Oregon Travel Guide

From the rugged coastline to Crater Lake, the Cascade Mountains, Columbia Gorge, and the forests and sage plains in between, Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. It has long had a reputation for being one of the most laid-back states in the nation, especially the attitudes in towns like Eugene or Ashland. And while many of the towns and cities are filled with eco-aware residents and mindsets, cities like Portland remind you that despite the surrounding beauty there are still major cities boasting Western amenities and accommodations. And while Portland might be the gateway to… read more modernity, there are plenty of historical and natural sights and sounds as well, from the California National Historic Trail which led over 250,000 people over the years during the gold-rush era, to Crater Lake National Park.

Oregon is probably most well-known for the Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake, and the scenery of the Oregon Coast. Most of the western portions of the state are covered in dense evergreens, Douglas firs, and redwoods, while the eastern areas are made up of pine trees and junipers, along with a bit of arid desert. The history of the state dates back at least 15,000 years, although as most Americans know it things only started around the time the Lewis and Clark expedition first arrived in what would eventually become known as the Oregon Territory and start the Oregon pioneer rush.

The majority of things to see and do in Oregon revolve around nature and the outdoors. This is absolutely a backpacker’s paradise, but experiencing the beauty of the state can also be done from the safety and comfort of your vehicle, driving through the mountains and forests on one of the many highways that wind through the state. From Mount Hood to the Willamette National Forest to the University of Oregon in Eugene, there is plenty to keep every member of the party busy for however long you intend on staying.