bigtravelbuzzOregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rugged coastline, mountains, forests, and rivers. Here are some things to know and see when visiting Oregon:
Crater Lake National Park – Crater Lake is a stunning natural wonder that was formed over 7,000 years ago when a volcano collapsed and filled with water. The lake is the deepest in the United States and is known for its crystal-clear blue water.
Columbia River Gorge – The Columbia River Gorge is a scenic canyon that stretches for 80 miles along the Columbia River. It is known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and stunning views.
Portland – Oregon’s largest city, Portland, is known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic food culture, and unique neighborhoods. Be sure to check out the famous Powell’s City of Books, the Portland Saturday Market, and the many microbreweries and food carts throughout the city.
Mount Hood – Mount Hood is the highest mountain in Oregon and is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is home to several lodges and resorts.
Oregon Coast – Oregon’s coastline is known for its rugged beauty, with towering cliffs, rocky beaches, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Be sure to visit iconic destinations like Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Willamette Valley Wine Country – Oregon is known for its wine, particularly the Pinot Noir produced in the Willamette Valley. Take a tour of the wineries and tasting rooms throughout the region to experience the local wine culture.
Oregon Caves National Monument – Oregon Caves is a unique destination that features underground limestone caves that were formed millions of years ago. Visitors can take guided tours through the caves and learn about their geology and history.
These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Oregon. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and unique attractions, Oregon is a great destination for any type of traveler.
Places to Visit in Oregon
Oregon is a beautiful state with a diverse landscape, ranging from rugged coastlines and verdant forests to snow-capped mountains and high desert. Here are some places to visit in Oregon:
Crater Lake National Park – A stunning natural wonder, Crater Lake is a deep blue lake formed in the caldera of an ancient volcano. The park also features scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led activities.
Cannon Beach – A charming coastal town with a long sandy beach and iconic Haystack Rock, a towering sea stack just off the shore. Visitors can walk along the beach, explore the town’s art galleries and restaurants, and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Columbia River Gorge – A scenic canyon carved by the Columbia River that stretches for 80 miles. The gorge features stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic drives, as well as opportunities for windsurfing and kiteboarding on the river.
Mount Hood – A snow-capped mountain that offers year-round outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking, camping, and fishing in the summer. The mountain is also home to several ski resorts and lodges.
Bend – A vibrant city in the high desert region of central Oregon, Bend is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and skiing. The city also has a thriving craft beer scene and many restaurants and shops.
Oregon Coast Aquarium – Located in Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, including sea otters, sharks, and sea turtles. Visitors can also explore exhibits on marine ecosystems and conservation.
Willamette Valley Wine Country – A scenic region in western Oregon known for its vineyards and wineries, particularly for producing Pinot Noir. Visitors can take tours and tastings at many wineries and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Willamette Valley.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Oregon. Whether you’re interested in nature, outdoor activities, or culture, Oregon has something for everyone.
Best Time To Visit Oregon
The best time to visit Oregon depends on what you want to do and see. Here is a breakdown of the seasons in Oregon and what you can expect:
Summer (June-August): This is the peak season for tourism in Oregon, as the weather is generally warm and dry. It’s a great time to visit the coast, go hiking in the mountains, and explore the cities. However, expect crowds and higher prices for accommodations.
Fall (September-November): Fall is a great time to visit Oregon, as the weather is still mild and the fall foliage is stunning, particularly in the Columbia River Gorge and Willamette Valley. It’s also a great time for wine tasting and harvest festivals.
Winter (December-February): Winter in Oregon can be cold and rainy, but it’s also a great time for skiing and snowboarding in the mountains. The coast can also be beautiful in the winter, with storm-watching and cozy beach towns.
Spring (March-May): Spring in Oregon can be rainy, but it’s also a great time to see wildflowers and waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge and other areas. It’s also a good time for whale watching along the coast.
Overall, the best time to visit Oregon depends on your interests and what you want to do. If you’re looking for warm weather and outdoor activities, summer is the best time. If you’re looking for beautiful fall foliage or winter sports, fall and winter are great times to visit. Spring is a good time for nature lovers, but expect rainy weather.
How to get around in Oregon
There are several ways to get around in Oregon, depending on your preferences and needs:
Car: Renting a car is the most popular way to get around in Oregon, especially if you want to explore the state’s many scenic drives and outdoor destinations. Major car rental companies operate out of airports in Portland, Eugene, and other cities.
Public transportation: Public transportation is available in some cities, including Portland and Eugene, with buses, light rail, and streetcars. There are also some regional bus services that connect cities and towns.
Bike: Oregon is a bike-friendly state, with many bike lanes and trails. Some cities, such as Portland, have extensive bike sharing programs that allow visitors to rent bikes for short-term use.
Walking: Many cities in Oregon, particularly Portland, are designed for walking and exploring on foot. Walking tours and self-guided walks are popular ways to see the sights in these cities.
Train: Amtrak operates several train routes in Oregon, including the Coast Starlight, which runs from Seattle to Los Angeles and stops in Portland, Eugene, and other cities. Train travel can be a relaxing and scenic way to see the state.
Air: Oregon has several airports, including Portland International Airport, Eugene Airport, and Medford Airport, which offer domestic and international flights. Air travel is the fastest way to get around the state, but it can be expensive.
Overall, getting around in Oregon is easy and convenient, with many options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Where to eat in Oregon
Oregon has a vibrant culinary scene, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and innovative cuisine. Here are some great places to eat in Oregon:
Pok Pok (Portland): A James Beard Award-winning restaurant that serves authentic Thai street food, including spicy papaya salad, fish sauce wings, and coconut milk curries.
Beast (Portland): A cozy French-inspired restaurant that serves a six-course prix fixe menu, featuring locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavor combinations.
Tasty n Alder (Portland): A popular brunch spot that serves creative dishes such as Korean Fried Chicken and Waffles and a pork belly breakfast sandwich.
The Painted Lady (Newberg): A fine dining restaurant that offers a seasonal tasting menu featuring dishes such as black truffle risotto and roasted quail.
Wildwood Restaurant and Bar (Bend): A farm-to-table restaurant that serves seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, including grilled octopus, roasted duck breast, and hazelnut brittle ice cream.
Portland City Grill (Portland): A rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city and the mountains, featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine such as fresh seafood and locally grown produce.
The Blue Goat (Amity): A casual bistro that serves wood-fired pizzas, salads, and sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients.
These are just a few examples of the many great places to eat in Oregon. The state is also known for its craft beer scene, with many breweries and brewpubs throughout the state.
Famous street stalls in Oregon
Oregon has a vibrant street food scene, with many food carts and stalls located throughout the state. Here are some famous street stalls in Oregon:
Nong’s Khao Man Gai (Portland): This food cart serves the iconic Thai dish Khao Man Gai, made with poached chicken, rice, and a ginger-garlic sauce. The dish is simple but delicious, and the cart has a cult following in Portland.
Salt & Straw (Portland): While not a traditional street stall, Salt & Straw is a famous Portland ice cream shop that started as a food cart. They serve inventive and delicious ice cream flavors, such as Honey Lavender and Pear & Blue Cheese.
Big-Ass Sandwiches (Portland): This food cart serves huge sandwiches made with fresh bread, meats, and toppings. Their signature sandwich, the “Reggie,” features turkey, ham, and bacon with cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and stuffing.
The Dump Truck (Portland): This food cart serves Chinese-style dumplings with a variety of fillings, such as pork and cabbage or mushrooms and truffle oil.
Potato Champion (Portland): This food cart serves Belgian-style fries with a variety of dipping sauces, such as truffle ketchup and pesto mayo.
Bing Mi! (Portland): This food cart serves Chinese-style crepes filled with savory ingredients, such as Peking duck or grilled pork.
Koi Fusion (Portland): This food cart serves Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine, such as Korean barbecue tacos and kimchi quesadillas.
These are just a few examples of the many great street stalls and food carts in Oregon. The state has a diverse and eclectic food scene, with something for everyone.
Where to stay in Oregon
Luxury accommodation
Oregon has many luxurious accommodations to choose from, ranging from cozy boutique hotels to sprawling resorts. Here are some options for luxury accommodations in Oregon:
The Allison Inn & Spa (Newberg): This luxurious resort is located in the heart of Oregon’s wine country and features spacious guest rooms with fireplaces and private balconies. The resort also has a full-service spa, an award-winning restaurant, and a wine bar.
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Portland): This elegant hotel is located in the heart of downtown Portland and features luxurious guest rooms and suites, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant that serves farm-to-table cuisine.
Salishan Coastal Lodge (Gleneden Beach): This luxurious resort is located on the Oregon Coast and features spacious guest rooms and suites with ocean views. The resort also has a golf course, a spa, and several dining options.
The Heathman Hotel (Portland): This historic hotel is located in downtown Portland and features elegant guest rooms and suites, a restaurant that serves Pacific Northwest cuisine, and a library that showcases the works of local authors.
The Lodge at Suttle Lake (Sisters): This luxurious lodge is located in the Cascade Mountains and features spacious guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa, and several dining options. The lodge is surrounded by hiking trails, and guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking.
These are just a few examples of the many luxury accommodations in Oregon. Whether you are looking for a relaxing spa retreat or a luxurious city stay, Oregon has plenty of options to choose from.
Where to stay in Oregon
Budget accommodation
Oregon has a variety of budget-friendly accommodations to choose from, including hostels, motels, and campgrounds. Here are some options for budget accommodations in Oregon:
McMenamins Kennedy School (Portland): This historic schoolhouse has been converted into a unique hotel that offers affordable guest rooms with shared bathrooms. The hotel also features a movie theater, several restaurants and bars, and a soaking pool.
The Society Hotel (Portland): This stylish hostel offers both private rooms and dorm-style accommodations at an affordable price. The hostel also has a rooftop deck with stunning views of the city and a cafe that serves coffee and pastries.
Rogue Regency Inn & Suites (Medford): This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable guest rooms with free Wi-Fi, as well as a fitness center, indoor pool, and hot tub.
Timberline Lodge (Mount Hood): This historic lodge is located on the slopes of Mount Hood and offers affordable guest rooms with mountain views. The lodge also has several restaurants and bars, as well as a heated outdoor pool and hot tub.
Pacific City RV & Camping Resort (Pacific City): This affordable campground offers tent and RV sites, as well as cabins and cottages for rent. The campground is located near the beach and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
These are just a few examples of the many budget-friendly accommodations in Oregon. With a little bit of research, it’s possible to find affordable lodging options that fit your travel budget.
Travel Tips Oregon
Here are some travel tips for visiting Oregon:
Pack for the weather: Oregon’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack for all types of weather. Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking.
Explore the outdoors: Oregon is known for its natural beauty, so be sure to spend some time exploring the outdoors. Visit the Columbia River Gorge, hike in the Cascade Mountains, or take a scenic drive along the Oregon Coast.
Try the local cuisine: Oregon is known for its farm-to-table cuisine and craft beer, so be sure to try some of the local restaurants and breweries. Portland is especially known for its food scene.
Plan ahead for popular attractions: Some of Oregon’s popular attractions, such as Crater Lake National Park and Multnomah Falls, can get crowded during peak season. Plan ahead and arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Take public transportation: Oregon has a good public transportation system, including buses and light rail. Consider taking public transportation in cities like Portland to avoid traffic and parking headaches.
Respect the environment: Oregon is a beautiful state, and it’s important to respect the environment while you’re visiting. Follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on designated trails, and pack out all of your trash.
Check for wildfire and road closures: During the summer and fall, wildfires can occur in Oregon, which may lead to road closures or air quality issues. Check for updates on the Oregon Department of Transportation website and the state’s wildfire information website.
These are just a few tips to help you make the most of your trip to Oregon.