Steamboat Inn Reopens Along North Umpqua River After Winter Break

GLIDE, Ore. — After a few months of winter closure, the historic Steamboat Inn, perched on a bluff overlooking the North Umpqua River, is welcoming guests back this Friday, March 7. Owners Travis and Melinda Woodward, who have called the inn home since purchasing it on May 1, 2017, are excited to resume operations at the beloved restaurant and inn, a fixture in the region known for its rich fly-fishing heritage and rustic charm. Travis and Melinda, originally from Elmira, Oregon—a small, rural town west of Eugene with a timber-centric economy much like Glide—bring a deep connection to the outdoors and hospitality to their stewardship of the inn. The couple, who live on-site with their daughters McKenzie, 17, and Carmen, 10, have made Steamboat Inn a family business. McKenzie, a junior at Glide High School, works as a housekeeper at the inn, while Carmen, a fifth-grader at Glide Elementary, delights in greeting guests and assisting servers. The winter closure allowed the Woodwards to recharge after a busy season and prepare for the spring and summer ahead when anglers and travelers flock to the North Umpqua River. Travis, a North Eugene High School graduate with a mechanical degree from Lane Community College, keeps the inn’s equipment humming. Growing up, he spent his days on tractors, log trucks, or dirt bikes, often fishing and hunting with his grandfather. An avid fly fisherman and fly tier, Travis is right at home along the river, where the inn overlooks some of the best fishing waters in the Cascades Range. Melinda, who graduated from Elmira High School and earned an Environmental Studies degree from the University of Oregon, keeps the business running smoothly. With a background in hospitality and a former venture producing fishing and hunting calendars, she’s no stranger to the outdoor lifestyle. A seasoned runner with 11 marathons and four ultra-marathons under her belt, Melinda’s energy is matched by her love for the natural beauty surrounding the inn. Steamboat Inn, with roots back to the 1930s as a fishing camp, has long been a haven for anglers seeking summer steelhead. The Woodwards have embraced this legacy while adding their personal touch. Guests can enjoy meals in the dining room—served from the menu from 5-8 PM daily with choices and flexible seating—and cozy accommodations with stunning views of the North Umpqua River. The inn reopens March 7, 2025. Spring hours welcome the public on Fridays for dinner from 5-8 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays for breakfast from 8-11 am, lunch from 11 am-3 pm, and dinner from 5-8 pm, with inn guests enjoying meals daily. Starting Mother’s Day weekend, summer hours shift to 7 days a week, 8-11 am for breakfast, lunch from 11 am-3 pm, and dinner from 5-8 pm. This spring, the inn will host five special wine pairing dinners, showcasing top Oregon chefs and winemakers. Each event features a single group seating with a multi-course meal, paired with wine tastings, starting at 7 p.m. in the Steamboat Inn library with appetizers before moving to the dining room. The lineup includes March 22 with Sarver Winery and Chef Vincent Tsatsakis, March 29 with Fossil & Fawn and Chef Tiffany Norton, April 5 with Yamhill Vineyards and Chef Nick Peirano, April 12 with Abacela and Chef Andreas Pias, and May 3 with Oran Mor alongside the chefs of Feathers and Leather. For reservations or more info, visit steamboatinn.com or call (541) 498-2230. Location: 42705 N Umpqua Hwy, Idleyld Park, OR 97447 Spring Hours(starting March 7, 2025): Friday: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (dinner) Saturday: 8:00 am – 11:00 am (breakfast), 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (lunch), 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (dinner) Sunday: 8:00 am – 11:00 am (breakfast), 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (lunch) Summer Hours (starting Mother’s Day weekend): Daily: 8:00 am – 11:00 am (breakfast), 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (lunch), 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (dinner)