Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a mecca of natural beauty.
Growing up on the east coast the only thing I knew about Oregon was that it rained a lot. But after extensive travel in the state and living here (mostly) for a few years, it’s still hard to believe how naturally diverse and breathtaking the state is.
In my opinion, one of the the best ways to see the state is by road trip. From the Oregon Coast Highway (US 101) to the Historic Columbia River Highway, the drives themselves are destinations! You can see a lot in a week, or focus on one area if you have a shorter period of time.
Ready to visit Oregon? Allow this Oregon travel guide page to be your jumping off point to plan the epic Oregon adventure of your dreams. Scroll down to see all Oregon blog posts.
Oregon Outdoor Highlights
Mt. Hood
Columbia River Gorge
Oregon Coast
Oregon Coast
Crater Lake
Cascade Lakes
Oregon's Painted Hills
Wallowa Mountains
Alvord Desert
Oregon Food & Drink Highlights
Portland's Food Scene
Seafood at the Coast
Statewide Craft Beer Scene
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Hood River Fruit Loop
U-pick Farms
Berry picking on Sauvie Island in July
Timberline Trail (Mt. Hood) in August
When to Visit Oregon?
Oregon is a year-round destination, but when you should visit will depend on your travel style, activity goals, and locations you want to see. Here’s a little more about each season:
Spring (March to May): Springtime in Oregon is beautiful time of year to visit as the state begins to thaw out from winter and it seems like everything begins to bloom. You’ll still get precipitation, but not as much as winter months. Pro tip: Bring your allergy medication. It’s a worthwhile trade-off but the seasonal blooms do bring seasonal allergies.
Summer (June to August): Summer is peak travel season in Oregon, and for good reason. July and August offer near-perfect most of the time: sunny, warm, but not too hot. Higher elevations thaw out making it prime hiking and camping season. The Oregon Coast gets warm enough to entice you into its chilly waters. Festivals, farmers’ markets, and outdoor concerts abound across the state, making it an energetic time to visit. Because of its appeal, summer tends to be a higher priced time to visit.
Fall (September to November): Fall brings crisp air, vibrant foliage in locations with , It’s a fantastic time for scenic drives through the changing leaves
Winter (December to February): Winter in Oregon offers a different kind of magic. A number of mountains across the state become winter sport playgrounds. Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor are the most popular ski resorts, though as a newbie skier, I also enjoy the wallet-friendly HooDoo resort. Portland, Oregon has a number of festive seasonal events and markets including the Portland Winter Lights Festival.
Explore All Oregon Blog Posts
-
Local’s Favorites: Top Places to Run in Portland, Oregon
Visiting Portland, Oregon soon? Don’t forget to pack your running shoes! It’s a great city to run in
-
Beyond VooDoo: 5 Essential Portland Oregon Donut Shops
Looking for the best donuts in Portland, Oregon? You're in the right spot! The discussion around donuts in Portland, Oregon often involves the question, "Is VooDoo Donuts worth visiting?" Some will answer that "VooDoo is overrated," or "you can get them anywhere now," as
-
Yes, You Can Visit Multnomah Falls in Winter [What You Need to Know]
Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall (620 ft) and its most visited. If you’re wondering whether you can visit Multnomah Falls in winter, the answer is a resounding yes! …and I recommend it. Winter tends to be the slowest month for visitors
Gear Check: Oregon
Don’t forget to pack these items for your Oregon adventure.
- Sensible Outdoor Shoes – You’ll likely be walking a lot so wear something comfortable and trail worthy. I recommend a multi-purpose trail runner or hiking shoe. (Altra Lone Peaks are my personal fav – on my third pair, but I often recommend Keen shoes or boots for entry level trail shoe).
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses – I like this LaRoche Posay or SuperGoop for face sunscreen. I consider them investments in my comfort and future skin health.
- Seasonally appropriate jacket – even in summer at night and different elevations you’ll be happy you packed a jacket. Browse jackets at REI.
August 24, 2018
