Lots to See in a Little Place

June 26-July 2, 2019
Silverton, Oregon

Only after I pay the full fee for our stay do I realize it was not the RV park I planned on - oops! But not that far out of our way, and still in the general area. As we get closer to the location we're wondering why people come here. It's beautiful, but doesn't seem to be a "destination"? Turns out there's plenty to do!

Silver Spur RV Park in Silverton, Oregon, is newer, well maintained and big. Typical urban park with okay spacing. It's nice to be level again, and to have open skies for satellite. Very little highway noise, and no trains use the nearby track, so it's very quiet. 

Our first day we take a morning drive to check out the area. The afternoon brings a loud and very wet thunder storm. We haven't had rain like this in a long time!! 

Interior roads running with water.

The nearby Oregon Garden is 80 acres of natural wetlands and oak forest, in addition to numerous specialty gardens and interpretive areas. The site brings together a water reclamation process, a 110 room lodge and restaurant, and the beautiful gardens. In addition, the Frank Lloyd Wright-built Gordon House was moved to the property in 2001. It is the only FLW house built in Oregon.

It's not Bill's thing, so I spend several hours exploring the gardens on my own under sunny skies. The tour guide on the shuttle is wonderfully informative - there's so much to see and learn about! It also gives a nice overview of the whole garden before walking through the different areas. There is a how-to-compost at home area, and a backyard/window box display area.

The first tree planted at the garden - a donated 100-year-old Japanese Lace Maple. The 1000 pound root ball required a large crane and flat bed truck for the move.

So many greens.

The Children's Garden is delightful.

I've seen Tulip Trees, but never one in bloom. Very unique!!

There's so much to see here.

Due to a wedding, there's no access to the Gordon House, but peeks through the trees show the FLW style.

If I lived in the area I would definitely be a member! What a beautiful and informative place.

Historic Silverton has several galleries, artisan shops, eateries and pubs. It's a cute little town. There are also 27 wonderful murals. Many of them are huge, all of them are beautiful. I have a great time finding them :-)

Norman Rockwell's Four Freedoms

Keith Kaser - honoring a colorful local character.

Silver Falls Timber Company

Mammoth Camera

Gallon House Bridge

Silver Falls State Park includes a highly rated 8-mile hike to view 10 water falls. Much more than we're prepared to do, so we see what we can at the day use areas. Lots of people!

North Falls

Pretty meadows.

Willamette Valley

We find several of these when looking for back ways :-)

Like lighthouses, covered bridges are such romantic, historic sites around the country. Silverton has it's own, built in 1916. It is Oregon's oldest continuous service covered bridge. 

Gallon House Bridge

There are a lot of crops here, but none more interesting than Hops. Only the second time we've seen a field of these gonna-be-beer plants.

I'm so glad I made this "mistake", and gave us the opportunity to visit this pretty countryside. It's another great Oregon stop.

Next we move back to the coast for a long-overdue visit with my BFF and her hubby in Newport, Oregon.