Oregon Travel Guide (Pacific Northwest/United States of America/North America)

Introduction to Oregon

Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, known for its diverse landscape, natural beauty, cultural attractions and outdoor adventures. From the rugged coastline, to the verdant forests, to the high desert, and snow-capped peaks, Oregon offers a unique blend of geography, climate, and cultural experiences that make it a fantastic destination for travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Oregon

Whether you’re planning a road trip, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway, there are many places to visit in Oregon that will satisfy your wanderlust and curiosity. Here are some of the top destinations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Oregon Historical Society Museum: this museum offers exhibits on the history of Oregon and has a research library.
Portland Art Museum: the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest, featuring a collection of over 42,000 works of art from around the world.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival: located in Ashland, it is one of the largest regional repertory theatre companies in the US.
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: a breathtaking natural area featuring waterfalls, trails and spectacular views of the Columbia River.

Natural Attractions of Oregon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Crater Lake National Park: known for its deep blue color and clear water, this is the deepest lake in the United States and is surrounded by mountains and forests.
Mount Hood: the highest mountain in the state and a popular destination for skiing, hiking, and scenic drives.
Multnomah Falls: a 620-foot waterfall that is located in the Columbia River Gorge and is the most visited natural attraction in Oregon.
Cannon Beach: a popular coastal destination known for its iconic Haystock Rock and artistic community.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oregon

Oregon is an outdoor lover’s paradise with an abundance of opportunities for hiking and biking. Some of the best trails include:

Pacific Crest Trail: a 2,600-mile trail that starts at the US-Mexico border and runs through Oregon before ending in Canada.
McKenzie River Trail: a 26.5-mile trail through the Willamette National Forest featuring waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanic terrain.
Rogue River Trail: a 40-mile trail along the Rogue River leading to the Pacific Ocean through forests and gorges.

Best Things to Do in Oregon: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are many other activities and tours that are popular in Oregon, including:

Whale watching: Oregon’s coast is home to several species of whales and a great place to go on a wildlife tour.
Wine tasting: Oregon is known for its wine industry and has over 700 wineries in the state.
Mushroom hunting: mushroom enthusiasts travel from all over the world to sample the mushrooms that grow in Oregon’s forests.
Hot springs: Oregon has many hot springs, both commercial and natural, that are open to the public.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oregon

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Oregon:

Day 1-2: Portland: Visit the Portland Art Museum, Powell’s Books, and take a walking tour of the city’s neighborhoods.

Day 3-4: Columbia River Gorge: Visit the waterfalls, hike the trails, and enjoy the scenic drives.

Day 5-6: Bend: Visit the High Desert Museum, hike in the Deschutes National Forest, and go to a hot spring.

Day 7: Crater Lake National Park: take a boat tour of the lake, hike the trails, and enjoy the scenery.

Food and Drink Scene of Oregon

Oregon has a thriving food and drink scene, with a focus on fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Dungeness crab: a local delicacy usually served with melted butter.
Marionberry pie: a tart and sweet berry pie made with Oregon’s own marionberries.
Tillamook cheese: a popular cheese brand made in Oregon since 1909.

Local Beverages

Coffee: Oregon has many local coffee roasters and cafes, including Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Coffee Bean International.
Beer: Oregon is home to more than 200 breweries, including Deschutes Brewery and Rogue Ales.
Pinot Noir: Oregon is known for its Pinot Noir wines, which are grown in the Willamette Valley and other regions.

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

Oregon has a variety of lodging options for travelers, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some popular choices include:

The Heathman Hotel in Portland: a luxurious historic hotel downtown.
McMenamins Kennedy School in Portland: a unique hotel in a renovated school building.
Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood: a historic hotel with ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes.
HI Portland Hawthorne Hostel in Portland: a budget-friendly option for backpackers and solo travelers.

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

Some great items to buy in Oregon include:

Local wines and beers: bring home a taste of Oregon’s beverage scene.
Handmade crafts: Oregon has a vibrant arts and crafts scene, with many artisans creating pottery, jewelry, and other unique items.
Hazelnuts: Oregon produces 99% of the US hazelnut crop, and they make a great snack or ingredient for cooking.

Local Culture and Customs of Oregon

Oregon has a laid-back, friendly culture with an emphasis on sustainability, outdoor activities, and locally-grown food. It is important to respect the environment and the state’s natural resources, and to support local businesses and artisans.

Best Time to Visit Oregon

The best time to visit Oregon is from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry, and the outdoor recreational opportunities are at their peak.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oregon

Do:

Respect the environment and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Visit local farmers markets and restaurants to sample fresh, seasonal food.
Take advantage of the abundant outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Don’t:

litter or damage natural resources.
Be rude or disrespectful to locals or cultural artifacts.
Drive too fast or recklessly on scenic roads.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oregon

Oregon is generally a safe state for travelers, but it is important to be aware of potential hazards, such as:

Wildlife encounters: be aware of bears, cougars, and other wildlife in rural areas.
Natural disasters: Oregon can experience earthquakes, wildfires, and landslides.
Crime: some areas of Portland and other cities can be unsafe at night.

Health in Oregon

Oregon has high air and water quality and good medical facilities. It is important to protect yourself from sunburn, heat stroke, and other outdoor hazards, and to bring appropriate clothing and gear for the weather.

Getting to Oregon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Oregon can be accessed by air, bus, train, and car. Some of the transportation options include:

Airports Near Oregon

Portland International Airport (PDX)
Eugene Airport (EUG)
Medford Airport (MFR)

Bus Stations Near Oregon

Greyhound: operates from several cities in the state, including Portland and Eugene.
BoltBus: a low-cost bus service between several West Coast cities, including Portland and Eugene.

Other Options

Amtrak: operates several routes through Oregon, including the Coast Starlight and the Empire Builder.
Driving: Oregon can be reached via several major interstates, including I-5 and I-84.

How to Get Around in Oregon

In addition to driving, there are several other transportation options for getting around Oregon, including:

Public transportation: Portland has an extensive network of buses, streetcars, and light rail trains.
Cycling: many cities have bike lanes and bike share programs, and there are many bike trails throughout the state.
Walking: cities like Portland are very walkable, with many shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance.

Where to Go Next from Oregon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Oregon is surrounded by other great destinations, including:

Seattle: just a few hours north, Seattle is known for its coffee, grunge music, and iconic landmarks like the Space Needle.
Northern California: drive south to visit cities like San Francisco, or explore the Redwood National Park and other natural wonders.
Idaho: east of Oregon, Idaho offers outdoor adventures like hiking, rafting, and skiing.

Conclusion

Oregon is a state with something for everyone, whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural attractions, or delicious food and drink. Use this guide to plan your itinerary and make the most of your trip.