Oregon
Oregon is a state of striking contrasts, where rugged coastlines meet towering mountains, lush forests, and high desert plains. From the dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches of the Oregon Coast to the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains, the state offers an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
Adventure seekers can hike scenic trails, ski and snowboard in world-class resorts, kayak winding rivers, or explore volcanic landscapes and alpine lakes. Vibrant towns and cities like Portland, Bend, and Hood River provide lively arts and culture scenes, farm-to-table dining, and craft breweries, while charming small towns and historic villages dot the countryside.
Whether you’re exploring the Columbia River Gorge, wandering through coastal tidepools, or chasing waterfalls in the Cascades, Oregon captivates travelers with its combination of rugged wilderness, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm.
Portland
Resting in the shadow of the towering Mount Hood, at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette rivers, Portland is Oregon’s largest city and the second largest city in the Pacific Northwest.
Despite its impressive size, the city has a charming small town atmosphere with an abundance of natural beauty and some wonderfully eccentric and laidback locals.
While outdoor enthusiasts explore the many parks and bicycle trails, those seeking more sedate activities will find countless coffee houses, microbreweries, artisanal eateries and museums.
Must-see attractions include the iconic Washington Park, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, offering panoramic viewpoints, extensive hiking trails and spectacular waterfalls; and the Oregon Museum of Science, featuring a planetarium, a four-story theatre and a US Navy submarine.
Oregon Coast
Stretching for over 360 miles, the Oregon Coast is an intoxicating mix of windswept beaches, charming towns, and dramatic headlands where the Pacific crashes endlessly against rugged cliffs.
Further south, the town of Florence is your gateway to a playground of coastal dunes, hidden sea caves, and wild stretches of sand begging to be explored. Nearby, Newport offers a lively waterfront, an iconic lighthouse, and the renowned Oregon Coast Aquarium. Continuing down the coast, towns like Yachats, Coos Bay, and Bandon showcase rugged shorelines, tide pools, and scenic viewpoints perfect for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.
Mount Hood
Mount Hood is Oregon’s tallest peak and a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. This iconic stratovolcano towers over the surrounding Cascade Range, offering breathtaking vistas and a wide array of recreational opportunities.
Skiers and snowboarders flock to the mountain’s resorts during winter, while summer opens trails for hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. The area also features pristine alpine lakes, scenic rivers, and lush forests perfect for camping, fishing, or simply soaking in the natural beauty. Charming towns like Government Camp and Hood River provide convenient access, cosy accommodations, and local dining.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic coastal towns in Oregon, where sandy shores meet dramatic sea stacks and the Pacific Ocean stretches to the horizon. The town’s crown jewel, Haystack Rock, rises majestically from the sand and is home to tidepools teeming with sea stars, anemones, and seabirds.
Visitors can stroll along the expansive beach, explore charming boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, or take scenic hikes through nearby Ecola State Park, which offers cliffside viewpoints and forested trails overlooking the coastline.
Crater Lake National Park
Set in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is home to one of the most dazzling natural wonders in the United States: a deep, sapphire-blue lake filling the collapsed caldera of an ancient volcano.
Renowned as the deepest lake in the country, Crater Lake is jaw-droppingly beautiful, with its brilliantly clear waters reflecting sheer cliffs and snow-dusted peaks. Highlights include boat tours out to Wizard Island, scenic drives along Rim Drive with endless viewpoints, and countless hiking trails that lead to panoramic vistas sure to leave you speechless.
Blanketed in snow much of the year, the park is equally magical in winter, when cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures offer a quieter, more intimate encounter with this surreal landscape. Crater Lake is nature’s masterpiece — a shimmering jewel carved from fire and time.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular natural corridor where towering cliffs, lush forests, and the mighty Columbia River come together in breathtaking harmony. This dramatic landscape is dotted with countless waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls, where cascading water plunges over 600 feet into the gorge below.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike scenic trails, cycle along the Historic Columbia River Highway, kayak or windsurf on the river, and explore vineyards and orchards that flourish in the fertile valley. Quaint towns like Hood River and Cascade Locks provide charming places to rest, dine, and soak in the local culture.
Astoria
Astoria, perched at the mouth of the Columbia River, is a historic coastal town with a rich maritime heritage and striking Victorian architecture. Known for its iconic riverfront, scenic overlooks, and cultural attractions, Astoria blends history, art, and natural beauty.
Visitors can explore the Astoria Column for panoramic views, visit museums that celebrate the town’s seafaring past, and enjoy local seafood along the waterfront.
