WHY OREGON SHOULD BE ON TOUR RADAR — AND NOT JUST FOR THE SCENERY

If you’re the type of traveler who likes variety, Oregon makes it easy. You can hike through dense forests in the morning, catch ocean views by the afternoon, and end the day eating locally caught seafood or sipping something from a vineyard or brewery. And somehow, none of it feels too far apart.

Let’s start with nature because Oregon is packed with it. Crater Lake National Park is one of the state’s most iconic stops, and it’s easy to see why. The lake is deep, still, and seriously blue, filling the crater of a collapsed volcano. It's not just pretty—it’s exquisite and peaceful, with plenty of trails and pull-offs where you can take in the view without a crowd.

Then you’ve got the Columbia River Gorge, where the waterfalls seem to just keep coming. Multnomah Falls is the big one (620ft) that visitors love to get up close with by walking across the Benson Bridge footbridge between the two flowing cascades. There are dozens more along the Historic Columbia River Highway, and you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy them. If you’re more into the coastal vibe, head west to spots like Cannon Beach, where haystack rocks line the shore, and the ocean feels raw and powerful in the best way. It’s not your typical beach scene. It’s more moody and wild, but that’s part of the draw.

Mount Hood (elevation 11,250 feet) is Oregon's tallest mountain and iconic skyline jewel. You can hike, camp, or even ski, depending on the season. It’s also a great place to just drive through, stop at a roadside fruit stand, and take your time. If you head farther south, the Painted Hills in the John Day Fossil Beds are unlike anything else—layers of color in rolling hills that look like they belong on another planet.

And then there’s Bend—a town that’s all about the outdoors. You’ve got river floats, mountain biking, breweries with views, and nearby trails that lead to waterfalls, lava tubes, and all kinds of unexpected scenery. It’s the kind of place where you can be active all day and still find a good meal without needing to change out of your hiking clothes.

Portland, of course, has its own thing going on—a little weird, a little creative, and full of good food. Food carts are everywhere, and they’re actually worth stopping for. You’ll also find great coffee, craft beer, fresh-baked bread, and plenty of locally-grown everything. Oregon is big on seasonal ingredients, so whether it’s berries, mushrooms, or seafood, you’ll taste what’s fresh. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t leave without trying marionberry pie. It's a local favorite and the state pie of Oregon.

Beyond the food and scenery. Oregon has its share of one-of-a-kind stops. Ever heard of Mill Ends Park in Portland? It’s the smallest official park in the world. It’s actually a tiny little circle of greenery in the middle of a crosswalk. Totally unnecessary but completely perfect at the same time. The state also has covered bridges, volcano caves, scenic byways, hot springs, and more lighthouses than you might expect. Just driving through feels like an experience—the kind where you pull over more than you planned to.

And if you like browsing, you’ll find everything from handmade pottery and books to vintage clothes and local art in shops all over the state. Especially in smaller towns, where people still take time to chat and tell you what’s worth seeing. Whether you’re drawn to the coast, the forest, the food, or just some space to breath, there’s something here that sticks with you. 

When’s the last time you picked a place that had this much to offer? If you have any questions about traveling to Oregon, reach out. I’d love to answer them and help you get there when the time feels right.