Oregon Vacation Planner

2024 Oregon Visitors Guide

Oregon is full of unique and exciting places to visit, ranging from natural volcanic sights to beaches along the Pacific Ocean to a scattering of vineyards. Portland, the state’s most populous city, maybe one of America’s best-kept secrets, offering a range of attractions, including museums, parks and professional sports teams. Near to Portland and bordering Washington, visitors will find the Columbia Gorge-Mount Hood region, which boasts the second-largest waterfall in the United States, Multnomah Falls. Explore Oregon’s 400 mi (640 km) of Pacific coastline or tour the Willamette Valley, home to Eugene and the state’s capital city, Salem. The Central Cascades and its largest center, Bend, is a perfect base to visit the parks, mountains, and rivers of this region. As natural wonders go, Crater Lake-Klamath and Eastern Oregon present a multitude of volcanic attractions, including spectacular Crater Lake National Park and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, respectively.

Central Cascades Visitors Guide

Oregon’s Central Cascades is a haven for outdoor adventurers. Visitors can choose to hike and camp in areas such as Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Deschutes National Forest, and the Three Sisters Wilderness. In the wintertime, try downhill and cross-country skiing, both of which are available at Mt. Bachelor Ski Area. Enjoy a soak in several natural hot springs, the more developed Breitenbush of Detroit or hike into Terwilliger Hot Springs of Blue River. Bend, the area’s largest center, is a perfect base for exploration as it provides a convenient location to several state parks, including Fort Rock and Tumalo. People of all ages are invited to learn about nature through a series of classes, programs, and attractions at the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory. The Cascade Range stretches over 700 mi (1127 km) north from California through Oregon to Washington, running parallel to the Pacific Ocean, including such landmarks as Mount St. Helen’s.

Willamette Valley Visitors Guide

The Willamette Valley marries history with agriculture in presenting some of Oregon’s most spectacular attractions. Well-known for local wineries, this valley also offers several annual events that focus both on Willamette’s wine and vegetable production as well as the rich background that has helped to make the area what it is today. Gardens feature prominently in the Willamette Valley and showcase why the area is the agricultural center of Oregon. Salem and Eugene are two of the major centers in this part of the state and both feature a wide variety of amenities and traveler services. There are also a number of parks in this region, including the Elijah Bristow State Park, where camping, hiking, canoeing, and picnicking are popular pastimes. The Willamette Valley is also home to a number of museums, including the Marion County Historical Society Museum, which offers a wide collection of artifacts that depict the history of the area.

Eastern Oregon Visitors Guide

Comprising more than half the state, Eastern Oregon features large, unfettered expanses of land that include ranches, farms, and a rich history. The Oregon Trail led thousands of wagoneers west during the expansion of the United States, and many of these pioneers are commemorated in the communities that dot the landscape of Eastern Oregon. La Grande in Union County sits at the base of the Blue Mountains, an area that offers national forests, wild rivers, and a wealth of outdoor activities. La Grande is also home to Eastern Oregon University, giving the town an aura of refinement among the much-revered local cowboy heritage. The celebration of wrangler traditions continues throughout this part of the state with Pendleton hosting the annual Pendleton Round-Up that brings visitors from across the state and beyond to witness the spectacle of man versus beast. A large number of parks and gardens pay testament to the vast outdoors available to this area of Oregon.

Portland, OR Visitors Guide

Encompassing the northern portion of the Willamette Valley near the Columbia River, the Greater Portland area is the largest metropolitan area in Oregon, holding almost two-thirds of the state’s population. Unlike other major West Coast cities, Portland’s appeal doesn’t come from big visitor attractions and activities. Rather, this city thrives from a relaxed, vibrant and charming atmosphere. Smaller cities around Portland offer attractions such as farmers’ markets, golf courses, and wineries, with the markets in Lake Oswego, Gresham, and Beaverton proving especially popular. Numerous forested areas remain around Portland, which provides hiking and backcountry biking opportunities. The Columbia River and its tributaries are also popular with outdoor enthusiasts, offering fishing and whitewater rafting. The skyline is dominated by Mt. Hood, a mountain in the nearby Cascade Range, and is considered the second most climbed mountain in the world after Mount Fuji in Japan.

The city of Portland sits in the shadow of the spectacular Mount Hood, just south of the Oregon-Washington border. Local attractions range from the outdoor appeal of alpine skiing and hiking to the enjoyment of the myriad of museums, restaurants, and other cultural fares that Portland has to offer. The 3D Center of Art and Photography focuses on the history and evolution of three-dimensional art and is just one of the area museums that draw visitors from far and wide. The city boasts 37,000 acres of urban parkland, making it easy to get out and experience Portland’s green space. True to its reputation as an environmentally conscious city, Portland offers a light rail transit system that provides inner-city transportation and accesses many of the local attractions. There is also a rich variety of cultural influences in Portland, each of which contributes to the fabric of the city.

Eugene Visitors Guide

Despite having one of the larger populations in Oregon, Eugene maintains its small-town charm. Long growing seasons and mild winters support the city’s numerous wineries, including Silvan Ridge Hinman Vineyards, one of Oregon’s largest wineries. Surrounded by over 2,500 acres (1011 ha) of wetlands, over 30 mi (48 km) of creeks and waterways, and hundreds of acres of upland forests, Eugene has miles of biking, jogging, and hiking trails. Located in the Willamette Valley, Eugene offers a variety of fishing opportunities, from fly fishing to lake fishing. The Saturday Market runs from April through November, providing a colorful taste of Eugene with food booths, an array of locally produced crafts, and entertainment for children. Alton Baker Park, home to dozens of recreational activities and facilities, is a must-see. The park features the Ken Nielsen Gardens, the Science Factory Children’s Museum & Planetarium, the Cuthbert Amphitheater, a BMX track, the Hays Memorial Tree Garden, and a boat launch.

Bend, OR Visitors Guide

Fondly referred to as the recreation capital of Oregon, Bend boasts a multitude of outdoor activities, from hiking to skiing to camping. In the summer, golf on one of Bend’s scenic courses in the morning and stargaze at the Pine Mountain Observatory in the evening. Leisure enthusiasts enjoy rafting, kayaking, and fishing excursions on the Deschutes River and mountain biking and hiking in the Deschutes National Forest. Bend is home to the wacky and family-oriented Funny Farm amusement park, as well as several museums. One such museum is the Deschutes Historical Center, which features a number of prehistoric and pioneer history displays. Wintertime in and around Bend features a wealth of outdoor activities, such as skiing at the Mt. Bachelor Ski Area and snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the many surrounding wilderness areas. After a day of adventure, visitors choose from a variety of accommodations to relax in, ranging from hotels to vacation rentals to bed and breakfasts.

Beaverton Visitors Guide

The city of Beaverton is located between Mount Hood and Coastal Oregon, offering a variety of attractions on both fronts. The city’s proximity to Portland provides a mix of urban and rural environments, including urban forests and biking and nature paths. A wide range of amenities is also near at hand, from eateries to shops to accommodations. More than 100 parks can be found in the Beaverton city limits, ensuring an opportunity for all to enjoy the local outdoors. The Beaverton Farmers Market is a popular venue for local vegetable and fruit producers to showcase their wares from June to October. Beaverton and the area are also known for its viticulture, with several wineries in the area.