Oregon
The very word inspired the largest voluntary land migration in recorded history, and not without good reason. Windswept beaches, verdant forests and snow-capped peaks give way to sweeping range lands, towering rock formations and dramatic river valleys in this incredibly diverse land. Mother Nature’s finest elements provide the perfect foil for human innovation, and the result is a vast and ever-changing playground for the soul. We invite you to discover a state where renowned chefs, four-star hotels and world-class golf exist side-by-side with roadside diners, yurts and snowboarding. Oregon. Things look different here.
Oregon’s 400 miles of beaches and dunes are all open to the public, offering endless vacation possibilities. Grand resorts, family-friendly hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, and full service campgrounds are available all along the coast. Mild temperatures, dramatic scenery and a wide range of recreational activities make this one of the state’s most popular regions.
Outstanding public art, dozens of urban parks and greenspaces, a lively downtown, and a world-class transportation system are just a few of the many reasons to visit this jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Downtown Portland boasts an amazing array of attractions, including an outstanding collection of cast iron and terra cotta architecture, the largest new-and-used bookstore in the world, a nationally acclaimed art museum, and a vibrant culinary community. Seasonal rain showers never dampen this city’s sense of whimsy and wonder, and dozens of family-friendly events and festivals take place throughout the year. For more information about the Portland area, you may also want to visit some of the the individual chamber and visitor bureau websites listed below.
Mt. Hood, the tallest of Oregon’s Cascade peaks, stands watch over the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge from a height of ll,239 ft.. The often-photographed glacier-glazed peak is home to year-round skiing and snowboarding. Run-off from its volcanic slopes enriches soil in the valleys below, which are famous for their production of pears, peaches, cherries, apricots and apples. One of the largest concentrations of high waterfalls in the nation spills forth from the cliffs and ledges that wall in the mighty Columbia River to create the nation’s only national scenic area.
Long recognized by the Hollywood set as the perfect getaway, Southern Oregon offers visitors a well-balanced mix of natural and cultural wonders. History buffs will find a wide variety of historical sites and points of interest across the region. Whitewater enthusiasts and anglers can seek endless adventure on the Rogue, Klamath and Umpqua rivers, and theater aficionados flock to Ashland every year for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Medford is home to both Harry and David’s Country Village and the Jackson & Perkins Rose Garden.
To the east, seven different wildlife refuges can be found in Klamath Basin, home to the largest wintering concentration of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. The centerpiece of the region, Crater Lake National Park, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2002
Eastern Oregon accounts for more than half of the state, geographically speaking. But with a relatively small population, this remarkable region is truly one of the west’s last great wide open spaces. Miles and miles of open road punctuated by small towns with big personalities are waiting to be discovered. Stand in the ruts left by thousands of wagons headed west along the Oregon Trail. Help modern day cowboys round up cattle. Look for fossils in John Day and be sure to stop in at the major interpretive centers throughout the region offering visitors a chance to gain a better understanding of Oregon’s history through the eyes of its Native peoples. This is a region for exploration and adventure, where visitors can paint their own experience in a watercolor landscape of distant purple mountains and the muted tones of the desert.
