appreciation of heights will allow.
There is actually not just one, but two treehouse resorts to choose from in and around the hamlet of Cave Junction, Oregon, best known as the gateway to the Oregon Caves.
Photo: Foris Vineyards, Cafe Junction
Out 'n' About Treesort
Ten miles south of Cave Junction in the unincorporated town of Takilma is the Out 'n' About Treesort. Owner Michael Garnier's 14 fancifully designed treehouses include the two-story Cavaltree Fort, complete with upper observation tower, and the Swiss Family complex of parent and child treehouses connected by a swinging bridge. Ziplines, "Tarzan swings" and long suspension bridges make getting around the 37-acre, parklike property an adventure in itself. If that's not exciting enough for you, the resort offers horseback riding and a fresh-water stone-lined pool. Breakfast is served in your room, with nothing but birdsong and rustling leaves to interrupt your meal.
Vertical Horizons Treehouse Paradise
The nearby Vertical Horizons Treehouse Paradise is also run as a B & B, with three treehouses anchored to towering firs. Here the activities include volleyball, disk golf, a pool during the summer months and technical tree climbing, including ropes instruction.
The Calypso House at Vertical Horizons
Treehouses are only the beginning of the woodsy pursuits available in southeastern Oregon. The dramatic landscape of craggy peaks and wild undammed rivers has been an adventure playland for city slickers since rugged Hollywood types such as Clark Gable and John Wayne discovered it when filming there in the 1940s.
Photo: The Calypso House at Vertical Horizons
Hellgate Canyon, Oregon
Hellgate Canyon in Oregon was the backgrop of John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn's river adventure in Rooster Cogburn.
Oregon Caves
Start with an expedition into the Oregon Caves, declared a national monument in 1909 for the eerily beautiful marble caverns and seemingly endless chain of passages and rooms descending beneath the mountain. More recently, jaguar and grizzly bear fossils have been discovered in the deepest part of the cave, reachable on a 90-minute tour that involves some fairly athletic hiking and climbing.
To see a real jaguar, head down the road from Oregon Caves to the Great Cats of the World Park, a private 10-acre reserve for jungle cats from around the globe, including three different kinds of tiger.
Rogue River
River rats come from all over the country to raft the Rogue, which offers trips for all levels. For those who want to kayak, float or bird watch, choose the first easternmost section, which alternates between placid, wildlife-rich pools and gentle class I and II rapids just exciting enough to generate a few shrieks. West of Grave Creek is where the thrill-seekers go for guided trips, churning through rock-lined chutes and down nerve-testing clas IV and V rapids. (This is not something to attempt on your own unless you're very experienced.)
More than 65 trails crisscross the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, and one of the most spectacular is the Illinois River Trail, which balances along the edge of the Illinois River gorge. Just a mile out of Cave Junction, Illinois River Forks State Park has a wonderful old-fashioned swimming hole where the east and west forks of the Illinois River come together.
Crater Lake
If you don't mind driving a few hours for an eye-opening vision, the iridescent blue of Crater Lake, filling the caldera of a collapsed volcano, is 100 miles to the northeast of Cave Junction.
Where To Stay
The 10 treehouses at Out 'N' About Treesort in Takilma, Oregon, range from tiny Peacock Perch to the elaborate Tree Room Schoolhouse Suite, complete with kitchenette.
At Vertical Horizons Treehouse Paradise in Cave Junction, Oregon, choose the simple Shiitake or the castle-like Calypso (pictured).
Near Mount Rainier in Washington, Cedar Creek Treehouse has an enclosed observation platform that brings Mount Rainier practically into your bedroom.
Where to Eat
For anything more sophisticated than diner fare, head up to Grants Pass, where just outside of town on Upper River Road
Summer Jo's (pictured) is a unique experience. Farm-to-table is a concept taken seriously here.