Oregon Travel
Oregon truly does have it all: a rugged coastline boasting gorgeous beaches, a high-desert region full of hiking opportunities, majestic mountain peaks for skiing, a fertile valley renowned for its wineries, and a laidback city bursting with world-class restaurants. Overwhelmed? Use this Web guide to find the destinations and attractions on offer, and get help planning your trip. You’ll find tips on how to get there, how to get around and where to put your feet up after a long day of exploring.
Expand All Guide SectionsTravel in Oregon
Lewis and Clark didn’t know the splendor that waited at the end of their journey, but you can get a glimpse of it here. Use this section to learn about Oregon’s crown jewels, such as geographic wonders like Crater Lake, Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge. You’ll also find information on the best beaches and wineries, and learn why “Keep Portland Weird” is not only a popular bumper sticker in this quirky city, but a way of life.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Blogs are an excellent source for insider tips on a destination. Stop by Café Mama to learn her 10 favorite things about Portland, or use a blog search engine like Technorati to find other blogs full of hidden gems in Oregon.
- When searching for information on Oregon, sometimes using broader search terms (for example, “Pacific Northwest”) in your favorite search engine can turn up even more relevant results. One such search found NWsource, a blog devoted to Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, with plenty of articles specific to Oregon.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of Oregon tourism …
Travel Oregon
is the official site of the Oregon Tourism Commission. Stop by the “Explore Oregon” section to navigate the state by region, or browse “Experiences” to get inspired by upcoming events, attractions and culture activities. Don’t miss the “365 Extraordinary Days in Oregon” feature for a fresh way to explore the state: a colorful photo for each day of the year links to an event or location sure to pique your curiosity.
The New York Times Travel Guide to Oregon
entices with gorgeous photos and a variety of articles that will have you itching to go, covering road trips, windsurfing, fine dining options and more. Don’t miss the Frommer’s links on the upper left for itineraries that cater to wine lovers, families and those who just want a scenic drive.
For guided tours …
EcoTours of Oregon
may have a primitive Web site but a variety of sightseeing and nature tours makes up for the lackluster Web design. Choose from a Columbia River Gorge/Mount Hood tour, a tour of Portland’s microbreweries, a Native American cultural tour and more.
For Portland …
Travel Portland
will have you feeling like a local in no time. Find out what’s going on, where the deals are to be had (on hotels, events and more), and link to blogs on all things Portland for the inside scoop (find them on the right).
Keep Portland Weird
is not only a bumper sticker you’ll frequently see in Portland, it’s also a mantra that was created to support local businesses. Though the site is spare, it does offer “A Day in Portland,” a walking tour of the city complete with photos. The attractions and businesses mentioned along the way link to their Web sites or to pop-up windows with full address information.
For the Lewis and Clark Trail …
LewisAndClarkTrail.com
helps you “re-live the adventure” by presenting an interactive map showing the route taken by the two explorers. Travel the trail on your own with their suggested itinerary, or book an escorted tour to follow the entire trail from Missouri to Astoria, Oregon.
For the Oregon Coast …
Oregon Coast Visitors Association
(OCVA) provides a comprehensive introduction to the Oregon Coast. Browse “Oregon Coast Cities” to find detailed profiles with a list of attractions and events for each location. Or try “Things To See & Do” to get inspired by whale watching opportunities, lighthouses, art galleries, music festivals and more.
For Oregon’s wine country …
Oregon Wine Explorer
lays out Oregon’s fine wineries on an interactive map. Click on a winery to get directions and more info, or narrow your search using the “Winery Features” menu on the left.
For Mount Hood and the Columbia Gorge …
Oregon.com
turns you on to the outdoor lover’s dream that is the Columbia Gorge. Hike to the top of Multnomah Falls, do some world-class windsurfing, or dip your bottom in Bagby Hot Springs. Find maps, directions and more.
The Mount Hood Railroad
has been serving the Hood River Valley for more than 100 years. Still an active freight line, the railroad also offers rail tours from the town of Hood River to the base of Mount Hood. Learn about the narrated historic excursion trains, view photos of the trains, and book your reservation online.
For eastern Oregon …
Eastern Oregon Visitor’s Association
let’s you in on an area of Oregon that’s often overlooked by visitors: the vast eastern part of the state. Explore the mountains and canyons of the northeast corner, and the arid desert landscape of the southeast. Also find “Scenic Byways” with maps and itineraries of points in between.
Who knew?
Have you always secretly wished there was a museum devoted to velvet paintings? There is. It’s called the Velveteria. And it’s in Portland, of course.
Where to Stay in Oregon
In a state with such diverse landscapes, it’s only natural to find a wide variety of places ... read more »
Getting Around in Oregon
Once you arrive in Oregon, you’ll want to see as much of the diverse scenery as possible. Use ... read more »
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