Situated Near Oregon's Only National Park Is A Cozy Gateway Town With A Historic Inn And Outdoor Wonders

It's no secret that Oregon is a nature lover's dream come true. From dazzling lakes tucked into the mountains to enchanting waterfalls cascading in lush national forests, the beautiful Pacific Northwest state is a wonderland of outdoor gems just begging to be discovered. Another sparkling Oregon trait is its historic charm, which is abundant in small-town destinations such as Ashland, an artsy haven that boasts one of the largest theatre scenes outside of New York. About an hour north of Ashland is an even tinier town that blissfully blends Oregon's historic allure with its scenic wonders: Prospect.

Nestled just outside of the state's only national park, Crater Lake National Park, Prospect is a pint-sized charmer surrounded by big beauty. Renowned for a darling 19th-century bed and breakfast, the town makes a delightful home base for all types of outdoor adventures in the surrounding area. With forest-lined hiking trails, deep blue lakes, and stunning waterfalls in your backyard, the prospects are truly endless.

If you're flying into Oregon, the closest you can land to Prospect is the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFR), which sits about an hour south. With a population of just over 700 people, Prospect is the definition of a small town. While you won't find bustling streets lined with shops, restaurants, and urban delights, you will find an idyllic place to stay. Dating back to 1888, the Prospect Historic Hotel-Motel and Dinner House was originally built as a stagecoach stop between Crater Lake and the Rogue Valley. Hosting luminaries such as Theodore Roosevelt and Jack London in past decades, the lovingly restored inn boasts vintage elegance surrounded by natural beauty, making it perfect for a serene retreat.

Set in a picturesque cream-colored house with a sky-blue wraparound veranda, the historic bed and breakfast offers 10 quaint, country-style rooms outfitted with handmade quilts, floral wallpaper, and antique furnishings. In addition to the rooms in the main house, a 14-unit motel sits next door, resting on over 5 acres brimming with park-like beauty traversed by an enchanting creek. Whether you're staying in the hotel or the motel, you can dine in the Prospect Hotel Dinner House. Open nightly, the charmingly appointed restaurant serves hearty helpings of comfort food classics like prime rib and five cheese lasagna, pouring delicious glasses of Oregon wine and pints of local beer. Enjoy a full breakfast in the morning, choosing from Oregon-inspired dishes like hazelnut French toast and hazelnut huckleberry pancakes that are perfect for fueling up for a day of outdoor adventures.

Situated about 20 miles from Crater Lake National Park, Prospect is perfectly positioned for a day trip to one of Oregon's most sparkling outdoor gems. Formed by an ancient volcanic eruption that created a hollow hole in the Earth, the park's dazzling centerpiece is the vividly blue Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the U.S. Revered as one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, the awe-inspiring body of water is an unmissable natural attraction, especially if you're in the area.

To explore the park by car, travel along the Scenic Rim Drive, a 33-mile route wrapping around the lake, offering plenty of overlooks to pull over and take in the panoramic views. If you prefer to explore on foot, hiking opportunities are abundant throughout the park. For the best views, hike the Watchman Peak Trail, a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail with high elevation and rewarding vistas stretching as far as Mount Shasta.

If you want to go chasing waterfalls, you'll find a treasure trove of them right in town. Park at the Prospect General Store and take a half-mile hike to Pearsony Falls, a hidden gem surrounded by lush trees and mossy boulders. To see two falls in one hike, head to the Mill and Barr Creek Falls Trailhead (about a mile from the Prospect Hotel) and follow the tree-lined trail south, which will connect you to both cascading beauties. Wander in the opposite direction to check out the Avenue of the Boulders, a collection of river-bound rocks that were launched by the same volcanic eruption that formed Crater Lake over 20 miles away.