Travel Oregon

Hiking a dog-friendly trail in the Wallowa Mountains

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An epic view of Mount Hood from the Surveyors Ridge mountain biking trail

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Looking out over the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

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Reflections in Crater Lake

Kyle Ellison

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The Astoria-Megler cantilever bridge spanning the Columbia River

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Canoeing on Detroit Lake surrounded by lush peaks

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The Willamette River and downtown Portland

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Steens Mountain looming large over the Eastern Oregon landscape

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Major Airports:

Portland (PDX)
Nickname:

The Beaver State

Oregon: stunning coast and great outdoors

Oregon isn’t a place you see as much as you do. You can cruise the beautiful coast, hike volcanic mountains, paddle crystal-clear lakes and ride dune buggies through deserts that stretch as far as the eye can see. If you’re looking for world-class pinots, some of the best food and craft beer in the country, epic cycling, kayaking, windsurfing or just about anything else-ing, look no further.

The 7 Wonders of Oregon

Oregon Outdoors

The thing about exploring Oregon’s outdoors is that you’ll never be able to do it all in one lifetime. Hike the rugged coastline or the wooded Willamette National Forest. Camp in the desert near Steens Mountain or explore the snow-capped Wallowa Mountains (also known as “Little Switzerland”). Rent an RV from Cruise America, and park yourself in the volcanic foothills of Mt. Hood, the old-growth beauty of the Umpqua National Forest, or a mountain lake in the Deschutes National Forest. Oregon State Parks offer beautiful picnicking spots as well as yurts, tepees, rustic cabins and RV spots for rent.

Food & Drink

Oregon’s food and drink artisans are trendsetters and tastemakers. The state boasts premium craft beer, micro-distilleries and 17 wine regions, as well as handcrafted sea salt, ice cream, cheese and more. The New York Times Magazine refers to Oregon as an “ever-expanding culinary utopia.” Oregon’s award-winning chefs, restaurants and farmers appear in national and international publications, and you can often meet those culinary artisans in person. Don’t miss tasty annual events like the Oregon Truffle Festival in January, the Oregon Cheese Festival in March and Feast Portland, a world-class celebration of food and drink, in September.

Tax-free Shopping

Unlike most states in the U.S., Oregon has no sales tax. You’ll save 5 to 10 percent on everything you buy. Find the brands you love at stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, H&M and Apple, or try Made in Oregon shops for Oregon’s unique products and gifts. Outlet shoppers will save on brands like Adidas, Coach, Nike and Gap at centers in Troutdale, Woodburn, Seaside, Lincoln City, Bend and Phoenix. Hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces in the Pearl District, Nob Hill and Hawthorne in Portland; and in Bend, Hood River and towns along the Oregon Coast.

Golf

The toughest part of golfing in Oregon is choosing from nearly 200 public courses. Play through spectacular stretches of sand dunes perched high above the Pacific Ocean, tee off in the heart of sun-filled wine country, or revel in the mountain views of Central Oregon’s 30 high-desert courses. Don’t miss Bandon Dunes, named Oregon’s best golf resort by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine, and Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, where a young Tiger Woods won his third consecutive U.S. Amateur Championship.

Indigenous Heritage

While European settlement in Oregon is less than two centuries old, Native Americans have inhabited the region for thousands of years. Learn about Indigenous cultures, past and present, at Oregon’s interpretive centers, casino resorts and museums. At the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton, learn about the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla people, and explore exhibits and events showcasing their traditional song, dance, art, language, clothing, religion and food. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs share their heritage at The Museum at Warm Springs. This museum is home to one of the most exquisite collections of Plateau Native American artifacts in the country, along with arts, history and culture demonstrations by tribal members.

The 7 Wonders of Oregon

Fun Fact

The entirety of Oregon’s 584-kilometer coastline is open to the public, with dozens of state parks located along coastal U.S. Highway 101.

Photo: Katie Falkeberg

Crater Lake National Park near Klamath Falls, Oregon

At 594 meters deep, Crater Lake, located in Crater Lake National Park, is the deepest lake in the USA.

Photo: Alli Judd

The state of Oregon has no sales tax.

Photo: Port of Portland

Must see places

Crater Lake National Park

The deepest lake in the USA is ringed by the Cascade Mountains’ lush, old-growth forests and peaks and hosts Wizard Island (a volcanic cone). This enchanting landscape, one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, can be explored by backpacking, hiking, cross-country skiing or boating.

Learn more

Oregon’s Seven Wonders

Columbia River Gorge

The colossal Columbia River, the second largest river in all of North America, cuts a deep track through the Cascade Range here, a geological spectacle that gives way to waterfalls, fields of wildflowers and an ideal climate for wine. This is also a recreational paradise, offering kayaking, windsurfing, snowboarding and everything in between.

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Columbia River Gorge Region

Cannon Beach

The very picture of a Pacific shoreline, Cannon Beach’s dark rocks and cobalt-blue waters are backed by the deep green of the forest, which is teeming with elk. See natural landmark Haystack Rock, visit Ecola State Park or hang out in an artistic village community, stopping by one of many brewpubs.

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Ecola State Park

Washington Park

In Portland, you’ll find historic Washington Par k, which brings the region’s dramatic natural landscape to the city and includes a playground, archery range, arboretum and the not-to-be-missed International Rose Test Garden.

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International Rose Test Garden

Camping under the stars at Prineville State Park near Prineville, Oregon

Joey Hamilton

Prineville Reservoir State Park

In 2021, this gem became Oregon’s first state park to earn certification as an International Dark Sky Park, one of fewer than 200 such places in the world. Pull up your RV or pitch a tent and join ranger-led guided stargazing tours during the summer months. Spend your days fishing, paddling and hiking along the scenic shoreline.

Exploring Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area near North Bend, Oregon, on a dune buggy

Oregon Dunes Natural Recreation Area

Enjoy the largest concentration of sand dunes in the country entirely at your own pace – via dune buggy, sand board, a hike or even a paddling excursion on tranquil waterways. Towering 152 meters in the air, these otherworldly sand hills inspired Frank Herbert to write his classic science fiction novel “Dune.”

Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway

Two of Oregon’s nationally designated Wild and Scenic rivers line this 277-kilometer route, an incredible journey through the southern Cascade Mountains. Take a leisurely drive along the byway to encounter more than 15 gorgeous cascades that lead to sparkling mountain lakes, along with stunning views of white-water rapids, deep gorges and more.

Dylan VanWeelden

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Located in the high desert of Central Oregon, Newberry Crater's expansive caldera contains East Lake, Paulina Lake, Paulina Falls and the largest obsidian lava flow in the USA. Climb a 7,000-year-old cinder cone for unique views of the Cascade Mountains, including Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top and the Three Sisters. Experience waterfalls, lava flows, peaks, lakes and immersive hiking trails.

Joni Kabana

Tamastlikt Cultural Institute

This heritage center in Pendleton preserves and honors the traditions of the Indigenous Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Tour the museum’s permanent and special exhibits, have lunch at the café and peruse the gift shop for local art, handmade crafts and Pendleton woolen blankets. While in the area, explore the Umatilla-owned Wildhorse Resort & Casino, which boasts a movie theater, a golf course, two hotels and more.

Joey Hamilton

Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge

Experience the biodiversity of the Oregon Outback at one of the most expansive wildlife habitats in the Western USA. This incredible refuge is home to more than 300 species of wildlife including pronghorn antelope, California bighorn sheep, mule deer, bobcats and more. You can camp, enjoy natural hot springs, paddle at the Warner Wetlands and dig for sunstones, Oregon’s state gem.