Overview

Oregon is a state of dramatic landscapes, creative cities, and a deep love for nature. From the rugged Pacific coastline to towering volcanic peaks, lush forests, and high desert, the Beaver State is an outdoor paradise. Add in quirky towns, artisan culture, and world-class food and drink, and Oregon becomes an unforgettable destination for adventurers and dreamers alike.

  • Capital: Salem
  • Largest Cities: Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Bend
  • Population: ~4.3 million (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8) / PDT (Daylight Saving)
  • Climate: Varied — coastal areas are mild and wet, interior valleys are temperate, and eastern regions are drier and sunnier

Top Destinations in Oregon

Portland

A progressive, green city with a love for craft coffee, breweries, food trucks, art, and bike culture.

Bend

An outdoor-lover’s paradise in Central Oregon, offering hiking, skiing, rock climbing, and river adventures.

Crater Lake National Park

Home to the deepest lake in the U.S., this volcanic caldera is known for its striking blue water and scenic drives.

Oregon Coast

A 363-mile stretch of public shoreline with sea stacks, tidepools, lighthouses, and charming towns like Cannon Beach and Newport.

Columbia River Gorge

A natural wonder of waterfalls, hiking trails, windsurfing, and panoramic viewpoints near the Washington border.

Must-See Attractions

  • Multnomah Falls – Oregon’s tallest waterfall, just outside Portland
  • Crater Lake – Explore by boat, snowshoe, or the Rim Drive
  • Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach) – A famous coastal landmark
  • Powell’s City of Books (Portland) – The world’s largest independent bookstore
  • Mount Hood – Oregon’s tallest peak, perfect for year-round skiing and alpine adventures

Things to Do

  • Hike or bike the trails around waterfalls, mountains, and forests
  • Drive the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (US-101)
  • Explore Oregon wine country in the Willamette Valley
  • Kayak, fish, or float in rivers and alpine lakes
  • Ski or snowboard at Mount Bachelor or Timberline Lodge

Getting There & Around

Major Airports

  • Portland International (PDX), Eugene Airport (EUG), Rogue Valley International–Medford (MFR), Redmond Municipal (RDM – near Bend)

Transport

  • Amtrak connects major cities along the I-5 corridor
  • Rental cars are recommended for coastal, mountain, and rural exploration
  • Public transit and biking are common in Portland and Eugene

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (Apr–Jun): Wildflowers bloom and waterfalls roar
  • Summer (Jul–Sep): Warm, dry weather perfect for outdoor activities
  • Fall (Oct–Nov): Harvest season, foliage, and fewer crowds
  • Winter (Dec–Mar): Great for snow sports in the mountains and storm-watching on the coast

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: Fresh, local, and inventive — from seafood to vegan to global fusion
  • Specialties: Dungeness crab, marionberry pie, hazelnuts, salmon, artisan cheeses
  • Drinks: Oregon pinot noir, craft beer, kombucha, and coffee
  • Events & Festivals:
  • Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland)
  • Portland Rose Festival
  • Bend Brewfest
  • Eugene Saturday Market
  • Oregon Country Fair

Souvenirs from Oregon

  • Local wine or craft beer
  • Marionberry jam or baked goods
  • Handmade soaps, art, or ceramics from coastal towns
  • Pendleton wool products or outdoor gear
  • Books from Powell’s or local zines and prints

Fun Facts

  • Oregon has more than 200 waterfalls, with many accessible by short hikes
  • It was the endpoint of the Oregon Trail, which brought pioneers west
  • Oregon has no sales tax
  • The state is a leader in environmental innovation and renewable energy
  • Crater Lake was formed over 7,000 years ago by a collapsed volcano

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Portland & Nature Escape

  • Day 1: Portland – explore food carts, art, and Powell’s Books
  • Day 2: Columbia River Gorge – Multnomah Falls and scenic hikes
  • Day 3: Mount Hood or Willamette Valley wineries

5-Day Coastal & Crater Lake Road Trip

  • Day 1: Drive from Portland to Cannon Beach – relax and explore
  • Day 2: Continue south along the coast – Newport and Florence
  • Day 3: Inland to Crater Lake – hike or rim drive
  • Day 4: Bend – breweries, river fun, and outdoor adventure
  • Day 5: Return to Portland via scenic Cascade Lakes Highway

Cities

  • Portland