Category Archives: News & Updates

Property Spotlight: Silver Falls State Park

Guest Services proudly expands its footprint in the Pacific Northwest with its first-ever property in Oregon: Silver Falls State Park, the state’s largest and most visited park. Surrounded by towering waterfalls, mossy forest trails, and canyon views, this new operation brings Guest Services’ signature hospitality to one of Oregon’s most iconic natural destinations.

“Silver Falls is Guest Services’ newest property and our first in the state of Oregon,” says Chad Taylor, Director of Operations, Hospitality. “It also just happens to be Oregon’s crown jewel.” With over 1.1 million visitors annually, more than 9,000 acres of forest, over 35 miles of trails, and 10 breathtaking waterfalls, Silver Falls truly lives up to its moniker.

Introducing Our Oregon Debut


From rich history to jaw-dropping scenery, Silver Falls offers an experience unlike any other in Oregon.

  • Established July 23, 1933, with Civilian Conservation Corps–built historic structures like the South Falls Lodge
  • Largest state park in Oregon at ~9,000 acres with more than 24 miles of hiking, 14 miles of horse trails, and a 4‑mile paved bike path
  • Trail of Ten Falls: a 7.2‑mile moderate loop dropping 800 ft that features 10 waterfalls, four of which you can walk behind
  • South Falls: the iconic 177‑ft cascade (Double Falls is the tallest at ~178 ft)
  • Wildlife & nature: Douglas firs, vine maple, abundant wildlife including deer, squirrels. Cougars and black bears exist, but are rare

Hospitality in the Heart of the Forest

Located just over an hour from Portland, Guest Services now operates South Falls Café, Ten Falls Trading Company, Foothills Ranch, Davidson Ranch, and Smith Creek Village, all catering to day visitors and overnight guests. The lodges and cabins, perched near the falls, provide group accommodations, event space, and full-service commercial kitchens.

South Falls Café: Positioned near the iconic South Falls trailhead, this café offers locally inspired grab-and-go meals, coffee, and refreshments perfect for hikers preparing to explore the Trail of Ten Falls. It’s a central gathering point for visitors to refuel and relax amid scenic views.

Ten Falls Trading Company: Attached to the café, this cozy retail space provides outdoor essentials, apparel, trail snacks, and souvenirs. It’s a convenient stop for picking up last-minute hiking gear or a memento from the park.

Foothills Ranch & Davidson Ranch: These two historic lodges are nestled deeper into the park and designed for group retreats, reunions, and weddings. Each ranch features:

  • Approximately 75 bunk-style beds
  • A large open gathering hall with a central fireplace
  • Commercial-grade kitchens for self-catering or hosted meals
  • Scenic surroundings perfect for camp-style programs and rustic celebrations

Smith Creek Village: Formerly closed to the public, this once-private corner of the park is now open and reimagined as a tranquil overnight destination. It includes:

  • Eight cabins with 1–3 beds each
  • Four larger six-room cabins with shared lounge areas and fireplaces
  • The Calypso Cabin, a renovated VIP suite often used by wedding parties
  • Two duplex cabins ideal for couples or solo travelers
  • A soon-to-open Big Leaf Market & Grill, with coffee, snacks, and a casual dining experience for campers and cabin guests
  • Direct access to Mackenzie’s Meadow and trailheads connecting to the broader park

Together, these properties offer an integrated hospitality experience in the heart of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most stunning natural destinations.

Looking Ahead to What’s Next

 

Exciting developments are underway at Silver Falls, including the upcoming opening of Big Leaf Market & Grill, which will offer coffee and hot meals to both hikers and overnight guests. New seasonal programming is also in the works, featuring birdwatching weekends, winter festivals, and expanded bike rentals. These enhancements align with Oregon Parks’ long-term vision for the North Gateway area, which includes a new campground, visitor center, and improved parking and guest services.

“This is kind of our tryout in Oregon, and there’s a lot of potential here,” Chad adds, highlighting plans to grow community‑centered programming, expand offseason events, and immerse guests in the park’s natural and historical richness.

Culinary Forum: The Heart of GSI’s Culinary Innovation

We are thrilled to spotlight the journey and evolution of GSI’s Culinary Forum, a pivotal platform within our organization that fosters innovation, collaboration, and community among our chefs and food service professionals. Our Insider team had the pleasure of speaking with Russell Baratz, the leader behind the culinary forum, to delve deeper into its significance and continuous growth.

 

The Culinary Forum was initially established as a simple internal communication tool but has grown immensely in its scope and reach. “It’s a great platform for GSI chefs and all those associated with food service within the company to meet, engage with one another, and learn from each other’s successes,” Russell shared. The forum has successfully cultivated a community, driving engagement and knowledge sharing across the board.

 

 

As for its evolution, Russell highlighted significant growth in participation over the years. “What started as a gathering of about a dozen participants has now expanded to nearly 100 active members who contribute regularly. We have quarterly conference calls that continue to attract more chefs and food service managers nationwide,” he explained. The forum’s news feed is bustling with posts about new culinary trends, successful promotions, and innovative recipes, turning it into a dynamic exchange of culinary brilliance.

 

 

Joining the Culinary Forum is straightforward and highly encouraged for all our chefs looking to broaden their horizons. “There’s a link on the intranet page that will take you to the forum’s main page. From there, you can log in or create an account,” Russell mentioned. This access opens up a wealth of resources and sharing opportunities right at the chefs’ fingertips, including food cost tools, special promotions, and a gallery where chefs can showcase their culinary achievements.

 

The forum not only serves as a platform for sharing ideas but also plays a crucial role in building a closer-knit community among GSI’s culinary professionals. “It’s about creating that sense of community. Despite our busy schedules and individual responsibilities, knowing that we are part of a larger community is incredibly valuable,” Russell added.

 

We encourage every chef within the GSI family to explore the Culinary Forum, contribute their unique ideas, and benefit from the collective wisdom and creativity it harbors. By sharing, engaging, and collaborating, we can all contribute to a more innovative and successful culinary operation across GSI.

 

The Forum also gives out a prize once a quarter to those who display excellence!

 

Let’s keep the culinary conversation going and continue to set high standards for ourselves and our teams. Here’s to more growth, creativity, and shared success in the kitchen!

 

Congratulations to all involved in making the Culinary Forum a cornerstone of GSI’s culinary excellence.

Adventures Unbound, Capital Collection

What Are Adventures Unbound Collections?

One of the most significant goals of Adventures Unbound is to help generate a sense of connection between our team members regionally and nationally. A “Collection” refers to a curated group of travel experiences each centered around specific themes and destinations that showcase natural beauty and cultural richness. These Collections, such as the Capital Collection which we will discuss in this article, are designed to provide guests with immersive and transformative experiences, enhancing their connection with the environment and the local culture. 

Meet the Capital Collection

To learn more about the Capital Collection and how it compares to our Boating in DC brand, we interviewed Chris Bloyer, Senior Director of Operations, and CJ Brenner, Operations Manager.

 

 

For our team members, understanding the Capital Collection is crucial as it represents a commitment to delivering exceptional service and experiences in the Washington, D.C. area. This knowledge will enable our team to better engage with guests and embody the brand’s values, promoting a cohesive and informed team environment.

The connection between these properties will also help internal career opportunities enabling team members to explore other paths, learn from properties they might not know about, and receive more support. Cross-promotional opportunities will enable new product ideas like all-encompassing summer camps as well as different packages and discounts.

 

 

We look forward to seeing collaboration between the Capital Collection as we continue to expand this exciting set of destinations.