Oregon's Under-The-Radar Community Is An Idyllic Destination With Scenic Beauty And Small-Town Charm

The Portland region and the Oregon Coast often steal the limelight in the Beaver State, and it's easy to see why. But don't sleep on Mapleton. This unsung community has all the trappings of a quintessential Oregon town. Easy river access? Check. Unpretentious charm? Check, check. Scenic beauty that looks straight out of a Hallmark movie? Check, check, check. Straddling the winding waters of the Siuslaw River, Mapleton is thought to be named after the many bigleaf maple trees that dot the area, which make for an especially wondrous sight in the fall but are certainly beautiful any time of year.

Now home to a little over 500 people, the unincorporated community dates back to the late 1800s, though various Indigenous tribes lived on the land long before that. The idyllic river town may be small — spanning less than 1 square mile — but it's still big on adventure. Bound by the sprawling Siuslaw National Forest, you certainly won't have any trouble finding plenty of nature trails and waterfalls to get lost in. 

And although Mapleton is off the beaten path, it's still pretty easy to get to. Perched right along Oregon Route 126, it's only roughly half an hour from the sandy shores of the Central Oregon Coast. Florence, an underrated town revered as "Oregon's coastal playground," is only 15 miles away, while Eugene is about 46 miles due east. If you're flying in from out of the area, there are also several airports within driving distance, including the nearby Eugene Airport, and the Portland International Airport, one of the most beautiful in the country, is just under a three-hour drive away.

Mapleton may be a stone's throw away from the Oregon Coast, which boasts some of the best beach vacation destinations in the U.S. But you don't have to venture over to the shoreline to experience a fun day on the water, as the great Siuslaw River runs right through town. The mighty stream snakes across the state for about 110 miles. It begins in the mountainous Coast Range, passing Florence before spilling out into the Pacific Ocean. Marvel at the surrounding natural beauty as you paddle or boat along the waters. Or take in the river views from dry land with a scenic picnic at the Farnham Landing County Park, just north of Mapleton. 

Traipse through the lush trees of the sweeping Siuslaw National Forest via the Sweet Creek Falls Trail — one of the most popular hiking routes in the area. The trail features four different segments, which meander along the waters of Sweet Creek, a tributary of the Siuslaw River. You'll see nearly a dozen waterfalls along the way, including the 35-foot Annice Falls and the wondrous Sweet Creek Falls, which cascades for about 70 feet. 

For a longer hike, start at the Homestead Trailhead for a 2.2-mile, out-and-back trek to Sweet Creek Falls. The hike from the Sweet Creek Falls Trailhead to Sweet Creek Falls is much shorter, spanning less than a mile in total. "The first waterfalls start right off and it is just one after another," one hiker shares on Tripadvisor. "It is like walking through Jurassic Park. The trail is awesome and well maintained with stairs and bridges along the way. It is not a difficult trail. Photo opportunities galore! I could have stayed all day."

Ready to book your stay? If you were hoping to book with rewards points, the bad news is that big-name hotel chains are pretty nonexistent around this part of Oregon. On the flipside, you can enjoy a home away from home in a rural retreat at Lauren's Place, complete with a warm, homey atmosphere and a home-cooked farm-to-table breakfast. The lovely bed and breakfast lies right along the east bank of the river in Mapleton, giving you some of the best views of the surrounding wilds. 

If you'd prefer to rough it, grab your best gear for a solo camping trip and pop a tent at the nearby Archie Knowles Campground. Located on the outskirts of town, the campground is open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October. You can also park your rig at the Maple Lane RV Park and Marina, which has showers and a laundry facility, as well as a barbecue area, riverfront dog park, and free Wi-Fi.

Soak up Mapleton's small-town charm as you tuck into a bite at a local diner. For breakfast, head to Mimi's Cafe On the River, which is just up the street from the RV park. The coffee shop serves up a variety of homemade pastries to munch on, in addition to all the classic caffeinated staples. Randy's Riverview Market is right next door if you need to pick up any groceries. For lunch or dinner, opt for Frank's, which dishes up homestyle classics like burgers and fries.