Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.
Oregon has many geotourism spots, one right off state highway 82 in eastern Oregon outside of Joseph. Named in Nez Perce after the tribe that summered at the edge of the lake, the county’s newest park is called Iwetemlaykin (ee-weh-TEMM-lye-kinn).
From the parking lot, follow the trail that winds up the glacial moraine and you’ll quickly reach a remote and tranquil place. The trail is less than a mile long overall, but feels longer as it meanders through the grasslands and along waterways with likely wildlife encounters. Within minutes you’ll reach a reflecting pond with views of Chief Joseph Mountain worthy of a strenuous all-day hike.
Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site is a convenient new place to encounter nature, history, culture. The 62-acre park is a joint triumph for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, the Nez Perce tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Colville and the Oregon State Parks. To the Native Americans, this is a sacred place. For everyday visitors, it feels timeless and one can imagine Nez Perce pulling salmon from the Wallowa River flowing nearby. Take the easy-access trail to the tops of the moraine that contains the lake and visit the Old Chief Joseph Gravesite. This is the Nez Perce National Historic Site and the beginning of the Nee-Me-Poo National Historic Trail that commemorates the Nez Perce’s flight from the Wallowas over 130 years ago.
With so many native heritage sites and scenic wilderness to explore sites you'll want to spend a few days. Book your stay at a member inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild in Joseph, Oregon.

When it is hot in the valleys there is nothing like a ride on the Magic Mile chair lift on Mt Hood, Oregon's tallest peak at 11, 240 feet. The majestic mountain can be seen from Portland, the Willamette Valley, the Hood River Valley and the Columbia River Gorge and is an easy day trip from any of the
Each of these rocks is protected as part of 
Recently selected for inclusion in the Central Cascades Geotourism Project, Hood River Lavender Farms is a certified-organic u-pick lavender farm situated on the top of Straight Hill surrounded by orchards and offering amazing views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and the Hood River Valley below. It has a large wildflower garden (Oregon native wildflowers) in the center of the farm. Due to the climate and location, over 70 varieties of lavender are present, including two unique lavenders grown only here, with a cute Lavender Shoppe on the farm where many luxury lavender items (including lavender oil distilled on site) are created and sold.



The Mt. Hood Loop of the OCBT rises from the Columbia River to Mt. Hood, the highest point in Oregon, and combines some of the best of the region's birding with legendary Oregon scenery. This loop traverses the Columbia River National Scenic Area and the Mt. Hood National Forest and visits 19 birding sites.
further up the mountain you'll observe woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and so many more.
After you've explored the trails on the north side of Mt. Hood head on around to the south and western flanks where the Sandy and Zig Zag Rivers lead you past Trillium Lake and through Wildwood Recreation Area. The 
region's famous wines. Seafood lovers can savor shrimp, salmon, oysters, halibut, and clam chowder. The Northwest's awesome microbrews and and wines are also featured. In addition to the freshest of seafood, you'll be able to enjoy live music and crafts booths. The highlight of the three-day festival is a traditional dinner featuring local, fresh-caught Oregon Dungeness crab; the dinner is put on by the Rotary Club of Astoria.
The 


The event will feature Willamette Valley craft brewers, Bavarian-style food, clog dancing, and live music. Wooden Shoes & Tasty Brews is family-friendly and as always, children are welcome. 
In the warm summer evenings guests love to watch the crimson sunset from their rocking chairs on the large covered deck surrounding the house. If you listen carefuly you can hear the owls hooting in the twilight and watch over 20 species of birds coming for their last meal of the day at our feeders.
transit. I love it. So when I overheard my Portland guests suggesting to our Portland bound Minnesota guests the 
Train (Max) back to your car.
begin the loop at any point and the trail is marked numerous places, even downtown. We hiked the trail first, arrived downtown in time for lunch and a gelato, with plenty of time to stroll, before heading taking the Train back.
Geotourism is all the rage and there's plenty of it to experience in the state of Oregon. The Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site is one of the Oregon State Park system's newest parks. (If you want to know how to impress your friends, it's pronounced "ee-weh-TEAM-lye-kin"). The site is the former Marr Ranch, a 60-acre parcel adjoining the Old Chief Joseph Gravesite and Wallowa Lake, part of the ancestral home of the Chief Joseph Band of the Nez Perce.