5 Funky Places to Sleep in Oregon

You’re bored with hotels and bed and breakfasts and inns and tents. You want something different. Oregon offers quirky stays, from lighthouses to lookouts, suitable for a variety of ages. Take a look at these sweet sleeps — and if you go, let us know!

(Photo above: Quail Prairie Lookout, elevation 3,033 feet, photo courtesy of USDA Forest Service)

1. Oregon teepee in Warm Springs, Oregon.

At Kahneeta Resort & Casino, bring your own inflatable air mattress and comforters – you’re sleeping in a Central Oregon teepee!  This 21-foot canvas arrangement allows you to enjoy the resort’s waterslides, pool and lovely weather for less than a hotel stay, and each teepee accommodates up to 10 people.

Teepee reservation website: http://kahneeta.com/teepee-camping-central-oregon-resort.
Teepee prices: About $75/night. Ages 11 and under free
Teepee best for ages: All ages.

2. Oregon treehouse in Cave Junction, Oregon.

Sleep in treetops! At Treehouse Out ‘n’ About Treehouses, try the fort-style “Cavaltree” stay or the “Swiss Family” wood-paneled treehouse, which offers a child-size single bed and rocking chair along with a kids’ unit, connected by a swinging bridge, bunk bed and a mini table and chairs. Breakfast included.

Treehouse reservation website: http://www.treehouses.com
Treehouse pricing: $90-240, children over age 4 are $20 extra per night over occupancy, under 4 are $10 extra.
Treehouse best for ages: All ages.

3. Oregon fire lookout, multiple destinations.

Have a budding forest ranger in your home? Climb up a ladder to an enclosed viewing platform, where your family can eat, sleep and watch lightning storms roil through Oregon skies. Oregon fire lookouts offer tight quarters, but amazing, expansive views — and are set in the middle of utter wilderness. Check out the Lake of the Woods lookout in Southern Oregon.

Lookout reservation website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/recreation/rentals/index.shtml.
Fire lookout pricing: $40 and up.
Fire lookout best for ages: Ask when making a reservation if the fire lookout is a good match for your child — some are too steep for your child’s (or your) comfort, while others are very accessible. The fire lookout in the photo at right is suitable only for children ages 12 and up.

4. Oregon lighthouse in Yachats, Oregon.

At the Heceta Head Lighthouse, you’ll climb wooden steps up a decommissioned, ocean-front lighthouse, then cozy into a sky-high room. With small rooms that accommodate only a trundle bed, Heceta Head may not be a choice for larger families—unless you rent the whole lighthouse!

Lighthouse reservation website: http://www.hecetalighthouse.com.
Lighthouse best for ages: Ages 10 and up.
Lighthouse prices: $133-315.

5. Oregon yurts, multiple destinations.

Yurts are like the lovechild of a tent and a cabin. Oregon State Parks’ family-friendly yurts protect you from the elements, offer kitchens and covered porches. The deluxe yurts are the best bets for families – but book now (especially for Oregon Coast yurts), because these affordable sleeps are popular and can be booked up to a year in advance from 2 days to 9 months in advance.

Yurt reservation website: http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/deluxe.shtml
Yurt pricing: $56-90/night for deluxe
Yurts best for ages: All ages

Do you know of a unique or unusual Oregon places to sleep? Have you stayed in one of the quirky accommodation options listed above? Let us know!