The state of Oregon, tucked between Washington and California in the US Pacific Northwest, delights locals and visitors alike with its magnificent landscapes that are ripe for adventure. The state is home to mountains in the Cascade Range, including the majestic Mt. Hood, which can be seen from downtown Portland, the state's largest city. Tour Portland (aka Stumptown) from Pioneer Square to the French Renaissance–style Pittock Mansion while enjoying treats from the city's famous food carts. Then, head for the vast Columbia River, which snakes along much of the border between Oregon and Washington, creating the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Enjoy a hiking and rock climbing tour, stopping to admire waterfalls along the way; or book an adventurous white-water rafting tour. Marvel over stunning Crater Lake, Oregon's only national park and the deepest lake in the country. You can also wind surf, kayak, and Jet Ski on the Hood River. Take a break on a culinary tour across the Willamette Valley, known for a fine selection of wineries; learn to paddleboard in Corvallis on the river; join a biking or hiking tour of the hip city of Bend in summer (or ski there in winter); and head for family-friendly white-water rafting on the Rogue River in southern Oregon. Finally, lace up your walking shoes and explore the high deserts, fossil beds, and vast forests of eastern Oregon.
The weather in Oregon is far from predictable, but much of the state is at its most pleasant in summer, particularly in July and August, when the chances of rain are relatively low (by Oregon standards) and the weather is sunny and warm. However, summer is also wildfire season in Oregon, so it’s wise to be prepared for the possibility of smoky skies well into September.
While Oregon does have some train and long-distance bus service options, the best way to get around the massive state is by car, particularly if you want to get out and experience the great outdoors. If you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of tour options available that will take you out to the Oregon coast, the Columbia River Gorge, or the Willamette Valley wine country. Most depart from Portland.
Oregon has many hot springs, and while there are a few developed hot springs resorts in the Willamette Valley, there are many located out in the forest that only charge a nominal fee for parking and maintenance. Some of the most popular include Bagby Hot Springs near Estacada (currently closed, but set to reopen in 2023), Terwilliger (aka Cougar) Hot Springs east of Eugene, and Umpqua Hot Springs in the southern part of the state.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PST (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 47 | Tours 309 | Reviews 11,925 |
Oregon is known for its dramatic landscapes, from the rugged Columbia River Gorge and forest-flanked Oregon Coast, to the snowcapped Cascade Mountains and the arid High Desert of central Oregon. It’s also celebrated for its numerous wine-growing regions that produce fantastic pinots, rieslings, and chardonnays.
...MoreWhile there’s no one single attraction that draws tourists to Oregon, its biggest city, Portland, gets more visitors than anywhere else in the state. Other major attractions include Crater Lake National Park, the Columbia River Gorge, the Willamette Valley wine country, and the Oregon Coast.
...MoreOregon is fairly large and spread out, so it’s best to spend at least a week in the state if you want to check out key attractions such as Portland, the Oregon Coast, and Crater Lake National Park. Renting a car is the easiest way to get around.
...MoreThe coolest thing about Oregon is its sheer natural diversity; its varied ecosystems are within just a few hours’ drive of one another. Here you’ll find hundreds of miles of craggy coastline, ancient forests dotted with waterfalls, massive expanses of arid desert, snowcapped mountains, and gorgeous bodies of water—including the famous Crater Lake.
...MorePortland is the most visited city in Oregon, and the state’s largest city, offering a world-renowned dining scene and a wide variety of parks and gardens. It also makes a fantastic base for visiting nearby attractions such as the Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Coast.
...MoreMost of Oregon is beautiful, so it’s hard to pinpoint what the prettiest part may be, but the Oregon Coast—with its windswept coasts, pristine beaches, and rocky cliffs—is a close contender. Other stunners include the forested Columbia River Gorge and the blue-hued Crater Lake.
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