Drain and Elkton - Douglas County, Western Oregon, USA
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Stumble It!The Rural Oregon Travel Guide
Douglas County, Western Oregon
Drain & Elkton
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Don't let the look of Drain fool you. |
Sometimes I decide to travel to a town just so I can say that I've been there. I didn't think I could do much better than Boring, but Drain is a pretty close second. In a state as rainy as Oregon, you'd think town-namers would shy away from the word "drain." I imagined gargantuan puddles, clogged sewers and water everywhere.
Drain
Actually, Drain isn't much wetter than any other Oregon town. In fact, when it's raining in Eugene, it's likely to be sunny in Drain. The town wasn't named for the plumbing device – it was named after its first mayor, John Drain. It was settled as a timber community in 1847; the railroad stop in town brought tourists and travelers – and prosperity.
However, fires destroyed most of the city in 1903 and 1914. The population declined, and hasn't risen above 1,200 since the late 1800s. However, it is one of the only small towns I've visited that has its own paper – The Drain Enterprise as well as an extensive website.
Drain – "The Pacific Gateway" – is located just a few miles off I-5, about 30 miles south of Eugene. Take exit 62 and travel west on State Highway 38, which runs right through the center of town.
Downtown doesn't look like much. It might be tempting to keep on driving through, but you have to drive around some of the residential streets to see the "hot spots." One of the first things you will notice in town is the Charles E. Hasard House. This psychedelic, bright turquoise house was built in 1902 and is now listed in the Statewide Inventory of Historic Sites and Buildings. However, it is currently a private residence, a fact that is emphasized by the numerous "No Trespassing" and "Keep Out" signs on the front gate. But it's still worth a glance.
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Down the street from the Hasard House is the public library and civic center. Park at the civic center and take a look at the Pass Creek-Krewson covered bridge directly behind the building. The original bridge was built in the 1870s, rebuilt in 1925 and again in 1969.
If the weather is nice, pack a picnic lunch and head to Grant Larsons Pavilion, a covered row of picnic tables beside the bridge.
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Further down the street, you will find a fenced-in reconstruction of a covered wagon. In honor of Oregon's 100th year of statehood, the Drain Chamber of Commerce sponsored the reconstruction of a wagon that "brought pioneers to the Pacific Northwest." However, like most minor fenced-in tourist attractions, the covered wagon is also covered with graffiti.
Unfortunately, there were not many attractive restaurants in town. By that I mean there was not even one. You can choose from a large, pink Mexican restaurant (the name of which escapes me now) and The Fat Cat Café, which is up for rent and extremely dark inside.
Otherwise, continue west on 38 through the Jason Boe Corridor. The route is beautiful, winding alongside the Umpqua River, through pastures and meadows. Horses, cows, sheep – this corridor's got them all.
After approximately 12 miles, you will reach "Historic Elkton" (population 170).
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Elkton
For a town that brags about its historical significance, it's pretty hard to find out anything about Elkton's past.
Apparently, Elkton was settled sometime in the 1850s as the Douglas County seat. Wheat was the crop of choice for Elkton settlers, and logging remains the major industry. Over the years, Elkton has been the victim of several fires and floods; few of its original buildings remain.
However, one of the five or six structures along Hwy 38 in Elkton is Tomaselli's Pastry Mill and Café. Tomaselli's menu refers to the staff as "truly imaginary creators of exquisite bread, rolls, pastries, soups, sandwiches, pizza and breakfast!" They even sell their own pancake mix. And, of course, copies of the Small Farmer's Journal.
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Tomaselli's Cafe. |
The deli-style sandwiches are great, but you can also choose among salads and entrees. After lunch, don't forget the requisite fresh-baked cookie (as if you could).
Other than Tomaselli's, there isn't much left in Elkton. Another restaurant, a gas station, a cash mart, a very tiny beauty salon (?) and two churches line the sides of 38 before the road disappears into the mountains.
The trip might be short, as there isn't much to do besides eat and make fun of the name Drain. But at least it gets you off I-5, which is good for the soul once in a while.
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Road Conditions
During winter remember to check road conditions before you set out. Some areas of rural Oregon may be completely impassable due to snow; some areas require chains or snow tires – and believe me, you'll want them. For current road conditions, call (800) 977 6368 (inside Oregon) or (503) 222 6721 (outside Oregon). Or click here for the Oregon Department of Transportation's Highways & Travel Information page.
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