About Us
Clem Ogilby
Principal / Owner
As Principal/Owner of Best Oregon Tours, Clem blends his expertise as a certified tour director with a passion for historic preservation and sustainable stewardship. A graduate of the International Tour Management Institute and the Barbieri Center in Rome, Clem's journey has been one of learning and exploration.
With a background in building restoration and preservation advocacy, he brings a unique perspective to his tours, highlighting Oregon's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. He particularly enjoys sharing the Willamette Valley’s abundance of fine coffees, craft beers, and culinary adventures with travelers from around the world. When not on the road, Clem tends to his small farm in the foothills of the Oregon Cascades with his wife, three canine companions, and a sweet old donkey named Annie.
Best Oregon Tour Driver-Guides
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Amanda Haven
Amanda Haven's life has been a journey fueled by curiosity and a passion for exploration. From navigating the roads as a child alongside her father, who insisted on never going the same way twice, to embarking on solo trips internationally and across the U.S., Amanda's zest for adventure knows no bounds.
A certified yoga instructor and self-proclaimed Arborista, she finds joy in pruning orchards by day and inspiring yogis by night. After leaving a 20-year career in dentistry, Amanda ventured into establishing yoga retreats while traveling extensively. Now settled in historical Brownsville, Oregon, Amanda operates her yoga studio and embraces the simple pleasures of homesteading with her family, embodying the spirit of mindful living and adventure.
Dave Tolle
Dave Tolle and his wife Joan swapped the hustle of southern California for the tranquility of rural western Oregon nearly two decades ago, settling on a small farm with their children. Retiring after a 34-year teaching career, Dave now dedicates his time to nurturing his vegetable and flower gardens, managing livestock, and maintaining pastures, hay fields, and woodlands.
Alongside farm life, Dave indulges his adventurous spirit by leading tours for Best Oregon Tours, where he shares his love for nature through activities like canoeing and hiking. His deep-rooted connection to the land and genuine enthusiasm for exploration make him a delightful guide for travelers seeking authentic experiences in the Pacific Northwest.
Jay Marble
Jay Marble's multifaceted background lends depth and richness to his role as a tour guide for Best Oregon Tours. Born and raised in Albany, Oregon, Jay grew up on a cattle ranch and later pursued a degree in Geography from the University of Oregon. His career journey took him from public radio reporting in Oregon to living and working in Alaska, where he served as a news director.
After returning to Oregon, Jay transitioned to teaching, sharing his knowledge of history, geography, and more. Now settled on a farm with his family, Jay brings his love for the land and diverse experiences to his tours, offering travelers a unique perspective on Oregon's culture and heritage.
Terry Cadigan
With four decades of experience as an itinerant teacher consultant for the blind and deafblind, Terry Cadigan brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to safety to his role at Best Oregon Tours. Originally hailing from Elizabeth, N.J., Terry's journey led him to Oregon in 1980, where he found his true home.
Exploring the state extensively, Terry has backpacked over 2000 miles of backcountry and driven countless miles without incident. Now retired and living in Lebanon with his wife, Vicki, Terry enjoys sharing his passion for Oregon's beauty with travelers, forging connections, and creating unforgettable experiences along the way.
Philosophy
Best Oregon Tours is dedicated to providing the highest quality touring experience available, while demonstrating the utmost in environmental and cultural stewardship.
We believe that the culture and beauty of the great state of Oregon deserve to be shared and respected.
What People Are Saying
As soon as we contacted Clem we knew that all our questions and concerns would be expertly taken care of. In-person, he was even better than we could have hoped for: kind, intelligent, creative, an excellent driver, and always attentive to our comfort and needs. We spent a wonderful week with him, traveling in all directions around the beautiful, diverse state. We would not have enjoyed it half as much without Clem's guidance and companionship.
Clem is a wealth of information as we toured throughout Eugene and the wine country. It was a very enjoyable experience and we would recommend to anyone that wants to experience the history and wineries! Beautiful country!
Colleen D, 5 stars, January 2024
via Google
Even if you are an Oregon resident, you will learn and enjoy Clem's encyclopedic knowledge and his wonderful personality. We started in Salem (where I live) and drove up to Cape Meares Light, stopping at several delightful off-the-beaten-track places along the way. From there we turned south along the coast to Devil's Punchbowl where we encountered a very close Gray Whale.
CD Tempe D, 5 stars, July 2022
via TripAdvisor