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51 reasons why you must visit Oregon in your lifetime

Adventurous outdoor pursuits such as scaling mountains on foot or two wheels, hurtling down slopes on skis, or simply taking in the breathtaking views.

Stunning drives through coastal vistas and the majestic Cascade Range.

The delightful diversity of the scenery, including verdant forests, scorched deserts, and tumbling waterfalls.

An abundance of furry and feathered friends, including majestic elk, fleet-footed deer, and regal eagles.

The effervescent cities of Portland and Eugene, brimming with history and character.

The majestic Pacific Ocean and its picturesque beaches, including the renowned Cannon Beach and Lincoln City.

A culinary scene to savor, with fresh seafood and craft breweries aplenty.

A bike-friendly culture that encourages exploring the great outdoors on two wheels.

A commitment to sustainability, reflecting the area’s strong environmental ethos.

Delving into the rich history and culture of the region, including that of its proud Native American communities.

World-renowned golf courses: One could say that golfers in Oregon have hit a hole-in-one, with the abundance of top-notch courses at their fingertips. Take the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, for example, offering up five glorious 18-hole courses with breathtaking views of the ocean – it’s a golfer’s paradise and no wonder it’s consistently ranked amongst the finest golfing destinations in the world. Another noteworthy course is the Jack Nicklaus-designed Pronghorn Resort Nicklaus Course in Bend, which is widely considered one of the best golf courses in the Pacific North West. For those seeking a bit of a challenge, one could also consider The Resort at the Mountain or the Tetherow Golf Club, both offering stunning scenery and a proper test of golfing skills.

Scaling new heights: Whether it’s the basalt cliffs of Smith Rock State Park or the granite walls of Mount Hood, Oregon has a delightful range of climbing and mountaineering opportunities to tickle the fancy of adventure-seekers. Guided trips are readily available, catering to all levels of expertise.

Galloping across the great outdoors: With miles upon miles of equestrian trails, exploring the forests, mountains, and coastal regions of Oregon on horseback is an experience not to be missed. Guided trips, stables, and ranches offering riding lessons and rentals are readily available for those keen to saddle up.

Taking flight in a hot air balloon: For a truly unique and scenic way to see Oregon’s landscapes, one cannot go wrong with a hot air balloon ride. Companies such as Above and Beyond Ballooning offer breathtaking rides over the Willamette Valley, complete with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and Mount Hood.

Soaring to new heights: Whether it’s parasailing over the Pacific Ocean or hang gliding from the cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the beauty of Oregon from above. Companies such as Lincoln City Parasail or Oregon Hang Gliding offer exciting flights that are sure to take your breath away.

Rock hunting and gem-finding: With its rich deposits of minerals and gems, Oregon is a veritable treasure trove for rock hounds and gem hunters. Some popular locations to consider include the Opal Creek Wilderness and the Owyhee Mountains.

A game of hide and seek: For those who love a good adventure, geocaching and letterboxing are popular pastimes in Oregon, with caches and letterboxes waiting to be discovered all over the state. These activities are a delightful way to explore the state’s natural beauty, whilst also learning about its history and culture.

Exploring underground wonders: With its limestone caves formed by underground streams, there are plenty of opportunities for cave exploration in Oregon. The Oregon Caves National Monument in the Siskiyou Mountains is a prime example, offering guided tours of its magnificent marble cave formations.

The Oregon Coast, stretching a majestic 363 miles, offers a captivating blend of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque coastal villages. Whether it be beachcombing, hiking, fishing, or surfing that takes your fancy, this coast has it all.

Crater Lake National Park is the proud host to the deepest lake in the United States, the mesmerizing Crater Lake. With its radiant blue hue, this lake is surrounded by the remnants of an ancient volcano, and offers opportunities for hiking, swimming, and even boat tours.

The Columbia River Gorge is a breathtaking region, renowned for its scenic hiking trails and cascading waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls. Thrill-seekers can also indulge in windsurfing, kiteboarding, and white-water rafting on the might Columbia River.

Mount Hood, an active stratovolcano, holds the title of the highest mountain in Oregon. During the winter months, skiers and snowboarders flock to Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, Timberline Ski Area, and Mt. Hood Meadows, whilst summertime offers a different kind of adventure, with opportunities for hiking and climbing.

The Cascade Mountains, a majestic range running through Oregon, are the epitome of natural beauty, offering a wealth of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing.

The Willamette Valley, a lush region filled with vineyards, is renowned for its prized Pinot Noir. Indulge in a wine tour, savor the flavors, and bask in the stunning scenery.

The Painted Hills, a unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in north-central Oregon, boast colorful layers of red, orange, and yellow soil, formed by volcanic ash and sediment from times long gone. Take a guided tour, or hike, and marvel at these hills of color.

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a stretch of sandy dunes along the Oregon coast, offers a unique experience for off-roading, hiking, and even sandboarding.

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, located in north-central Oregon, is a protected area preserving fossils from the Cenozoic Era. Hike, take a guided tour, or visit the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center to witness these magnificent remnants of ancient times.

The Oregon Caves National Monument, located in southern Oregon, boasts a breathtaking marble cave system that visitors can explore through guided tours. These tours impart an education in geology and delve into the history of the caves.

The annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival, held in Ashland, offers a platform for theatrical productions including works by the legendary playwright, William Shakespeare, as well as a range of classical and contemporary pieces.

The Portland Japanese Garden, located in Washington Park, is a traditional Japanese garden that exudes a serene and tranquil atmosphere, with picturesque ponds, rock gardens and a teahouse. Guided tours are available to deepen visitors’ appreciation of Japanese culture and horticulture.

The Portland Art Museum, the oldest of its kind on the West Coast, boasts a vast collection of American art as well as pieces from all around the globe.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), situated in Portland, is a vibrant science museum that features interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a submarine that visitors can explore.

The Oregon Zoo, located in Portland, is renowned for its commitment to conservation and its diverse collection of animals from all corners of the world.

The High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon, tells the story of the natural and cultural history of the High Desert region through live animal displays, interactive exhibits and educational programs.

The Tillamook Creamery, located in Tillamook, Oregon, is a cheese factory that offers tours to visitors, who can indulge in tastings of cheese and ice cream, and learn about the rich history of Tillamook cheese.

The Oregon Gardens, a breathtaking 80-acre botanical garden in Silverton, features over 20 themed gardens, including a rose garden, a children’s garden, and a water garden. The gardens are open all year round, offering guided tours and special events, and feature a conservatory, a visitor center with educational exhibits, and much more.

The Majestic Marine Marvel of Newport: The Oregon Coast Aquarium, located in the picturesque town of Newport, is a veritable treasure trove of marine wonders from the Pacific Northwest. With playful sea otters, majestic sea lions, and fearsome sharks all on display, as well as a host of interactive exhibits and educational programs, this is a marine lover’s paradise. The Aquarium is open all year round and promises a day of fun for visitors of all ages.

The Glitzy Gatsby Gathering of Eugene: The Oregon Festival of Cars is an annual extravaganza held in the charming city of Eugene. Showcasing a dazzling array of classic and vintage automobiles, this event also boasts live music, delicious food vendors, and a smorgasbord of activities to keep you entertained. So why not get your flapper dress and spats ready, and head on down to Eugene in the late summer!

The Ale-tastic Affair of Portland: The Oregon Brewer’s Festival is a yearly celebration of all things hops and barley, held in the thriving metropolis of Portland. With a wealth of beers from breweries across the state, as well as live music, food vendors, and a host of other activities, this is an event for all beer aficionados. So don your best lederhosen and head down to Portland in the late summer.

The Rosy Razzmatazz of Portland: The Portland Rose Festival is an annual celebration of all things blooming, taking place in the thriving city of Portland. With parades, fireworks, and live music galore, this festival culminates in the Grand Floral Parade, featuring a spectacular display of floats and marching bands. So why not grab your floral headband and head on down to Portland in the late spring!

The Boho-chic Bash of Veneta: The Oregon Country Fair is an annual gathering of artists, musicians, and performers, held in the quaint town of Veneta. With food vendors, craft vendors, and a host of interactive activities, including workshops and demonstrations, this is a celebration of creativity and self-expression. So why not put on your flower crown and head on down to Veneta in the summer!

The High-flying Folly of Hillsboro: The Oregon International Air Show is a yearly event held at the Hillsboro Airport in the bustling town of Hillsboro. With aerobatic performances and static displays of vintage and modern aircraft, this is a treat for aviation enthusiasts. So why not grab your aviator goggles and head on down to Hillsboro in the summer!

The Country Cousin of Salem: The Oregon State Fair is an annual gathering of farmers, ranchers, and crafters, held in the charming city of Salem. With live music, food vendors, and a host of activities, this is a celebration of all things rural. So why not grab your wellies and head on down to Salem in the late summer!

The Grape-tastic Gallop of McMinnville: The Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon is an annual event held in the picturesque town of McMinnville. Featuring a half marathon race through the breathtaking Willamette Valley wine country, this event also includes live music, food vendors, and a host of other activities. So why not grab your running shoes and a bottle of Pinot Noir, and head on down to McMinnville in the late spring!

The Fungi-licious Fête of Eugene: The Oregon Truffle Festival is an annual celebration of all things fungi, held in the charming city of Eugene. With truffle-themed activities, including truffle

The Annual Oregon Bach Fête in Eugene: Ah, the Annual Oregon Bach Fête, held in the fair city of Eugene. A celebration of classical music, featuring the works of the great Johann Sebastian Bach and more! With performances from world-renowned musicians and ensembles, this festival is held over several blissful weeks in June and July and also includes opportunities for learning with lectures and masterclasses. It all began back in 1970 and is still considered one of the top Bach festivals in the land.

The Oregon Festival of Cars in Eugene: The Oregon Festival of Cars is a yearly gathering in Eugene, showcasing a motley collection of classic and exotic automobiles. With car shows, races and competitions, as well as vendors selling all manner of car-related tat, it’s a petrolhead’s paradise.

The Oregon Brewer’s Fête in Portland: The Oregon Brewer’s Fête is an annual shindig in Portland, featuring a wide array of craft beers from around the state. It typically takes place over a jolly four-day stretch in late July, with live music, food vendors and opportunities for learning.

The Portland Rose Festival & its parade & fireworks: The Portland Rose Festival is an annual event in the city of Portland, featuring a smorgasbord of events such as parades, fireworks displays, and live music. Usually held in June, the pièce de résistance is the Grand Floral Parade, one of the largest all-floral parades in the land.

The Oregon Country Fair in Veneta: The Oregon Country Fair is a yearly gathering in Veneta, featuring a cornucopia of entertainment including music, theater, and dance performances, as well as art, craft, and food vendors. Held in the second weekend of July, it’s known for its counterculture atmosphere and focus on sustainability.

Indoor Go-Kart Racing: Oregon offers many a chance for indoor go-kart racing, with several indoor karting tracks throughout the state. These tracks offer a jolly good time, allowing you to experience the thrill of racing with karts that can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Some of the more popular indoor karting tracks in Oregon include K1 Speed Portland, SpeedZone, and GoKart Hero. Many of these tracks offer racing packages for individuals and groups, as well as special events and leagues for more competitive racing.