Coastal Hikes and Culinary Delights

As Principal and Owner of Best Oregon Tours, Clem Ogilby blends his expertise as a certified tour director with a deep passion for historic preservation and sustainable stewardship. A graduate of the International Tour Management Institute and the prestigious Barbieri Center in Rome, Clem's journey has been one of continuous learning and exploration.

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With a background in building restoration and preservation advocacy, he brings a unique perspective to every tour, highlighting Oregon's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. Clem particularly enjoys sharing the Willamette Valley's abundance of fine coffees, craft beers, and culinary adventures with travelers from around the world.

With 20 years of experience as a naturalist and interpreter, my journey into the heart of the wild truly began on the Oregon Coast in 2005. While my adventures have taken me from the volcanic eruptions of Hawaii to the mountains of Patagonia, the Oregon Coast remains my first love and the place where my life’s work took root.

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It was here that I first fell in love with the Great Pacific Conifer Forest, a landscape that has become an indelible part of my identity. Beyond the towering trees and jagged cliffs, the coast is woven into my family’s history—three of my four children were born here, and this rugged shoreline is, quite simply, a part of who we are.

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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'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.

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.