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In a rush to get to the Oregon coast, we regularly overlook the journey itself.
These of us who drive to the ocean by way of Oregon 18, the freeway that runs from Dundee to Lincoln Metropolis, have a wealth of choices for side-of-the-road retailers and sights that get missed in our hurry to get to the place we’re going.
These are extra than simply locations to stretch your legs – they’re native farms and vineyards, fascinating museums, stunning parks, historic websites and funky retailers. Many have been round because the instances when pulling off the freeway was extra commonplace, and a few nonetheless maintain out hope that individuals will as soon as once more decelerate lengthy sufficient to re-discover them.
After all, not all of those locations are “missed” precisely. Some, just like the Evergreen Aviation and House Museum, are locations in their very own proper. Others, like Farmer John’s, draw a gentle stream of shoppers within the spring and summer time. (The Spirit Mountain On line casino, one of the vital in style locations in Oregon, will not be included on this checklist as a result of it can’t in any means, form or kind be thought of “missed.”)
However even those that delight themselves on pulling over at each farm stand and little park will possible have missed a spot or two alongside the freeway – these blink-and-you’ll-miss-it companies that appear hidden in plain sight.
For these locations, and for all of the individuals who cross them by, here’s a helpful checklist to hold with you in your subsequent journey to wine nation or the coast: 18 missed sights on Oregon 18, listed from east to west alongside the 60-mile freeway.
HONORABLE MENTION: I used to be unable to go to a couple of companies that had been both closed for the day or quickly closed because of the pandemic on my newest journey down Oregon 18. These spots deserve point out right here no less than: the Yamhill Valley Heritage Center in McMinnville, in addition to the Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center, and Bonanza Vintage Mall, each in Grand Ronde.
![Exterior of a rustic winery with grape vines in the background.](https://www.oregonlive.com/resizer/HPITvm5UMLeUy4o6MeGG9Tyul88=/450x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/S6KW7M7HXNBFZKWXNFEPAN6CWY.jpg)
Siltstone Wines tasting room on Freeway 18, Dayton. (Picture by Michael Alberty)Picture by Michael Alberty
1. Wineries
There are dozens of wineries alongside Oregon 18, which cuts straight by the guts of Willamette Valley wine nation. Stopping in any respect of them on one journey is each infeasible and unwise, however The Oregonian/OregonLive wine author Michael Alberty has been type sufficient to highlight his favorite spots alongside the freeway.
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C&H Household Jewels and Lapidary is a rock and gem store on the aspect of Oregon 18 in Dayton.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
2. C&H Household Jewels Rock and Lapidary
A rock and gem store that additionally presents lapidary providers (reducing and sprucing stones), C&H Family Jewels is a superb cease for rock hounds or anybody on the lookout for one thing colourful and glossy to take residence. Even searching is a enjoyable tour, with crystals, orbs and valuable stones tucked into each nook and cranny of the store.
Open 11 a.m. to five p.m. Wed-Solar.; 4270 N.E. Blanchard Lane, Dayton; 503-583-5030.
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Strawberries are on the market at Fulton Household Farms in Dayton, one among many farm stands on the aspect of Oregon 18. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
3. Fulton Household Farms
One of many latest farm stands alongside Oregon 18, Fulton Family Farms presents contemporary produce, flowers, preserves, and residential and journey items on the intersection of Oregon 99W. The farm has been internet hosting barbecues this spring and plans to supply a pumpkin patch come fall.
Open 11 a.m. to six p.m. Wed.-Mon.; 3005 S.E. Dayton Bypass, Dayton; 503-864-2337.
The Vintages Trailer Resort, an RV park in the course of wine nation in Dayton, Oregon.Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian
4. The Vintages Trailer Resort
Providing the “quintessential glamping expertise,” The Vintages Trail Resort is a kitschy campsite full of classic trailers for these seeking to keep an evening within the Dayton space. Every trailer comes with a pair of cruiser bikes, and a few trailers have soaking tubs. A communal fireplace space and seasonal pool supply alternatives for these seeking to loosen up on the resort.
$119 to $218 per night time; 16205 S.E. Kreder Street, Dayton; 971-267-2130; ebook on-line at the-vintages.com.
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The Fort Yamhill Blockhouse was initially constructed on the website of Fort Yamhill in 1856, erected to restrict contact between white settlers and the Indigenous communities in western Oregon. Right this moment, the historic constructing stands in Courthouse Sq. Park in Dayton. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
5. Fort Yamhill Blockhouse
The Fort Yamhill Blockhouse was initially constructed in 1856 on the website of Fort Yamhill, however lately the historic constructing resides at Courthouse Sq. Park in downtown Dayton. Initially constructed to restrict battle between white settlers and native Native American communities, the blockhouse was later used for storage and as a jail on the Grand Ronde Reservation.
Park open 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; blockhouse is on the nook of Important Road and Southeast Dayton-Salem Freeway, Dayton.
![Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum](https://www.oregonlive.com/resizer/yIkhIgDcxRoXajIATR288LVyP3o=/450x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/CGOPGY2UQVE4XJDPORTSZGICAM.jpg)
The Hughes H-4 Hercules, or Spruce Goose is on public show on the Evergreen Aviation & House Museum in McMinnville.Stephanie Yao Lengthy/The Oregonian
6. Evergreen Aviation and House Museum
It may not essentially be missed, however the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is definitely one of many largest and finest sights on Oregon 18. You may spend all day exploring the huge buildings that home Evergreen’s plane, together with the well-known Spruce Goose, a Wright Flyer duplicate and a Titan II SLV booster rocket. Evergreen can also be residence to the Wings and Waves Waterpark, which can quickly be reopening at restricted capability for the 2021 season.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m. to five p.m. Fri.-Solar.; 500 N.E. Captain Michael King Smith Approach, McMinnville; 503-434-4180; $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and veterans, $10 for teenagers.
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A mushroom-shaped shelter is the spotlight of Galen McBee Airport Park in McMinnville.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
7. Galen McBee Airport Park
Recognized for its mushroom home sculpture and eccentric fountains, Galen McBee Airport Park is a captivating little park beside the McMinnville Municipal Airport. First opened in 1977, the park started to fall into disrepair in recent times, however was rehabilitated in 2018 thanks to assist from the native Dawn Rotary Membership. The quick, forested trails supply a small journey simply off the freeway.
Open one hour earlier than dawn to at least one hour after sundown day by day; 375 S.E. Armory Approach, McMinnville; 503-434-7310.
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The Joe Dancer Park Path runs by a small part of woods alongside the South Yamhill River in McMinnville. The park is discovered on the aspect of Oregon 18 on the sting of city. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
8. Joe Dancer Park Path
Many of the 100-acre Joe Dancer Park is taken up by sports activities fields, however there’s additionally the 1.2-mile Joe Dancer Path, which leads by a wooded space above the South Yamhill River. It’s a pleasant place to get out and stretch your legs or take your canine for a stroll (leashes are required). The parking space at Kiwanis Marine Park simply off the freeway offers easy accessibility to the path, in addition to a small picnic space throughout a wood footbridge.
Open one hour earlier than dawn to at least one hour after sundown day by day; 1650 S.E. Brooks St., McMinnville; 503-434-7310.
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Schmidt Farm in McMinnville is one among many farm stands on the aspect of Oregon 18, promoting contemporary hazelnuts and walnuts each fall. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
9. Schmidt Farm
In contrast to most different farm stands, Schmidt Farm is barely open seasonally, promoting contemporary hazelnuts and walnuts within the fall. Cease by in October when you should buy the nuts in monumental qualities, with baggage starting from 5 to 100 kilos.
Closed for the season; 13940 S.W. Freeway 18, McMinnville; 503-472-8234.
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Farmer Johns Produce & Nursery is one among many farm stands on the aspect of Oregon 18. At Farmer Johns, clients can discover contemporary produce and canned items in addition to ice cream, flowers and extra. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
10. Farmer John’s
Promoting contemporary fruit, greens, canned items, ice cream and different treats, Farmer John’s is a dependable cease for produce and snacks in your approach to the coast. Their U-pick berry subject may flip your pit cease into an extended journey.
9 a.m. to six p.m. day by day; 15000 S.W. Oldsville Street, McMinnville; 503-474-3514.
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A brief paved path results in the principle attraction at Erratic Rock State Pure Website in McMinnville: a big glacial boulder from the northern Rocky Mountains, deposited within the Willamette Valley by the Missoula Floods on the finish of the final Ice Age.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
11. Erratic Rock
Erratic Rock is a 90-ton boulder that researchers consider floated 500 miles in an iceberg earlier than touchdown within the Willamette Valley someday between 12,000 and 17,000 years in the past, courtesy of the Missoula Floods that helped form the area. Right this moment, it’s discovered at an Oregon state park site off Oregon 18 close to McMinnville.
Open daybreak to nightfall day by day; trailhead discovered on Oldsville Street close to Southwest Dusty Drive, .8 miles from Oregon 18; 503-393-1172.
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Bernards Farm in McMinnville operates one among many farm stands on the aspect of Oregon 18, theirs specializing in plant begins and flowers. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
12. Bernards Farm
Recognizable by the large white barn on the aspect of the freeway, Bernards Farm is a farm stand that makes a speciality of vegetation, promoting vegetable begins, flowers and hanging baskets. The farm additionally has U-pick fields and sells hazelnuts, honey, eggs and different farm-fresh items.
Open 9 a.m. to six p.m. day by day; 18755 S.W. Freeway 18, McMinnville; 503-472-4933.
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Artwork fills the partitions of the Lawrence Gallery, a longstanding artwork gallery on the aspect of Oregon 18 in McMinnville, recognized for its Salvador Dali assortment. Gary Lawrence opened the gallery in 1977, the place it has operated ever since.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
13. Lawrence Gallery
The Lawrence Gallery is solely among the best, most frequently missed sights on Oregon 18. The effective arts gallery was based by native artist Gary Lawrence in 1977 and is well-known for its everlasting Salvador Dali assortment. Be sure to cease in and browse the gallery this summer time, as a result of the house owners plan to maneuver it to Lake Oswego by the tip of the season.
Open 11 a.m. to five p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 19700 S.W. Freeway 18, McMinnville; 503-843-3633.
![Overlooked attractions on Oregon 18](https://www.oregonlive.com/resizer/1rK8AgUxFR0X4v-0AleuQw_nZPs=/450x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/3YT3L7D34ZD5TBU2X3QYNMWJMA.jpg)
Mill Creek winds by Stuart Grenfell County Park in Sheridan, discovered on the aspect of Oregon 18. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
14. Stuart Grenfell County Park
A small park alongside Mill Creek, Stuart Grenfell County Park is maybe mostly used as a relaxation cease for each folks and pups. The tree-lined park can also be a pleasant spot for a picnic lunch, and for those who comply with the perimeter you’ll discover paths that lead all the way down to the shallow creek.
Open one hour earlier than dawn to at least one hour after sundown day by day; discovered on Concord Lane simply off Oregon 18, Sheridan; 503-434-7515.
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Many cabinets of used books line the within of Jim’s Buying and selling Publish, a store on the aspect of Oregon 18 in Grand Ronde. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
15. Jim’s Buying and selling Publish
Replenish in your seashore studying at Jim’s Buying and selling Publish, a used ebook retailer that additionally sells instruments, toys and housewares. First opened in 1968 by Jim and Lillian Hosley, the enterprise is understood for its large assortment of books, together with traditional comedian books, outdated westerns, cookbooks and a lot extra.
Open 10 a.m. to five p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 29335 Salmon River Freeway, Grand Ronde; 503-879-5411.
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A walkway passes by the open meadows of Fort Yamhill State Heritage Space in Grand Ronde. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
16. Fort Yamhill State Heritage Space
You gained’t discover many historic buildings at Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area, however you will see that an open meadow with small indicators telling you what used to be there. That is perhaps one cause why the park website will get missed, rating it among the many least-visited state parks in Oregon, however with good surroundings and a few native historical past, the quiet park website nonetheless makes a pleasant cease on a sunny day. To see the historic blockhouse that after stood on the website, head east to Courthouse Sq. Park in downtown Dayton.
Open daybreak to nightfall day by day; discovered off Oregon 22, one mile from the junction with Oregon 18, Grand Ronde; 503-879-5814.
An outdated progress forest strains the Salmon River on the H.B. Van Duzer State Scenic Hall alongside Oregon 18.
17. H.B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Hall
With twin relaxation stops on both sides of the freeway, the H.B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor is finest referred to as a spot to tug off for a pit cease within the Coast Vary. The southern relaxation space additionally has a wide-open meadow with picnic tables and trails that lead all the way down to an old-growth forest alongside the Salmon River.
Open daybreak to nightfall; on Oregon 18 between Grand Ronde and Rose Lodge; 541-994-7341.
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The Drift Creek Lined Bridge is discovered on the aspect of Oregon 18 in Otis. The bridge was first in-built 1917, however in 1997 it was dismantled and moved to a close-by non-public property the place the general public are allowed to see it.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
18. Drift Creek Lined Bridge
The Drift Creek Covered Bridge was initially in-built 1914, serving locals on an outdated north-south route alongside the Oregon coast. The bridge turned out of date by the Nineteen Sixties, was closed to the general public in 1988 and in 1997 was dismantled and moved to a non-public property simply off Oregon 18. The property house owners have given the general public permission to go to the bridge, which now spans Bear Creek within the Coast Vary.
Open daybreak to nightfall day by day; discovered on Bear Creek Street off Oregon 18 at Rose Lodge; 541-265-5747.
–Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB
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