“Oregon is a land of endless possibilities, where you can truly feel alive.”
-Unknown
Yes, without a doubt, Oregon is a land of extremes, where the Cascade Mountains’ towering peaks meet the Pacific Ocean’s crashing waves. The state is home to lush forests, pristine lakes, and a rugged coastline, making it a nature lover’s paradise. So travelling to this beauty sounds extremely fun, right?
In this writeup, we will share a detailed travel guide to Oregon, whether it be getting there or living or eating there. We have got you covered in every way.
So, let’s jump right in.
How to Get To Oregon?
Getting to Oregon is a breeze. Let’s have a look at different ways to get to Oregon, depending on where you are coming from.
By Plane
Portland International Airport (PDX) is the largest airport in Oregon and offers flights from all over the United States and Canada. There are also smaller airports in Eugene (EUG), Medford (MFR), and Redmond (RDM) that offer flights to and from select cities.
By Car
You can drive to Oregon from anywhere in the western United States due to its convenient location. Interstate 5 and Interstate 84 are the two major north-south arteries in the state. In addition to its natural yet stunning beauty, Oregon is home to a variety of scenic byways, including the Oregon Coast Highway and the Columbia River Gorge Highway.
By Bus
Portland, Eugene, and Medford are just a few Oregon cities accessible via Greyhound’s bus service. Many local and regional bus lines also serve outlying communities and rural areas.
By Train
Amtrak offers train service to Portland from Seattle, Washington and Emeryville, California.
Top Things to Do and Places to Visit in Oregon
Crater Lake National Park
Image by Don White from Pixabay
Crater Lake National Park is a true gem of Oregon. It’s the deepest lake in the United States, and its pristine beauty will leave you in awe. Whether you’re gazing at the lake from one of the many overlooks or taking a boat tour to Wizard Island, the view is simply breathtaking.
For those who love the great outdoors, Crater Lake offers a network of hiking trails that cater to various skill levels. You can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from easy strolls to challenging treks. Be sure to hike the Garfield Peak Trail for panoramic views that will make your Instagram followers jealous.
Do you know? The lake was formed over 7,700 years ago when a volcano collapsed.
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is a 611-foot-tall masterpiece of nature located in the Columbia River Gorge. When you see this towering waterfall, you’ll understand why it’s one of Oregon’s most iconic attractions.
Follow the paved trail to the viewing platform to get up close and personal with Multnomah Falls. Along the way, you’ll encounter smaller waterfalls and lush greenery. The hike is relatively short and suitable for travelers of all ages.
Willamette Valley
Image by Olya Adamovich from Pixabay
Willamette Valley is Oregon’s premier wine region, famous for its exquisite Pinot Noir.
The heart of Willamette Valley is dotted with vineyards and wineries. Join a wine-tasting tour and sample some of the finest and pure Pinot Noir wines in the world. The scenic views of rolling vineyards are the perfect backdrop for a day of sipping and savoring.
Following a session of wine tasting, reward yourself with a meal prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Wineries often have restaurants on-site where you can enjoy delicious meals made with ingredients from the area.
The Oregon Coast
Image by Leif Lensgraf from Pixabay
Heading west, we arrive at the Oregon Coast, a 363-mile stretch of pristine shoreline. From tide pools to whale watching, this coastal region offers diverse activities.
Take a stroll along sandy shores where the Pacific Ocean meets the land. Explore tide pools teeming amazingly with marine life, and if you’re visiting in the right season, keep an eye out for migrating whales.
Visit Portland
Image by Jacob Johnson from Pixabay
Portland is the largest city in Oregon and is known for its vibrant culture, arts, and food scene. It is also home to many parks and gardens, including the Portland Japanese Garden and Washington Park.
Portland takes its coffee seriously. Visit one of the city’s many artisanal coffee shops and experience the perfect cup of joe. Coffee lovers will feel right at home in this caffeinated haven.
Do you know? Portland is known as the “Coffee Capital of the World.” There are over 500 coffee shops in the city, more than any other city in the United States.
Visit Famous Beaches
Oregon is known for its stunning coastline, with over 360 miles of beaches to explore. From sandy stretches to rocky coves, there is a beach for everyone in Oregon.
Cannon Beach
Image by Daniela Morescalchi from Pixabay
Cannon Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Oregon, and for good reason. The beach is home to Haystack Rock, a 235-foot-tall monolith that is a popular spot for birdwatching and photography.
Ecola State Park
Image by hellmann from Pixabay
Ecola State Park is home to various beaches, including Indian Beach, Crescent Beach, and Tillamook Head.
Indian Beach is a popular spot for surfing, while Crescent Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the views.
Tillamook Head is a short hike from the beach and offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
Food in Oregon
The state of Oregon has a fascinating food culture. It is a gastronomic paradise, with everything from farm-fresh vegetables to inventive food trucks. Let’s take a deep dive into Oregon’s varied and delicious cuisine.
Famous Dishes
Along the Oregon Coast, seafood lovers can relish fresh catches like Dungeness crab, a sweet delight.
The food truck scene in Portland is renowned for its fusion cuisine, where Korean-Mexican tacos and Vietnamese-inspired banh mi sandwiches push culinary boundaries.
Voodoo Doughnuts, an iconic Portland institution, serves quirky and creative doughnuts, such as the bacon maple bar.
Food Festivals
Food festivals are a highlight of Oregon’s culinary calendar. Feast Portland brings together top chefs, winemakers, and artisans, showcasing the state’s culinary talents.
The Hood River Valley Harvest Fest celebrates the region’s fruit bounty with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and craft beverages.
Famous Restaurants
Here are a few of the most famous restaurants in Oregon:
Le Pigeon
Le Pigeon is a fine dining restaurant in Portland known for its innovative and creative dishes. It uses local and seasonal ingredients to create a unique dining experience.
OX
OX is another Portland restaurant that has made a name for itself with its wood-fired cuisine. The restaurant’s wood-fired cooking techniques yield mouthwatering and aesthetically pleasing fare.
Canard
Canard is a French restaurant in Portland known for its classic French dishes. It practices traditional cooking techniques to create a truly authentic French dining experience.
Best Accommodations to Stay
There are lots of hotels and accommodations in Oregon. Here, we are pitching you a few of them.
The Nines, Portland
The Nines, a Luxury category Hotel in Portland, is a five-star hotel in the city’s center. The hotel is conveniently located near Pioneer Square, Powell’s City of Books, and the Portland Art Museum, and it also provides breathtaking views of the cityscape.
Salishan Coast Lodge, Oregon
Located on Oregon’s coast, Salishan Coastal Lodge at Gleneden Beach is a five-star resort. The resort’s location on the Pacific Ocean is breathtaking, and it features a golf course, spa, and several dining options.
Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg
Newberg’s Allison Inn & Spa is a five-star retreat in the heart of Oregon’s wine region. It features a spa, many dining options, a winery, and breathtaking vistas of the neighboring vineyards.
How to Get Around
Renting a car is the best way to get around Oregon if you want the flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can also opt for Greyhound bus service in major Oregon cities and smaller towns.
Best Time To Visit
If you’re interested in hiking and camping, the best time to visit is during summer, when the weather is mild and sunny. However, remember that summer is also the peak tourist season, so expect a bit higher prices and larger crowds.
If you’re looking for a more affordable and less crowded experience, consider visiting Oregon in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. The weather is still pleasant during these months, but fewer tourists exist.
