And breathe...you’re about to enter one of America’s most alluring, and outdoorsy, states.
Sandwiched between Washington and California on the US west coast, know first that Oregon gives great vistas. A compelling mix of mountains, valleys, high desert, coastline and even volcanoes, nearly half of the state is carpeted in forest. With a clutch of strikingly beautiful national and state parks, Oregon offers plenty of ways to get back to nature – although with hip towns like Portland and state capital Salem, urbanites are plenty catered for, too.
Breathtaking Hikes
Start by getting to grips with the ever-changing landscape on foot; over a thousand hiking trails criss-cross the state. For breath-taking views of the mighty Columbia River, which forms most of the border with Washington, take to the Dog Mountain trail along the river’s gorge. Less challenging, but equally spectacular, is the Mount Scott route, which offers an epic panorama of the crystal-clear Crater Lake, with brilliant blue waters running 2,000ft deep.
Other natural wonders include Hells Canyon, a vast, ten-mile-wide gorge even deeper than the Grand Canyon; volcanic Mount Hood, Oregon’s distinctively-shaped, snowcapped highest mountain; and the vast, dusty expanse of the Alvord Desert.
Rock climbing enthusiasts should head to Smith Rock State Park, for its jagged basalt rock cliffs. There's lots of climbing guides and routes as well as bouldering, for novices and experts alike. Over at Silver Falls State Park, you can walk behind waterfalls among soaring Douglas firs. Camping is permitted at most of these places, too – imagine waking up to such incredible scenery.
Coastal Playgrounds
Oregon’s coast is a complete contrast; along its 362 miles, you’ll find sandy beaches, forest-shaded roadways, majestic headlands, and charming coastal towns. If you’re just looking for somewhere to fling down your beach towel, some of the prettiest stretches of sand include Cannon Beach, known for its distinctive monolith; Gold Beach, situated at the mouth of the Rogue River and named for the precious metal discovered here in the 19th century; and the dazzling, white-sand beaches of Manzanita.
Don’t miss the towering Oregon Dunes, which stretch for forty miles between Florence and Coos Bay; in some parts, they can reach 500ft high. Florence itself is known as Oregon’s coastal playground, thanks to the range of activities available to enjoy, such as horse-riding, dune-buggying, sand-boarding and quad-biking. Head to Cape Lookout State Park for the chance to spot whales, and make for Astoria, the oldest town west of the Rockies, for some post-sun-bathing recreation. A former fishing and logging village, it’s packed with buzzy bars and cool craft breweries.
Award-Winning Wineries
On the topic of alcohol, Oregon has a fantastic reputation for wine. Over the past forty-plus years, it’s received increasing international acclaim. Its epicentre is the Willamette Valley, tucked between the steep Cascade Mountains and the rolling Coast Range; here you’ll find delicious and award-winning pinot noir produced in many of its 700 or so wineries, as well as pinot gris, merlot and riesling.
Other great wine-producing areas include the picturesque Rogue Valley, where Oregon’s first official winery was founded in 1873, and Umpqua Valley, with its undulating hills and mix of mountain ranges. Among them all, you’ll find farm-to-table dining and farm-stay experiences and plenty of tasting rooms in which to while away the afternoons.
Complement the great wine with some of Oregon’s finest produce; the state is known for cherries, hazelnuts, blueberries, apples, and even truffles, and you’ll also find freshly-caught salmon and crab. Pick a food trail and eat your way through the state.
Something For City Slickers
Finally, don’t miss a taste of city life. State capital Salem – no, not the one in Massachusetts which held witch trials in 1693 – is a small, laid-back, artsy community, packed with plenty of museums and historic sites.
If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, make a beeline for Portland. Its motto, Keep Portland Weird, gives some hints about just how fascinating this liberal city can be – expect drag brunches, naked bike rides, inventive doughnuts, indie bookshops, tiny houses, roller derbies and more. It’s still deeply connected to nature, with over 300 parks and green areas including Forest Park, which sprawls over an impressive 5,200 acres.
To plan your trip to Oregon and discover more that the USA has to offer, visit Brand USA now.
