Oregon is diverse with miles of pristine beaches, desert, wine-producing valleys and events like the Pendleton-Round-Up and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. It's home to America's deepest lake (Crater Lake), deepest gorge (Hell's Canyon) and most-climbed mountain (Mt. Hood) with a year-round ski season.
Oregon has more scenic byways and tour routes than any other state. Don't miss seeing Hell's Canyon, Crater Lake and breathtaking scenery along the Columbia River Gorge. Columbia River Highway is labeled "The King of Roads." See spectacular falls like Multnomah Falls, highest in the nation. Bonneville Dam and Hood River beckon. The Dalles holds the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and a historical museum. There's good lodging at Hood River, The Dalles and even Mt. Hood as well as smaller towns.
The Oregon Coast is incredibly beautiful with over 400 miles of coastline. Larger cities with good accommodations are Lincoln City, Seaside, Newport and Canon Beach. Smaller towns are Astoria, Brandon, Brookings, Florence, Gold Beach and Yachats. Select a resort, condo, hotel, motel, B&B, vacation home, lodge or RV Park.
See historic lighthouses, quiet fishing villages, or seaside ports. Admire unusual rock formations, rugged cliffs, blue, white-crested waves, sandy beaches or dark green forests. Take a marine tour or go on a boat excursion.
The Portland metro area keeps expanding. Over 75 good places to stay are listed in a recent directory. Towns with up to ten are Beaverton Clackamas, Gresham, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego and Tigard.
In the City of Roses visit the international rose test garden with around 600 variations of roses. Or climb a street car to view a Victorian-era neighborhood. Some fine restaurants are here. Nob Hill has unique shops that even attract Hollywood celebrities!
The Willamette Valley follows the Williamette River for about 100 miles from north to south. It's been dubbed Oregon Wine Country for its many vineyards. Main cities are Albany, Eugene, and McMinnville. Stop over in a town like Albany, Cotttage Grove, Springfield or Salem, the state capital. Small towns abound in this section of the state.
Southern Oregon contains the well-known Rogue River Valley with rich, fertile farmlands set against mountain backdrops. Crater Lake National Park is here. The Rogue, Klamath and Umpqua Rivers are ideal for rafting and fishing. Main cities with good lodging are Ashland, Grants Pass, Medford and Roseburg.
Central Oregon's largest city is Bend. Other fairly large towns are Madras, Pineville, Redmond and Sun River. Known as a sportsmen's paradise, golf beckons in the spring and snow sports each winter. The region boasts 300 days a year of sunshine. A trip to Mt. Bachelor is recommended.
Eastern Oregon is versatile with desert plateaus and verdant valleys with towering mountains. Ride a tram to the top of the Wallowa Mountains for a bird's-eye view of this picturesque area. There's good bird-watching and wildlife sightings. Major cities are Baker City, LaGrande and Pendleton. Art lovers admire life-sized sculptures along an art walk in the heart of Joseph.
