Oregon Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Oregon with this comprehensive travel guide which covers top attractions, itinerary, where to stay, food scene and more.


Introduction to Oregon

Oregon, located on the west coast of the United States, has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, forests, beaches, and cities. It is known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, and rafting. Oregon also has a rich cultural history, with museums and historical sites showcasing the state’s Native American and pioneer heritage. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the top places to visit, best things to do, where to stay, and more in Oregon.

List of Places to Visit in Oregon

Oregon offers travelers a wide variety of destinations to explore. From historic sites and scenic views to museums and natural wonders, there’s something for everyone in the state.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Oregon Historical Society Museum - This museum features exhibits on the state’s history, including Native American artifacts, pioneer era objects, and interactive exhibits on Oregon’s development.
  2. Tillamook County Pioneer Museum - Located on the coast, this museum celebrates the early settlers of Tillamook County with displays on logging, dairy farming, and other industries.
  3. Tamástslikt Cultural Institute - This Native American museum offers insight into the culture, history, and traditions of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes.

Natural Attractions of Oregon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Crater Lake National Park - The deepest lake in the United States is a must-visit destination in Oregon. It offers stunning views of the blue water surrounded by mountains.
  2. Mount Hood - This mountain is a popular destination for hikers, skiers, and snowboarders. The Mount Hood Scenic Byway also showcases the beautiful views of the area.
  3. Multnomah Falls - A picturesque waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, it is also the tallest waterfall in the state.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oregon

Oregon’s landscapes can provide a range of hikes and trails for visitors to explore. A few options are:

  1. Pacific Crest Trail - A 2,650-mile trail that starts in Mexico and ends in Canada, it crosses through Oregon and provides an adventure of a lifetime to hikers.
  2. Mount Hood National Forest - This area offers numerous trails for hikers and bikers, including the Timberline Trail and Barlow Trail.
  3. Rogue River Trail - Along the Rogue River, this trail offers scenic views and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Best Things to Do in Oregon: Activities and Tours

  1. Wine Tasting in Willamette Valley - With over 300 wineries, Oregon’s wine industry is growing. Willamette Valley, in particular, offers visitors a chance to taste locally produced wines.
  2. Visit the Oregon Coast - Try surfing, kayaking, fishing or simply take in the beauty of Oregon coast and its beaches.
  3. Oregon Shakespeare Festival - This festival in Ashland showcases the playwright’s works and provides various performances throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oregon

Day 1 - Portland and the Columbia River Gorge

Visit Portland, Oregon’s largest city with various attractions and dining options. Then head to the Columbia River Gorge for a scenic drive and waterfall hike.

Day 2 and 3 - Willamette Valley

Spend the next few days exploring the wineries and vineyards of Willamette Valley. Visit the local towns, and enjoy the vineyard scenery.

Day 4 and 5 - Bend and Crater Lake

Take a drive to Bend and spend a day exploring the city. On day five drive to Crater Lake National Park for hiking and sightseeing.

Day 6 and 7 - Coast and Tillamook

Drive to the coast, and spend a day exploring the beaches. Tour the Tillamook Cheese Factory and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Oregon coast before returning to Portland.

Food and Drink Scene of Oregon

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Marionberry pie - This pie is made with Marionberries which are Oregon’s native fruit and is a must-try dessert in Oregon.
  2. Dungeness crab - It is a popular seafood item in Oregon, and Tillamook Bay in particular is known for its crab.
  3. Hazelnuts - Oregon is famous for its hazelnuts. Try them roasted or in desserts or snacks.

Local Beverages

  1. Coffee - Portland is known for its coffee scene. Visit any of the many cafes and taste locally roasted coffee.
  2. Beer - Oregon has a strong craft beer industry with over 200 breweries. Portland, Bend and Eugene are known as beer destinations.
  3. Wine - With over 700 wineries, Oregon’s wine industry is growing and offers various options for wine-tasting.

Where to Stay in Oregon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. McMenamins Kennedy School - An old school building transformed into a hotel located in Portland and is bound to be a unique stay experience.
  2. Old Parkdale Inn - Located in Parkdale, it is a quaint bed and breakfast with a view of Mount Hood nearby.
  3. Yachats Inn - Located on the coast, Yachats Inn offers beach-front rooms and walking distance from the beaches.

What to Buy in Oregon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Pendleton Blankets and Fabrics - Pendleton Woolen Mills is an iconic Oregon brand known for its woolen blankets and fabrics, and makes for a great souvenir.
  2. Tillamook Cheese - Stop by the Tillamook Cheese Factory to taste and buy various types of cheese from the popular Oregon brand.
  3. Hand-crafted jewelry - Oregon is known for its hand-crafted jewelry, especially made with locally sourced stones and gems.

Local Culture and Customs of Oregon

Oregon locals are known for valuing a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle, and respecting nature is an important part of their culture. Additionally, biking and walking or using public transit is a part of life in the major cities. Oregonian cuisine values farm-to-table, locally sourced ingredients, and sustainability.

Best Time to Visit Oregon

The best time to visit Oregon is in the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush and green. Autumn is also a good time to visit, with colorful leaves and cooler temperatures, particularly in the wine country. However, outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding are best in the winter months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oregon

Do:

  1. Visit farmer’s markets. Local organic produce is a major part of the food culture in Oregon.
  2. Respect nature. Avoid littering and help to maintain the beauty of the environment.
  3. Take advantage of the salmon season which runs from June to October.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter. Practice Leave No Trace principles whenever possible.
  2. Don’t ignore the speed limits, especially on smaller roads. Wildlife may be on the roads.
  3. Don’t smoke in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oregon

Oregon is generally safe, but there are some precautions to take when traveling, like keeping an eye out for wildlife and practicing safe driving. It is always important to take care of personal belongings in larger cities and tourist areas.

Health in Oregon

Tap water in Oregon is generally clean and safe for drinking. Lyme disease can be found in the state, so be careful if walking or hiking through wooded areas, and keep an eye out for ticks while in rural areas.

Getting to Oregon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Oregon

  1. Portland International Airport (PDX)- Located in Portland.
  2. Eugene Airport (EUG) - Located in Eugene

Bus Stations Near Oregon

  1. Greyhound- Greyhound offers routes in and out of Oregon.
  2. BoltBus - A budget-friendly bus line operating on the West Coast.

Other Options

Amtrak trains and local transportation options like MAX and the Streetcar in Portland are other options to consider.

How to Get Around in Oregon

In the cities, biking and walking can be the best options, while also providing a chance to explore more. Major airports all have rental car options and public transportation is also available in larger cities. Additionally, various trail and scenic driving routes can provide a unique way of experiencing the surrounding landscapes of Oregon.

Where to Go Next from Oregon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Washington - Oregon’s northern neighbor has many great destinations like Seattle and Olympic National Park.
  2. California - Lassen Volcanic National Park and Redwood National and State Parks are California destinations that can be added to a trip to Oregon..
  3. Idaho - Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, and many other destinations, are accessible from Oregon via Idaho.

Conclusion

In summary, Oregon is a diverse destination that has much to offer visitors. From its scenic landscapes and cultural attractions to its gourmet cuisine and eco-friendly ethos, it is a state that is truly worth exploring. Use this travel guide to plan your trip to Oregon, and discover everything that this beautiful state has to offer.