Thunderous Approbation for Thundering Waters Inn

Perched along the banks of the North Umpqua River, just outside Roseburg, Oregon, rests a rather unassuming bed and breakfast from the outside, but once in…elation is your escort. With only two guest rooms, the Thundering Waters Inn may be modest in stature…but that’s it.  From the location, accommodations, attention to detail, amenities to the gourmet meals and overall value, the Thundering Waters Inn is second to none.

The two guest suites are impeccably decorated with fabulous original artwork adorning the walls. Both rooms have spectacular river views, each with private entrances to a deck with the same views.  There are a number of places to sit and relax on the deck to enjoy an evening glass of wine, a morning cup of coffee, or perhaps to just read a good book.  The rooms are spacious with a small seating area for reading or watching TV.  Each room is distinctly decorated and one room (the Seafarer) has an extra single bed for an additional guest or child. The bedding and linens are quite luxurious, but what I really appreciated was the European-style tower showers with multiple spray heads for a spa-like experience.

There is a detached rec room on the second floor with a professional pool table, game table and extra large  flat screen T.V. for watching your favorite sporting event or the like. Just outside the rec room, off of the second floor deck, is a hot tub overlooking the river below for those romantic evenings, or just to relax the day’s activities away.

The river is a short stroll down the hill where you can do some world-class fly fishing, or just explore the banks and find a spot to relish the rapids and watch the wildlife.

Breakfast is served on the second floor where the entire wall of windows takes advantage of the awe-inspiring river and canyon views. The warmth from the fireplace provides a cozy feel, while the gourmet meal will keep you going throughout the morning.  Some of the dishes I enjoyed during my stay included:

• Fresh fruit with Greek yogurt each morning
• Freshly baked, truly French-inspired croissants
• Omelet with thick lean bacon
• French toast made with leftover croissants (yummy!)
• Authentic Italian style coffee in any variation…espresso, cappuccino, latté, etc.

Since Thundering Waters is in the outskirts of Roseburg, Jim and Christina (the proprietors) offer appetizers and wine as part of the overall experience.  For myself, and many others I suspect, the appetizers are plentiful in case you choose not to drive into town for dinner. I might also add that the food is simply delectable.  During my stay some of the evening dishes varied, with many having a French influence.  Here are some of the creations I enjoyed during my stay:

• Garlic and rosemary shrimp with a hint of hot peppers
• Caprese salad
• Smoked Salmon soufflettes
• Coquilles St. Jacques (scallops and mushrooms)
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Pear walnut and blue cheese salad
• Pork medallions with baked peaches
• Grilled asparagus

As a palate cleanser, the other guests and I enjoyed the following:

• Crème Brule
• Strawberry Gelato
• Vanilla bean ice cream with a decadent liqueur

If you’re a wine lover, you’ll really appreciate how the evening’s appetizers are brilliantly paired with local wines. As a matter of fact, there are twenty two boutique wineries in the Roseburg area with tasting rooms and tours available.  Jim and Christina were gracious enough to take me to one of their favorite wineries, HillCrest Vineyards, for a behind the scenes tour.

As most of you reading this know, I stay in many B&B’s, and nearly all have been great in varying ways.  When I judge a bed and breakfast I look at several factors…. Location, Accommodations, Breakfast (food), Amenities, Hospitality and Comfort. Most B&B’s/Inns do really well in three or four of the categories and perhaps a bit more on the mediocre side for the other two/three.  The Thundering Waters Inn excels in every category.   The quality and attention to detail are amazing.  The best part is…it’s an absolute bargain at less than $200 per night.

Jim and Christina are incredibly interesting, well-traveled people with many different interests and hobbies.  When they decided to open Thundering Waters Inn, they clearly did their homework on how to run a first-class B&B…you’ll find them both to be the most gracious and hospitable of hosts.

As I write this, on my last day here at the Inn, I’m sitting on the expansive deck high above the river…it’s late afternoon on a magnificent Indian summer day.  The air is warm, but with a gentle breeze that reminds you that the calendar says fall. The sun is beginning to drop low on the horizon, producing an amber glow that makes the color of the fall leaves shimmer, as if from a realist painting.   The hum of the river is soothing to the soul, while the rapids inform you that you’re among the brilliance of nature.   The kitchen window is open letting the sweet smell of gourmet food being prepared (for wine and happy hour) waffle through the air—the scent lingers in the cooling evening air, causing my taste buds to water with great anticipation. As I walk back to my room to prepare for the evening, the sound of fallen leaves crunch beneath my feet, which reminds me that the season is coming to an end, just like my wonderful stay here at the Thundering Waters Inn.

Click the following link to see more of my pictures of Thundering Waters Inn.  If you’ve ever been to the Inn, post a comment below and tell my readers and me what you liked most?  If you enjoyed this post and video, please click the “like” button below.

Thundering Waters Inn Contact info:

Address: 12475 N. Bank Rd
Roseburg, Oregon 97470
Map: Click here
Phone: 541-672-1628
Email: Christina@ThunderingWatersInn.com
Website: ThunderingWatersInn.com

Rates:
$175 per night for a single
$195 per night for a couple