Salbasgeon Inn & Suites Guest House on the Umpqua River

Holiday get-togethers can be stressful, even in the most functional families. But let’s face it – how many families in today’s society don’t have some level of dysfunction within their ranks? I know we do!

Christmas is a wonderful time of renewal within families, and meeting to celebrate is all-important. But, the question always arises as to who has interest in housing a couple dozen people, if even for an afternoon? Then, add in distance between family members, drive time, and overnight arrangement, and some hostess is ready to pull their hair out long before the big event arrives. Right?

Ahhhh… alas, there’s a solution more workable than you may first realize. How to create a happy family function with an overload of dysfunction is never easy, but well worth the extra emphasis on planning. Neutral locations with plenty of amenities and fine accommodation can be a very viable solution to a generations-old issue surrounding holidays and varied family functions. Since we had a few extenuating circumstances added to our already fragmented family lives, we opted to find solutions to this very common concern to ensure the happiest, healthiest holiday celebration our family could possibly have. And… it worked beautifully!

Nestled roadside and riverside on Highway 38 between Reedsport and I-5 you likely have driven right past the Salbasgeon Inn & Suites on the Umpqua. At quick glance, it’s a nice little riverside motel with a few rooms, and likely an availability for anyone traveling through. It’s not, however, a destination location to those who have never experienced it. The Salbasgeon is, quite frankly, located in what some see as an “odd” place where most travelers are not likely to need a stop-over for the night. It’s very few miles from the coast, and not really “near” anything except the Umpqua River. So… what makes this place so very special?

More than a motel, our family has come to appreciate the small chain of Salbasgeon Inn & Suites with their three lovely locations. Reedsport, on the Umpqua and in the heart of Corvallis – each location has plenty to offer couples looking for a hide-out, families looking to recreate and enjoy each other’s company, or just a wonderful night’s rest. Whatever your motivation… choosing Salbasgeon, even going out of your way to make it a point – you’ll not be disappointed!

From the moment we discovered this hidden river-side gem, we’ve made it a regular point to frequent the Salbasgeon Inn on the Umpqua. Sure, we’ve rented a motel room, but more often than not, we pay a few extra dollars for the mini-suite and once the door is closed we’re miles removed from the highway, life’s busyness and are apt to unwind and take in the colors, sounds, smells… even the light ocean breezes that make their way up river. It’s a tiny slice of hidden paradise right on your way!

It’s said the Salbasgeon got it’s name from a fishing experience where the owner claims to have seen the oddest of phenomenon jump right out of the Umpqua River. Claims it was part salmon, part bass, and part sturgeon, thus the name “Sal-bas-geon”. Clever I know… but it makes one wonder exactly what WAS seen to inspire such a concocted name for a resort location. It had to be “something”…

Though everybody’s family is a bit different, many share similar stories of individual lives separated by miles, time, events, and changing circumstances. This Christmas season was no exception for our family.

Prior to the discovery she was impregnated with her 3rd baby in under 4 years, our young daughter happily offered up her house as a holiday meeting place. Then the pregnancy set in, and all that goes along with it. Everything seemingly changed, including her desire to hostess a holiday event at home with two preschool boys an oversized dog, and a few unexpected repairs partially completed. Some other arrangements must be made!

While renting an expansive and luxurious guest house was not truly on the holiday list of “things we must buy” the price was easily justified by the incredible opportunity we didn’t know we were creating for our family. Adjoining the mini-suite at the Salbasgeon is a large “guest house” with a door option opening even more space to spread out and enjoy time spent together. Truly… we knew the quality of the mini-suite but were not prepared for all the expansive and well-appointed decor and accommodation on the other side of the closed door.

Via email correspondence, we arranged the holiday use of both the guest house and the adjoining mini-suite for a couple nights. Each family had ample opportunity to enjoy their own established traditions right up to and including the actual holiday, while still maintaining the closeness brought only by coming together of loved ones to celebrate. Since the holiday fell on a weeknight, the weekend seemed perfect for our intended gathering at the Salbasgeon Guest House on the Umpqua. And so it was!

When we arrived, we’d seemingly forgotten just how beautiful this home on the river actually is. Three stories, adorned with cultured stone around the entrance, and neatly landscaped… garages abounding – we had more room and rooms before us than anticipated. From the high pitched ceilings, to the luxurious full gourmet kitchen, all the way to the incredibly restoring river front vantage point, this location is lush with vacationing options. Perfect for three families, with all rooms combined, and even the infants had privacy to rest when needed. Spa units, fully decorated with fine wood furnishings, tastefully done, with ample storage and privacy. Each bedroom has a private walk-in closet, private bath with over-sized jetted tubs, tastefully decorated with ample room for added comfort. Throughout the property there are additional sleeping spaces added with hide-a-bed sofa sleepers, comfortable enough to sleep on by night, or sit on by day.

Gourmet kitchen facility makes vacation cooking fun!

Christmas was, indeed the perfect time to gather at the Salbasgeon and nuzzle up by the cozy gas fireplace for a much needed time of warm family visitation. Even in the dead of winter, this is an exquisite property for enjoying all that mother nature has to offer. Splendid river view with mountains, sunsets, sunrises and a wide open deck and full lawn to get out in, weather permitting.

Over the years, we’ve easily determined fall to be our favored time to visit this location. The splendor of fall foliage in full and living color is breathtaking! There are few places to enjoy the colors of fall that surpass the well equipped deck on the guest house. Barbecue, horseshoes, or even fishing… this is the Umpqua’s hidden treasure few folks even realize is available. The secret’s out! Salbasgeon Inn & Suites on the Umpqua offered more options for healthy family gathering than we’ve previously experienced as a whole, and we’re certain to make it a traditional meeting place “in the middle” and “out of the way” where nobody is put upon to host family functions. Once we discovered how convenient, well-equipped and comfortable the Guest House actually is, we’re not likely to impose a large group of folks on any one family anytime soon. It’s too easy and affordable to do it on neutral grounds of elaborate celebration options.

The question of affordability always comes in to play, especially at a time of year when many folks tend to over-spend anyway. Consider the cost of an average motel (bed and toilet type). Now… compare a multi-story dwelling with an array of deluxe king spa suites, extra sleeping, and a fully equipped and gorgeous kitchen, sunken living area, deck and formal dining area. It only takes a couple or three people pitching in to pay virtually the same cost for an entirely upscale location for your gathering as you would for a less-than-lovely motel room alone. And just consider the bonus amenities of the over-sized, river-front home! There’s just no better way to compare than to experience your next function in such a fabulous and secluded location.

Relatives home for the holidays from as far away as Albania, meeting centrally worked for everyone, or so it seemed. Even the youngest member of the family found a private space most would call a closet, but for her… it was a castle all of her own. With so much space to spread out, our families could easily break away when necessary or crowd the delicious kitchen space. Truly, this is a must-experience resort location perfect for any group or gathering. There’s just one problem… once you settle in, you just may not be anxious to head back to where you came from!