Valley View Motel: The Perfect Base for Enjoying Canyonville, Oregon



 

Canyonville is a charming small city in Oregon, best known for its biggest attraction: the Seven Feathers Casino Resort. Whether visiting for a weekend getaway or bringing the whole family to enjoy the Fall Classic Rodeo, we always chose to stay at the Valley View Motel. It was centrally located, making it the perfect home base to explore everything the area had to offer.

I first discovered the Valley View Motel during one of my trips to Seven Feathers. While the resort has plenty to offer, including its gaming floor, entertainment venues, and fantastic dining at the Camas Room, I loved having a quiet, cozy place to unwind after a long day of fun. The Valley View Motel was exactly that, offering simple comfort and proximity to all the local highlights.

Needless to say, I was disappointed – as were many others – when the Valley View Motel closed its doors. It may seem unusual to purchase the domain of a long-closed motel, but when the opportunity came up, I decided to take it. Consider this site a tribute to the Valley View Motel and a piece of Canyonville’s past. The information you’ll find here is based on archived pages from 2007-2011, so don’t mistake it for current details.

Of course, the Seven Feathers Casino Resort is still thriving, offering entertainment, dining, and relaxation for visitors. Families can still head out to Wildlife Safari, an accredited non-profit wildlife park that has been delighting visitors for 38 years with its dedication to education, conservation, and research. And for the golfers among us, the nearby courses are ready for you to swing away, whether you’re sharpening your game or just looking to relax with friends and family.

So here’s to Canyonville, the Valley View Motel, and all the memories made in this little corner of Oregon. Whether you’re playing a round of golf, enjoying the rodeo, or trying your luck at Seven Feathers, there’s something here for everyone.

For wine lovers, the Henry Goes Wine is celebrating 30 years with its tasting room open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. And the Fall Classic Rodeo is still entertaining folks every September. Some things change and some remain the same. Unfortunately we can’t say the fortunes of the Valley View Motel remained the same. But my family and I had many fine adventures while staying at the motel in Canyonville, Oregon.

So here is our tribute to the motel. We miss you.

Location

Valley View Motel
1926 Stanton Park Road
Canyonville, Oregon 97417
at I5 exit 99
(541)839-4550

Valley View Motel is located in Canyonville, Oregon, on Interstate I-5, Exit 99, with easy on/easy off access.
By Air
Medford Airport (MFR) - one hour south - car rentals
Eugene Airport (EUG) - one and one-half hours north - car rentals
Myrtle Creek - private aircraft - 8 miles north - prearranged shuttle service - manager@valleyview-motel.com

 

Management

Manager & Hosts: Shirley and Bob Peebles

On Site, 24-hour Management

  • Office Hours: 8am - 8pm
  • Night Bell - After Hours
  • Free Coffee,Tea and Hot Chocolate - 8am to 8pm
  • Smoking is no longer allowed in any of the rooms

Credit Cards - Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover

Rates & Discounts

All units have: Air-Conditioning, Showers, Televisions, Flower boxes, Lighted walkway,Coffee maker, Complimentry coffee baskets, Refrigerators and microwaves, Drive-up parking access to your room.

  • Kids under 17 stay free
  • Pets $10 each
  • Tent $10
  • Rollaways $5

OUR GOAL: To create a friendly, caring and comfortable atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your stay.

****

Customer Comments

 

"Clean and quiet - Friendly and helpful beautiful grounds."
-Wanda Motzkus

"Reasonable price, clean, has microwave and refrigerator. Nice clean hot shower, yard area very attractive."
-Mullen

"The rooms are very clean and comfortable. Thank you for an excellent stay, the coffee pot with extras was great. Will recommend your place very highly. Thanks again for everything."
-Tim and Angie

"This is a very comfortable place to stay, the accomodations were great and the grounds are beautiful. I would rather stay here than a high quality hotel, this is a classy place! I will recommend Valley View Motel to all my friends & family."
-Marilyn Armbruster

"I think Valley View is very homey. It's clean and the managers are very nice. The drink and snack machine has a nice variety at reasonable prices."
-Shirley Meyer

"Very convenient, clean, friendly and good rates. Appreciate the microwave and refrigerator in the room."
-R.E. Bendix

"We stay on our way to Yuma for winter and also stay on our way home to Tacoma, Washington in spring. People are nice in office and the rooms are nice and clean. Thanks!"
-Donald & Marie Hall

"The folks who operate this facility are some of the most gracious hosts I've encountered in a very long time. A very refreshing change from the rat race. Thanks again."
-Tony & Beck Smith

"Location and shuttle service. This is a cozy, enjoyable motel that's very clean with great personnel."
-Arnold Anderson

"Clean, friendly manager, 1/2 way for husband job when he comes up this way."
-D. Rowling

"Clean, neat, customer service excellent. Friendliness, just an enjoyable atmosphere. We will return again."
-Charles & Darlene James

 

"Managers are THE BEST! They were very helpful and friendly. Rooms also very nice and well kept, haven't had as good a service in the big hotels in Reno, Las Vegas, etc."
-John El Watts

****

Nearby Activities

 

Obedient Pets Welcome
River Access - Fishing
Riverside Playing Field
Free Shuttle

  • Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino Resort
  • Downtown Canyonville
  • Seven Feathers Truck and Travel Center
  • Local Restaurants & Eateries

Fishing - Boat Launch - 3 Minutes Away

Trees, Park-like Setting

Secure, Safe Haven, Security Patrol, Quiet

Wildlife - silver/grey squirrels, racoons, deer

Free Thursday Newspaper

  • Local TV Guide
  • Local Entertainment Guide

****

Local Attractions

 

  • Gaming
    • Free Shuttle to the nearby Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino Resort offers visitors the excitement of Las Vegas-style gaming - Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Keno - Lounge Entertainment daily, 24-Hour Restaurant, plus Gourmet Dining, and Ice Cream Parlour.
  • Antiquing
    • Art, Antiques and Collectibles in downtown Historic Canyonville
  • Fishing
  • Fun Activities
    • Douglas County Fairgrounds - Auto Racing, Rodeos, Horse Shows, Douglas County Fair, Craft Shows, Antique Shows, Flower Shows, Home Shows, and other fun events for kids, adults, families.
    • Riddle, Oregon - 5 miles - Dirt Track Drag Racing and Mud Bogs.
  • Attractions
    • Cultural Activities
      • Theater and Cinema - Roseburg (25 miles), Ashland (85 miles), and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
      • Museums - Canyonville (1 mile), Roseburg (25 miles), Jacksonville (40 miles), Grants Pass (60 miles)
      • Umpqua Valley Art Gallery - Roseburg (25 miles)
    • Sightseeing
      • Wineries - Roseburg (25 miles)
      • Wildlife Safari -Winston (20 miles)
      • Crater Lake National Park (80 miles)
      • Free Shuttle to Seven Feathers Casino and Downtown Canyonville
      • Summer Trolley Tours - Wineries and Wildlife Safari
    • Sports
      • Golf
      • Fishing
      • Snow Sports
      • Water Sports
      • Outdoor Sports
    • Adventure
      • White Water Rafting
      • Mountain Hiking
      • Camping
  • Distance
    • Within 10 miles
      • Myrtle Creek Golf Course - 18-hole championship course
      • Horseback Riding, Hiking, Fishing, Antiquing
    • Within 30 miles
      • White Water River Rafting
      • Wildlife Safari - drive-through animal park
      • Music on the Half-Shell - summer festival
      • Umpqua Community College Theatre
    • Within 50 miles
      • South Umpqua Falls - recreation area
      • Jetboat Rides down the Rogue River
    • Within 100 miles
      • Oregon Coast
      • Crater Lake National Park
      • Ashland and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
      • Jacksonville and the Britt Summer Music Festival
      • University of Oregon in Eugene

****

Places to Eat

Free Shuttle Service - 24 Hours

  • at Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino Resort
    • Cow Creek Restaurant - Full Menu, Dinner Buffet, Open 24 Hours
    • Scoops Ice Cream Parlor - Espresso Bar, Deli Sandwiches, Ice Cream Treats
    • The Camas Room - Gourmet Dining, Elegant without being pretentious - Open Daily for Dinner and Sunday Brunch
    • Styx Sports Bar - 11 televisions, 10 varieties of beer on tap
  • at Creekside Restaurant
    • Great Family Style Dining at nearby Seven Feathers Truck & Travel Center - Open 24 Hours
  • at Umpqua Indian Foods
    • Snack meats, beef jerky, and other picnic treats
    • Downtown Canyonville - Weekdays Umpqua Indian Foods9 am - 5 pm
  • in Historic Downtown Canyonville
    • Canyon Cafe
    • El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
    • Feedlot Family Restaurant - homestyle family cooking, lounge, banquet facilities
    • Foresters Club & Cafe - dining & lounge, Karaoke bar, billiards, arcade
    • Serifino's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
    • Burger King - Burgers, fries, shakes, salads
  • at Ken's Sidewalk Café

****

Fun at Valley View

 

Stroll to the lower field behind the motel to the South Umpqua River:

  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Bring your - football, volleyball & badminton equipment
  • Dog run
  • Sit by the river - Chair provided

*Picnic or BBQ in one of the two areas available:

  • Picnic tables and lawn chairs provided
  • Great areas to play cards, read a book and relax
  • Place to socialize and meet new friends

****

Entertainment  Aug- Dec, 2007

Seven Feathers Casino - Concerts & Special Events

WINE COUNTRY TROLLEY TOUR
Saturdays: August 11, 25 and September 1, 8, 15
Buy Tickets Now
Tickets $40
Ride along viewing the beautiful countryside, and then stop at four wineries and taste their luscious wines.
Includes lunch, commemorative wineglass and $5 FREE Slot Play coupon. Prices and dates subject to change. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Price listed is per person. Tickets on sale April 23 online at sevenfeathers.com, in person at the Box Office, or call Star Tickets Plus at 1-800-585-3737. Must be 21 or older.

CAMAS ROOM’S CURRIES OF THE WORLD
August 16 – 19
Special menu featuring curries and curry recipes from around the world. A regular menu is also available.
Dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. Reservations recommended.

HENRY GOES WINE TROLLEY TOUR
Saturday, August 18
Buy Tickets Now
Live entertainment, carriage rides through Henry Estate Vineyard, winery tour & more!
Tickets $40. Festival admission, commemorative wineglass with drink tokens, BBQ meal, $5 FREE SLOT PLAY coupon & transportation included.
Price and date subject to change. Advance tickets purchase recommended. Price listed is per person. Tickets on sale April 23. Purchase tickets online at sevenfeathers.com, in person at the Box Office, or call Star Tickets Plus at 1-800-585-3737. Must be 21 or older.

WILDLIFE SAFARI GUIDED TROLLEY TOURS
Sundays, August 26
Buy Tickets Now
Wildlife Safari is a fun-filled family destination where you can view animals in their natural habitat, roaming freely as they do in the wild. This guided and scenic tour is packed with things to see and do, perfect for the whole family, Plus, step off the trolley and visit the petting zoo and watch an awesome animal show!
Tickets $15 Adults, $10 Children 12 & under. Prices and dates subject to change. Advance tickets recommended. Prices listed are per person. Purchase tickets online at sevenfeathers.com, in person at the Box Office, or call Star Ticket Plus at 1-800-585-3737. Departure from the Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino Resort main entrance. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Child car seat regulations apply and must be supplied by the adult.

CAMAS ROOM 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
September 13
Featuring fine local Umpqua Valley Wines
SOLD OUT
Reception 6:30 p.m. ~ Dinner 7 p.m.
One seating only. Special menu only. Reservations required.

FALL CLASSIC RODEO
Saturday, September 15 at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 16 at 2 p.m.
Buy Tickets Now
LOCATION – I-5, Exit 101
Rough Stock Rodeo events include bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding and Invitational Century Muley Ropin’ (Sunday only). Kids events include mutton bustin’, mini bull riding and pig scramble. For entry call Wild West Events at 541-895-5335.
Tickets are $8 and available in person at the Box Office, online at StarTickets Plus or call 1-800-585-3737. Kids 5 and under are free.

RODEO DANCE
Saturday, September 15 at 9 p.m.
Doors open at 8 p.m.
Umpqua Grand Ballroom
Buy Tickets Now
Live music by the No Limit.
Tickets are $5 and available in person at the Box Office, online at StarTickets Plus or call 1-800-585-3737. Must be 21 or older. Proper ID is required at door.

MELROSE VINEYARD’S HARVEST FEST TROLLEY TOUR
Saturday, September 29
Buy Tickets Now
Live entertainment, grape stomp team competitions, winery tour & more!
Tickets $40. Festival admission, commemorative wineglass with drink token, BBQ meal, $5 FREE SLOT PLAY coupon & transportation included.
rice and date subject to change. Advance tickets purchase recommended. Price listed is per person. Tickets on sale April 23. Purchase tickets online at sevenfeathers.com, in person at the Box Office, or call Star Tickets Plus at 1-800-585-3737. Must be 21 or older.

CAMAS ROOM’S WILD GAME & FALL HARVEST WEEK
October 11 - 14
Special menu featuring wild game and autumn vegetables. Regular menu also available.
Dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. Reservations recommended.

2007 NPC SEVEN FEATHERS CLASSIC
Saturday, October 13
Tickets on sale August 1
National Qualifying Event Visit www.rksmithproductions.com for event information and guest posers. Contact 503-398-2859 for tickets and information.

OREGON BOUNTY IN THE CAMAS ROOM
November 1 - 18
Special menu Thursday – Sunday featuring Oregon pears, cheeses, hazelnuts and wine. Regular menu also available.
Dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. Reservations recommended.

CAMAS ROOM’S THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER BUFFET
Thursday, November 22
 12 - 6 p.m.
$27 Adults | $13.50 per child 12 and under. Reservations required.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER IN THE CAMAS ROOM
Monday, December 31
Special dinner and regular menu available. Dinner reservations required.

Seven Feathers Casino - Bingo Events

SPEED BINGO. EVERY FRIDAY IN DECEMBER AT 6:30 P.M. DOORS OPEN AT 5 P.M.
Play two special Speed Bingo blackout games, and if you Bingo, you'll pick a gist from under the Christmas tree. One card for both games cost you only $1. Plus you'll have a chance to win fun and exiting prizes, such as a camcorder, VCR, microwave, TV and more ! All splits share $300.

 

HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 AT 1 P.M. DOORS OPEN AT 10:30 A.M.
You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why "Santa Claus is coming to Bingo". Santa will visit our Bingo Hall with goodies for Bingo players, including a Bingo coupon book with a coupon for each month of the upcoming year.

HOLIDAY SURPISE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 AT 6:30 P.M. DOORS OPEN AT 4 P.M.
Buy-in is $5 with games paying $1,000. Don't miss the $1,500 Super Jackpot.

NO BINGO
December 24 or 25, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

BIRTHDAY NIGHT BINGO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30 AT 6:30 P.M. DOORS OPEN AT 5 P.M.
If your birthday is this month, come play Bingo on the last Thursday and recieve a FREE Birthday dauber, a $5 coupon and other fun stuff! Must have proper identification with birth date.

NEW YEAR'S EVE BINGO OVER $50,000 IN CASH PRIZES ! $100 BUY-IN PER PERSON . EXTRAS $15 . DOORS OPEN AT 4 P.M. BUFFET FROM 5-7 P.M. GAMES BEGIN AT 7 P.M.

Special Session Time Regular game prizes pay 2.000, $3.000 and $4.000 and two Super Jackpots pay $5.000 each! Buy-in includes two packs of 12 regular games, dinner buffet and party favors. REMEMBER to reserve your electronic machine early ... reservations are limited! Tickets on sale at the Box Office. Contact Bingo for details.

FREE BINGO FOR A YEAR GIEVEAWAY! SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 AT 1 P.M. DOORS OPEN AT 10:30 A.M.

Join us as we draw the names of two players who will win FREE Bingo for a Year!! These lucky players are entitled to play Bingo, whenever they like, with FREE admission ( excludes pre-sale events). Must buy-in and present to win.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BINGO
TICKETS ON SALE BEGINNING FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 AT 8 A.M.
Friday, December 31
Doors open at 4 p.m. · Buffet 5-7 p.m. · Games begin at 7 p.m.
$100 Buy-in per person includes two packs, dinner buffet and party favors. Extras $15.
Doors open at 4 p.m. · Buffet 5-7 p.m. · Games begin at 7 p.m.
Have a chance at these Big Prizes!! Four games pay $2,000, four games pay $3,000 and four games pay $4,000 and two Super Jackpots pay $5,000 each!
REMEMBER to reserve your electronic machine early…reservations are limited! Contact the Box Office for tickets.

 



 

More Background on ValleyView-Motel.com

 

Tucked into the gentle slopes of Oregon’s Umpqua Valley, just off Interstate 5’s Exit 99, the Valley View Motel once served as a cherished resting point for travelers exploring the southern reaches of the state. It was the kind of place where weary guests found genuine hospitality, warm smiles, and a clean bed without fanfare or fuss. The motel’s simple motto — “A friendly, caring and comfortable atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your stay” — perfectly reflected the spirit of small-town Oregon in its most authentic form.

Though its website, ValleyView-Motel.com, has since faded from the active web, its memory continues to live on through recollections of visitors who made it their home base for adventures in Canyonville, Roseburg, and the surrounding Douglas County region. More than a budget stop, the Valley View Motel represented an era of personal connection and travel simplicity that’s becoming increasingly rare in the age of corporate lodging.

Ownership and Management

The heart and soul of Valley View Motel were its longtime hosts, Shirley and Bob Peebles. For many years, the couple maintained a hands-on approach to every detail of the guest experience. They lived on-site, operated the front desk from morning through evening, and made themselves available after hours with a night bell for travelers arriving late from the highway. Visitors remember their calm demeanor, friendly greetings, and genuine interest in each guest’s story.

Their philosophy was straightforward: travelers didn’t just need a room; they needed to feel at home. Guests were offered complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate throughout the day. The lobby provided a place to chat, ask for local tips, or simply unwind. Many reviewers described Shirley and Bob as “gracious hosts,” a phrase that appeared often enough to become part of the motel’s identity.

Unlike chain motels that follow a rigid template, Valley View felt personal. The Peebles tended to the gardens, refreshed flower boxes each spring, and kept the property neat and inviting. In an era before automated check-ins and keyless entries, their presence gave the motel warmth that no app could replicate.

Location and Setting

The Valley View Motel stood at 1926 Stanton Park Road, Canyonville, Oregon, right off I-5 Exit 99. The setting balanced convenience and serenity — a quiet patch of land framed by trees, with easy access to both the interstate and the South Umpqua River, which flowed gently behind the property. The motel’s name, “Valley View,” was more than marketing: from its upper parking area, visitors could indeed see the rolling hills and open skies that typify southern Oregon’s landscape.

Canyonville’s location made it a natural midpoint between Eugene and Medford, roughly 90 minutes in either direction. For drivers heading north to Portland or south to California, the motel provided an ideal overnight stop. Yet it was also a destination in its own right — a home base for exploring Oregon’s wine country, forest parks, and cultural events.

Nearby, Seven Feathers Casino Resort, one of Oregon’s premier entertainment venues, offered a free shuttle service from the motel. Guests could enjoy gaming, dining, and live music, then return to the peaceful setting of Valley View for a restful night’s sleep. That balance of excitement and tranquility helped the motel maintain steady popularity among both retirees and traveling families.

Accommodations and Amenities

While the Valley View Motel never claimed luxury status, its attention to comfort made it beloved. Each unit came equipped with:

  • Air conditioning and heating

  • Private showers

  • Television with local channels

  • Coffee makers and complimentary coffee baskets

  • Refrigerators and microwaves

  • Drive-up parking directly outside each door

These were the practical touches that mattered to travelers — especially families on road trips or retirees seeking an affordable retreat. The property also featured flower boxes, a lighted walkway, and picnic areas that encouraged guests to linger outdoors.

Rates remained modest, with flexible options that appealed to budget-conscious visitors. Children under 17 stayed free, and pets were welcome for a small additional fee. Tent spaces and rollaway beds were available, reflecting the management’s willingness to accommodate every kind of traveler, from campers to cross-country drivers.

It was this combination of simplicity and consideration that earned the motel its reputation for value. Guests frequently praised the cleanliness of the rooms, the quiet environment, and the sense of safety — qualities that mattered more than marble countertops or flat-screen TVs.

Guest Impressions and Legacy

The guestbook-style testimonials that once appeared on the Valley View website painted a vivid picture of what it felt like to stay there. Some visitors were seasonal travelers on their way to Yuma, Arizona, for the winter. Others were families attending local rodeos, golfers visiting nearby courses, or concertgoers heading to shows at Seven Feathers Casino.

One guest described the motel as “clean and quiet — friendly and helpful, with beautiful grounds.” Another wrote, “The rooms are very clean and comfortable. The coffee pot with extras was great. We’ll recommend your place very highly.” Yet another noted, “I would rather stay here than at a high-quality hotel; this is a classy place!”

There was an unmistakable affection in these comments — not the scripted positivity of modern online reviews, but the sincerity of handwritten notes and postcards. Guests remembered Shirley and Bob by name and spoke of returning year after year. It was not uncommon for snowbirds traveling between Washington and Arizona to plan their route specifically to include an overnight at Valley View.

Perhaps most tellingly, several reviewers compared the motel’s service favorably to that of large hotels in Reno or Las Vegas, underscoring how the smallest establishment could leave the largest impression.

Nearby Attractions

The motel’s location made it the gateway to a surprisingly diverse range of regional experiences. Canyonville and the greater Douglas County area are known for their combination of natural beauty, local culture, and historic attractions.

Seven Feathers Casino Resort

Only minutes from Valley View, Seven Feathers is a major attraction in southern Oregon. The resort offers gaming, fine dining, entertainment, and spa services. Guests at Valley View could hop on the motel’s free shuttle to visit the casino’s lounges and restaurants, including the popular Camas Room, known for its gourmet menus and regional wine pairings.

Wineries and Wine Tours

The region around Canyonville forms part of the Umpqua Valley wine country, home to vineyards such as Henry Estate, Melrose Vineyards, and Abacela. The motel often hosted wine tourists attending the Henry Goes Wine celebration or the Wine Country Trolley Tours, which combined scenic countryside drives with tastings and local fare. These events reflected Oregon’s growing reputation as a West Coast wine destination long before it achieved global fame.

Outdoor Recreation

Just beyond the motel’s rear field, guests could stroll down to the South Umpqua River for fishing or swimming. Picnic tables and chairs were provided for those who wanted to enjoy the riverside view or read a book in the shade. The property’s back field also doubled as a space for dog runs and outdoor games like volleyball or badminton.

Further afield, the area offered access to Myrtle Creek Golf Course, South Umpqua Falls, and Crater Lake National Park within a few hours’ drive. Families often paired a stay at Valley View with day trips to Wildlife Safari in Winston, a drive-through animal park located about 20 miles north.

Local Events

Valley View’s website once promoted community events like the Fall Classic Rodeo, Douglas County Fair, Riddle Mud Bogs, and the Music on the Half Shell summer concert series in Roseburg. These listings reflected the motel’s role not just as a place to sleep, but as part of a vibrant local calendar that drew visitors from across the Pacific Northwest.

Dining and Culinary Heritage

Food was an important part of the Canyonville experience, and Valley View’s listings offered a culinary cross-section of the area’s eateries. Guests could enjoy homestyle dining at the Feedlot Family Restaurant, grab a quick meal at Burger King, or savor Italian dishes at Serifino’s Pizzeria downtown. For those seeking a more refined meal, the Camas Room at Seven Feathers offered fine dining “elegant without being pretentious,” often featuring seasonal ingredients and special themed menus.

There was also a touch of regional heritage in Umpqua Indian Foods, a local business specializing in smoked meats and jerky. Together, these establishments painted a portrait of small-town dining culture: diverse, unpretentious, and rooted in community.

Atmosphere and Aesthetic

The atmosphere at Valley View was its strongest asset. The motel was known for its park-like setting — trees shading the drive, flowers in bloom along the walkway, and a sense of calm that encouraged guests to slow down. Travelers often commented on the quiet, safe environment and the abundance of wildlife, from squirrels and raccoons to the occasional deer grazing nearby.

The décor was simple but charming, with vintage touches that recalled the roadside motels of the 1950s and 1960s. Each room opened directly to the outdoors, allowing guests to park close and enjoy Oregon’s fresh mountain air. It wasn’t modern minimalism or rustic luxury — it was genuine comfort, unfiltered by trends.

Cultural and Social Significance

The story of Valley View Motel is more than just a local business profile; it reflects a broader chapter in American travel culture. Mid-century motels like Valley View flourished along U.S. highways as family-owned alternatives to big-city hotels. They offered independence, affordability, and character — all qualities that resonated with travelers in search of authenticity.

By the 2000s, many of these motels were struggling to compete with large chains that offered rewards programs and online booking platforms. Valley View, however, maintained its loyal customer base by staying personal. Guests didn’t just make reservations; they formed relationships. Regulars returned annually, bringing gifts or family updates to the Peebles.

In an age before social media reviews, word-of-mouth carried enormous power. Valley View’s reputation grew organically — a testament to sincerity over advertising. Today, the motel’s archived website serves as a time capsule of that ethos, a reminder of when hospitality was defined by people, not platforms.

Decline and Memory

While details of the motel’s closure are limited, its online tribute page notes wistfully that “unfortunately we can’t say the fortunes of the Valley View Motel remained the same.” Like many small roadside motels, it likely faced economic pressures, aging infrastructure, and competition from chain hotels in nearby Roseburg and Grants Pass.

Yet its disappearance left a noticeable gap in Canyonville’s lodging landscape. Locals and travelers alike remember it fondly — not just as a place to rest, but as part of the community’s rhythm. Some online archives still preserve its listings and customer notes, ensuring that the motel’s story endures even if its neon sign no longer lights the night.

The Valley View Motel was more than a roadside stop — it was an emblem of a bygone era in American travel. Its charm came from its caretakers, Shirley and Bob Peebles, whose approach to hospitality emphasized kindness, comfort, and connection. Its guests were not just patrons but friends, and its grounds offered simple pleasures — fresh coffee, quiet evenings, and river breezes that drifted through the valley.

In the larger tapestry of Oregon’s tourism history, Valley View stands as a symbol of personal hospitality — the kind that can’t be replicated by booking engines or loyalty programs. It reminds us that the most memorable stays aren’t measured in thread counts or star ratings but in the warmth of human connection.

For travelers who once made it their home between journeys, the Valley View Motel remains a cherished memory — a little piece of Canyonville’s heart that still lives on in stories, photographs, and fond recollections of simpler times.

 



ValleyView-Motel.com